[Jewelry making - Article 00352] - Re: [Orchid] Trade success stories

[Neilthejeweler]

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William,

    There's two reasons one may want to become an entrepreneur. One is
    you're sick of being the employee and want to spread your wings. The
    other is you believe you can make more money on your own. 

    I've been an employee under both circumstances, separately, at
    different stages in my life. 

    Before my first business I wanted the trappings that go with biz
    ownership. I wanted to play the part. I thought that acquiring
    certain things was the equivalent of success. I wanted the big
    suburban house(oops, comes with a mortgage), two nice cars,
    sometimes 3 (monthly payments, oops again), the boat (more payments,
    you get the idea). I wanted to be thought of as a business owner,
    some vague community status thing in my head. Well, I eventually
    attained all that. Had all this stuff and money. 

    Was I happy? Nope. 

    I had the worst boss you can imagine. ME. I felt this obligation to
    be all things to all people, just so I could keep the squirrel cage
    turning. A jeweler friend says of business ownership, "its all a big
    wheel, make money so you can pay bills so you can make more money". I
    had a 1,700 ft store and shop. Six staff. This deal fell into my lap
    and I was unprepared for it. By that I mean I had no training in
    management. It was easy for awhile. But it became an endless
    responsibility. Wanna go away for the weekend? Hah! fat chance. The
    store can't run without you. Or at least that's what I thought. 

    But the money was good. very good. But the whole game sucked anyway.
    I wasn't working for myself anymore, I was working for everyone
    standing in line with their hand out.

    Then through a tortuous flow of life I arrived at where I am now.
    Small shop, decent money, low obligations. I enjoy coming to work. I
    get to do stuff that makes me happy. I can buy that oddball gemstone
    that will never sell, just because I feel like it. If I want a day
    off I just hang a sign on the window and go fishing.(well, I don't
    do it all that often because I LIKE being here). 'Course, when
    there's work to be done, I work, fishing season is over now anyway. I
    am essentially stress free. I don't have all that many years to go so
    that is a welcome lifestyle. 

    BTW this story mirrors that of a jeweler I met from another state, I
    told him we were twin sons of different mothers, went to different
    schools together.

    So I put it to you, that you define for yourself what success truly
    is. 

    But getting back to the two reasons, obviously you are experiencing
    the first. I've had that burning yearning in me most of my working
    life so I can relate. But the second one, if you truly know how to do
    it, or at least are willing to do what it takes, will help ensure
    your success, however you define it. 

    But beware, success in this game is not a singular goal, its a state
    of being. It needs tending all the time.
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