There are countless reasons why you may not be interested in starting a business; It’s too risky, you might go into debt, you’ll probably lose your savings, your social life will suffer, and the list goes on. The potential for failure and loss discourages many would-be entrepreneurs from giving it a go.
But with all the uncertainties about starting something new, there are equally practical reasons why you should. Most people who really want to go into business on their own will find every reason why they should give it a try. If you just don’t want to take that path, you will find lots of excuses to stay in your comfort zone.
Here are just a few practical reasons why this year is the best time to step out of your comfort zone and try something new that could potentially be that big breakthrough you are looking for.
1. “Financial independence. Let’s be honest, this is probably the biggest reason people get into business for themselves. And that’s a good thing! You should want financial independence. However you define financial independence – retirement stockpile, unlimited cash potential or having the money to buy what you want — entrepreneurship can allow you to achieve it. Trust me, money doesn’t buy happiness, but it does make finding happiness much easier.” Entrepreneur
2.”You get to do what you’re interested in. If you are stuck behind a desk selling insurance over the phone to uninterested pensioners, the chances are that you would rather be doing something else.
The good thing about being an entrepreneur is that you choose what kind of firm you startup, and where. So, provided that you’ve done your research properly and there is a gap in the market, you can turn a hobby or interest into a profitable enterprise.” Startups
3. “Profit from your passion. To actually get a paycheck from cashing in on your passions is one of the most fulfilling endeavors you can experience! With the unsteady economy, this is the perfect time to pull out a journal and list what you love. Think back to your childhood dreams of what you saw yourself doing.
Consider taking your hobbies and monetizing on them. I’ve worked with several passionpreneurs who have taken a hobby and transformed it into a viable business venture. They also testify that being an entrepreneur makes life more rewarding and fulfilling.” Huffington Post
4. “You can stop asking your boss for a raise and give yourself one. When you run your own business, there’s no limit to how much money you can make if your company takes off. Because you’re taking all the risk, you’re entitled to all the upside. “A ‘real’ job does not have your best interests at heart—ever,” says Scott Gerber, a New York entrepreneur and author of “Never Get a ‘Real’ Job.”
“Most jobs offer employees nothing more than a false sense of security, a workload that far exceeds their pay grades and a benefits package that they are most likely paying for themselves.” While getting a business off the ground is never easy, every dollar that you put in and every hour that you work is an investment that returns profit back to you. “Find me any job that offers that level of financial incentive, and perhaps I’ll think of getting a ‘real’ job,” Mr. Gerber says.” Wall Street Journal
5. “Job security doesn’t exist. Job security is a thing of the past. It used to be that you could safely commit to a well-trodden and clearly defined corporate career path. No longer. Not only has the corporate contract changed, but industries are evolving so quickly that jobs appear, change, or disappear practically overnight.
All of this is true even in a good economy—so if you account for the economic downturn of these last few years, the stability of traditional employment weakens even further. So much so, actually, that scores of former employees have decided to become their own bosses to make their jobs more secure.” Forbes
6. “You can find Your own work/life balance. One of the most oft-cited benefits of owning your own business is the flexibility that comes with it, whether that be working from wherever you want, setting your own hours, wearing a nightgown or even sitting next to your pet while you work. “I get to carry a knife, drive a pickup truck and hang out with my dog a lot more – what can be better than that?” says David Winters, who owns a mobile screen repair business called Screenmobile in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Just as important, entrepreneurs say that owning their own business lets them set their priorities. “I make my own schedule, allowing me to spend time with the most important purpose in my life and the inspiration behind my company–my son, Zachary,” says Yamile Jackson, whose company, Nurtured by Design, makes ergonomically designed products for babies and toddlers.
“He went from having such a traumatic experience at birth (weighing less than two pounds and losing power to his life support equipment) that his story was featured in the TNT movie 14:Hours. He is now my company’s CIO (Chief Inspirational Officer) and my healthy 9-year-old boy.” Inc.