By Armando “BUTZ” Bartolome
As a grown-up, one needs to make the most out of his life. Finding out your real purpose may take you to different directions. And for some, they may not have been that lucky to finally be where they wanted to be, simply because of some obstacles that came their way. As young as I was, my heart was out to help people. But the opportunities I had at hand back then were entirely different.
I worked as an OFW for some time. Being away from home indeed had benefits. But I felt that there was something more than I wanted to do. Realizing that I can start with something new may just be the only option which was a huge step to make.
Just like anyone else, our goal is to become happy and successful at something. And the only way to be successful in any kind of endeavor is to feel completely satisfied with what you have. Starting out GMB Franchise Developers in 1993 was not as easy. It was like having a child that needs to be taken care of all the time. While having the business was fulfilling in a way, it also meant a lot of sacrifices with my personal life.
Opening up a New Business
The first few years of the business was a bit of a struggle. I had to keep up with my game to gain the trust of others. I was truly excited about the first client that I had. I really gave my all to ensure that my client will listen to everything that I have said. It was not like hard-selling my services, but after speaking to a lot of people, somehow, I have grasped something from which I yearn to share it with others.
Being a business consultant, my goal is to ensure that the business of my client will turn out well. Giving all my support whenever he needs, it was truly a fulfilling job. However, I did miss a few things in my life. And as years went by, I realized that you somehow need to lose something to gain a lot.
The time I spend with my business was something I was not prepared for. Even if a time has been set-up with a client to talk about his plans regarding his business prospect, it doesn’t stop there.
A business is very much like rearing a child where it demands constant care and attention, and skipping the time for naps. It is not something that you just have to hand-off to someone. Despite giving everything, still, it demands for more.
Preparing a list of what to expect may just be what you need. The list may become a mile-long, but at least, it gives you something to refer to once you take that plunge.
- Financial Security
Most of the people may be working a 9-5 job. Some of them might be unhappy because they feel like being dragged into something over and over again for so many years. But realizing that they get to receive a paycheck twice a month is their joy,
Now being a new entrepreneur, the return on investment may take a while, which means that you will not be receiving anything unless the business zooms off. But of course, patience is a virtue. If you have prepared yourself physically, emotionally and financially, then everything would go on as planned.
2. Your Social Life
You may have been used to a regular nightlife during weekends. Or you may have regular meet-ups with friends who also have kids of their own. You start to miss the usual parenting talks, which you sometimes zone out to. And for sure, you might feel wanting to just be where your friends are during Friday Nights. But, as an entrepreneur, your social life may no longer be as important as before. You may no longer be with them as much as you would want to because you need to tend to your obligations at work ensuring that everything works out well.
3. Gaining Other’s Respect
Have you noticed how some of the less popular kids back in high school have become big shots when they got older? And probably, you were one of them. And for those who may have felt that they were a “nobody” back then, soon earns respect from others. People realize that you are not a loser after all!
All the things that you do, the kind person that you are to your employees, and how you make your clients feel about what you have offered them – all of those are your legacies.
4. Your General State of Health (and Mind)
Being an entrepreneur means having to wear different hats. And no matter how much you would want to stay positive at all times, the stress level may just be overwhelming. No matter how much you would just want to crawl into your bed at night, vivid pictures of work-related situations may just keep you all night and make you wonder the following morning if you have slept at all.
This is certainly true for most aspiring entrepreneurs. Therefore, there is a need to learn how to balance between being an entrepreneur and just being an ordinary person. An entrepreneur is not Superman. One needs to be recharged to be able to have a better perspective which can be extremely helpful in making decisions.
5. Your Leisure Time
Are you one of those movie flick addict back in College? Or a fan of video games? Life can be miserable when you do not have all that fun that you used to have. As an entrepreneur, you may not always have the luxury of having some fun time.
These are some of what you have to expect when you start building your own business. But, looking at it in a different light, you can be absolutely successful and be happy realizing that you have surpassed these challenges. Stating all the possible sacrifices that what you can go through was not meant to discourage you but to prepare you, as well as your family. All you need to do is to learn how to manage your time well. After all, the sacrifice that you make is not for anything else, but for the future of your family.
The road doesn’t end when you reach your goal….. there are still yet a lot of things to uncover….. The light at the end of the tunnel is just the beginning…..