You're working 9-5 to survive, you're working 5-9 to thrive."
Today I'd like to talk about entrepreneurship, and I would like to go over 2 things - why entrepreneurship and what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur.
I still remember when I came to this country in 2009, the major I chose was Business and Entrepreneurship because it was always my dream to become an entrepreneur and have my own business. I guess it's because of my mom's influence, she always had an entrepreneur mindset.
When I graduated, I had to choose - do I go look for a 9-5 job or do I start my journey to become an entrepreneur?
I still remember when a friend asked me, "Angeline, you have a nice family and an MBA. Why don't you just look for a job?" At the time, I didn't feel like it's something that aligned with me. Working a 9-5 job, sitting in a box, that's the kind of life that I pictured. So, I made a decision to become my own boss and to become an entrepreneur.
The past 11 years were not easy. I didn't know where to start, I didn't have a mentor, and I didn't have a lot of money to start with. I went through a lot of trials and errors, I tried so many things - direct selling, online marketing, real estate, and now I finally found something that I am passionate about, which is financial services in the Investments Industry.
But why am I a big advocate of entrepreneurship?
I want you to think about this - if you have a job, you have to be very grateful. It is a blessing that you still have a steady job that can pay the bills and support your family. However, I encourage you not to get too comfortable with that job. When you work for that company in the next 20, 30, or 40 years, what do you get? What are you building? Nothing. You're just working for the paycheck. When the company decides to let you go because there are new people coming, your paycheck and your benefits will stop and disappear immediately.
So I encourage you to not get too comfortable with the job you have. The journey to entrepreneurship is not easy, there will not be immediate income, you will need to develop a certain mindset and a certain skill set. Do something on the side for yourself. I do not believe in jumping ship. You can, but it takes a lot of stress and struggle. Some people just quit their jobs and begin entrepreneurship and that can be very stressful. But when it comes to building a business, you should enjoy it.
Now, while you have a steady income, look for a vehicle to start your journey to entrepreneurship because you're working very hard at your job to make your boss' dream happen, not yours. Start working hard for yourself and not for somebody else's.
PROFIT IS BETTER THAN WAGES.
A lot of people go after jobs because of the certainty of the paycheck. But that's not how entrepreneurship is. You may experience unstable income, especially in the beginning, and that's why I encourage you to do this on the side. But here's the thing - when you build your business and it develops, you will have this system that will generate income, you will have more options in the future.
So why entrepreneurship?
When I look back at my journey to entrepreneurship and compare the person I was 11 years ago and the person I am today, they're completely different. The person that I have grown into, the skills that I have developed, and being able to live closer to my potential every day - these are things that your 9-5 job will not give you.
When you're an employee, you won't need to develop many skills. When you become an entrepreneur, your own boss, you will be required to develop many skills to make your business thrive.
What does it take to become an entrepreneur?
You must have the desire. When you're comfortable where you are, you will not have the drive to become better. You must want to become better and grow from what you're faced with.
You must have the commitment. It's easy to say you want to make it happen,
