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A week or so ago, I wrote a post in which I admitted that I work in retail at the moment. And that I am still in college. I know, publicly displaying those two things probably does not make me look like the most professional sales rep in the world. But it kept me honest, and I believe that honesty and integrity as a salesperson is more important how “big” you look. Full time retail does have some perks, specifically the ability to organize my schedule with some degree of flexibility. The only downside is that I am 100% location dependent in my day job.
I have to be physically at work when I am working.
So what? Well, that means that while I am trying to build up my little seed of a business idea into something remotely resembling a startup, I’ve got 47 hours (including transportation time) immediately cut from my available time each week. Factor in part-time school, and that brings the total to 54 hours that I don’t have to put towards my business.
The only thing I’ve really got time to cut out on any regular basis is sleep, so that’s what I’ve been doing. Bad idea? Probably health-wise. Yet at the same time, while I’m downing my 3rd shot of espresso during the work day, desperate for a much-needed jolt, desperate for a jolt and already anticipating another late night, I am excited. I’m excited that I’m building my network, turning a hobby I’ve loved for years into something that will be (hopefully) profitable, and working towards the future I envision for myself.
I’ll sleep when I’m older. I’ve got work to do now.
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Comments
10.26.09
David,
You definitely nail the struggle that many people are going through... desperately wanting to build something, while having to manage the reality of where they are at the moment. My only advice is that you should never work a job if it doesn't somehow work towards building an aspect of your life that you desperately desire. If your retail job is giving you much-needed experience in sales that you feel will benefits you later in life, then that is great. If it is simply a means to pay the bills, then I would advise you to get a different job as soon as possible.
Why? Because, likely, you will linger longer than appropriate in a job that offers nothing, as it slowly requires more and more of you, and then entices you with small promotions and rewards. If your personal business idea doesn't work out, then you have established a set pattern of working those 47 hours - and like it or not - that is what defines a great deal of your life.
Appreciate your sharing the details of your day-to-day struggles. Clearly, your passion will need to fuel your career at this point, and yes, sleep is something that is an easy trade-off, especially before you have a family and kids.
Have a great day.
-Dan
10.26.09
Thanks for the advice and encouragement, Dan! I know I didn't really stress it too much, but I actually enjoy my day job a lot. It's a lot of fun, it's good selling and management experience, the pay and benefits are significantly higher than normal for retail, and I get to spend my days with some really fun people. So I'm not exactly slogging through a daily personal hell, just waiting for the precious hours I get to work on my own projects. It's doing a lot for me, and I'm having a great time in the process.
And yet, that can also be a huge challenge, because amid all the perks and great things about it, I have to keep a clear focus on long-term goals. Instead of firing up Settlers of Catan on XBLA when I get home at night, I have to put on a little music and brainstorm for blog post ideas, compile lists of prospects, revise my mission statement, do some networking. It's a lot, but I am having fun and I believe my day job supports my personal projects more than just financially. But it's a fine line. I appreciate your advice, and you have a great day, too!
David
10.26.09
David,
I I definitely agree with Dan's comment, but I also want to commend you on being willing to put in the extra hours to work on your business. So many people quit their day job thinking that they can't manage to get their business off the ground while working (it can be done-I did it!) full time. In my opinion, doing both simultaneously demonstrates even more that you have what it takes to be your own boss and will prepare you for the long hours and work that you will need to put in in order to succeed.
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