And It’s no Sacrifice

And It’s no Sacrifice

In the words of Elton John. 

So cheesy and one of his early 1990’s classics. 

If you’re under 30 you might be thinking ‘what’s he on about again?’ Sorry hands up, my reference points are always 80s or 90s, as I’m an old fart. Not very inclusive am I?! 

Anyway, let’s get to the meat of my story and explain what all this sacrifice thing all about. 

We’re are often told today that we can have it all and opportunity is out there for every, single one of us. 

You just need to grab it with both hands and go for it.

This positive notion is everywhere. 

It’s in our schools; our children are encouraged to be able to do anything or be anyone they wish. 

It’s on social media with the rise of influencer culture, who show us their perfect, attainable lives. 

And it’s through the 100s, if not 1000s, of self help books and podcasts which all hum the same tune. 

We can’t get enough of it. It gives us hope!

Not to mention the rise of mentors and life coaches helping us all to find the confidence to achieve our dreams.

This positive approach demonstrates how much things have changed. 

I feel that we are definitely a lot more business, and entrepreneurial, minded than we were, say 30 year ago. 

And this new found opportunity is definitely a positive step for us all. 

So what’s wrong with that as it sounds great?

I guess the question is can we have it all and is this really achievable? 

Ask most business owners, big or small, and they will tell you, running a business can be very tough at times, both physically and mentally. 

I would strongly argue, all of the aforementioned stuff is not showing people the reality of what it’s really like to run a business in modern Britain. 

The truth is, and depending the size and type of business you choose, I’m not sure running a business is for everyone. Yes, everyone can have the possibility to do it, but should they?

It’s not particularly secure and, if the statistics are to be believed, there’s a high chance that you will probably fail. 

Sounds great. When do I start?! 

Plus you’re always at work, even when you’re not at work. 

So, forget work life balance because, more often than not, you’re constantly thinking about it because ultimately the buck stops with you. From the minute you wake up to the minute you go to sleep. It hardly leaves you, especially in the beginning. I’m not saying everyone is like that, but I would suggest the vast majority are. 

For example, on more than one occasion on family holidays, I’m pretty much thinking about work for much of the time I’m away. (Imagine a man at Disneyland with a phone stuck to his ear and you’ll picture me. It’s not a good look!) I struggle with this and this is still is a problem today. 

I’m not going to wrap this up, it still has a negative effect on me, and my relationship with my family, as I sometimes step over the line and go to what we now call the dark side. 

So what am I saying? 

If you start a business, something will always have to give, both in your personal and professional life and that’s the sacrifice and the price you have to pay.  

It’s like there’s always some kind of trade off and it’s crap. This can often destroy relationships if you’re not careful. 

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the entertainment industry, where actors and musicians are constantly away from home, either on location or touring their new album. It sounds so glamorous and enviable. 

However, like most things, they probably acclimatise themselves to it, get bored and would probably prefer to be at home watching TV with their partner. 

I believe that, although they’re not running businesses, it’s similar in the respect that their success comes at a price and this debt has to be paid. 

I would say this though, depending on your mindset, ambition and the quality of people you have around you, it can get a lot easier as time goes by. But that all depends on you. 

So how is this all relevant and what have I learnt over the last few years? 

Since I started this new role, I think I’ve become even more fascinated and curious in people’s behaviours and how they tick. It truly amazes me how so many people love the idea of starting their own business - no boss to answer to, control over your hours, a chance to make more money etc.

Yet many of these talented people still seem to want all their middle class trimmings that their current job gives them. 

This has definitely been a challenge for me, firstly to understand and secondly, to explain that unfortunately, if you want to run your own business, something has to give. 

If you want the safety, the car, the salary and the financial security, this is not for you. 

If it’s certainty you need and seek, then take a job and stay there, as that’s why many choose this well trodden path and there is no shame in that. We’re all different. 

In many respects, if you apply yourself, the money and success is all there to grab. You can have a very successful career this way. It’s just a different journey. 

Robert Kiyosaki describes this point perfectly in his book, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, where he explains the trappings of a well paid job, as you get used to these things and become somewhat dependent on it. 

My point is, I personally believe that you can’t have it all, especially in the beginning, as it’s like having a new born baby, which needs your constant attention, and your business is no different. 

In the long term, making this move can definitely bring a sense of financial freedom, which can be achieved by having your own company. This of course also gives you the opportunity to do things your way and this can be life changing. 

However creating something really special, always requires a level of personal sacrifice and you have to ask yourself if you are really prepared for that?