Converting to Entrepreneurialism
This past month marks 5 years since we started Shyft. A quick reflection.
I found an old notebook of mine while arranging my desk yesterday. It was at the bottom of the last drawer. I casually opened it to check if I can use it for some notes and while quickly turning the pages, this text draw my attention. I wrote it almost 5 years ago when I decided to step into the world of entrepreneurship. Now that I look back, I am certain I took the right decision. I feel so much happier and fulfilled now. I was wondering whether to open up to you about my feelings, at least that’s how the old Daniela would think. But I’ve changed. For the better. The new me thought that sharing this will help someone else take the next step in their career and not be afraid to take the plunge into these waters. Sit back and get ready for some deep thoughts…
“The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions…I quit my corporate job and I’m pursuing my dream of owning my own business! The sense of freedom, coupled with excitement, coupled with “holy $@!# this is quite a gamble” has been one I’ve learned to temper. I did it because the risks ARE worth the rewards.
I would say there was probably 3 or 4 points in my 12 year corporate career where I was tempted to go into another industry besides moving and relocation. However, as I held different roles I found myself finding my place in the industry and before you know it after a decade it becomes hard to leave!
I constantly fell back on what was comfortable for me and what I felt I was competent at…until I met my husbandAlex Alpert. He challenged me since the day we met, 6 years ago. Seeing my untapped potential and wanting me to flex it as soon as I was ready to. He converted over to entrepreneurialism when we first met so he was definitely drinking the startup Kool-Aid. I wasn’t ready to jump ship yet. I enjoyed watching it from the side lines but there came to a point where I wanted in, all in.
I have much appreciation for all of my managers throughout the years. Each have shaped much of my business knowledge and approach to who I am today. I am grateful for the opportunities and roles I held, but in hindsight I guess I was never really 100% fulfilled. I often would think outside of the role I was hired for because I was interested in overall business — this outlook was misunderstood by some managers. I felt restricted — it’s hard to suppress an element of you that wants to have impact on the bottom line. That’s how corporations sometimes make you feel. By no fault to the people that work there but only attributed to the infrastructure upon which they are built.
“It’s been really hard watching from the sidelines my husband running our company while I am engaged with a full time position. There are so many hours in the day. I wan…”
The text suddenly stopped. Probably I got a call from a colleague or a client, I don’t remember anymore. But it doesn’t matter. You get the point.
I hope my story will inspire at least one person to make a change and achieve their dream. Remember, don’t limit yourself or make yourself smaller to fit where you are today. Be brave, go out there and become who you want to be.
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Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.
