The challenges of a small business owner are abundant. We wear a lot of hats. Many of us are as they say “overworked and underpaid.” Yet, many of us wouldn’t trade our job for the world. Maybe we’re addicted to the craziness or maybe we’re glutton for punishment. I can only speak for myself and it seems like a good time of year to share why I love what I do. Here are three things I’m thankful for as a small business owner.
Flexibility. I often work long hours, but I still have the ability to adjust quickly when needed. The best example is the way I plan for the day or the week. I know what needs done and I add it to my schedule, but I can move tasks around if I need to schedule a personal appointment or when setbacks occur. For three of the past five years, I’ve also had the opportunity to work from home. There’s no crazy commute to the office and I can even be available for the Comcast service window (which is almost always off by an hour anyway)!
Collaboration. Small business means small teams. I’ve found smaller teams have more synergy and connectedness than larger counterparts. I’ve also enjoyed getting to know other small business owners. In fact, some of the best professional and personal relationships I’ve established over the years have formed as a result of networking with small business owners. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my customers. The partnership and collaboration with our clients is foundational for us. Without it, neither one of us could achieve a successful result. Because of this, I’m highlighting a ‘client of the week’ on the #Strella social sites starting this week.
Ability to make my own rules. People often ask me, ‘what made you decide to run your own show?’ The answer is easy: I wanted to be my own boss. Funny how simple that sounds yet there are many days I feel like this business runs me rather than me running the business. It takes this time of year to remind me of the lessons learned, among them the lesson that I’m still in charge. And no matter what, this will be my primary reason for starting my own gig. It’s not about power – it’s about knowing that I hold the keys to my own happiness.
Fellow small business owners: What are you grateful for?
I am most thankful for the amount of time our family is able to spend together, now that we own a small business. I knew we made the right decision, as a family, when my son's friend said to him "You are so lucky your dad can be here"
Aw John. You trump me big time! I'm happy for you!
I love John's answer!
I can relate. It may fall under your #3 - I like the creativity and the ability to try new projects.
[…] posts about thankfulness, I decided to follow in the footsteps of business professionals like Rachel Strella of Strella Social Media, Laura Spencer of Writing Thoughts, and Gini Dietrich of Spin Sucks. They’ve shared what makes […]
Like everyone else, I completely agree with John! The best part of being one-half of a husband and wife accounting firm is that we never have to miss any of our daughters events. She is able to take music lessons and engage in other activities, because we don't have the restraint of a regular 9-5 family would.
Owning a business is stressful, but sometimes, we are so lucky.
Sunny Sun
Padgett Business Services of Philadelphia
http://www.PadgettPhilly.com
(215) 792-6116
Thanks for stopping by our blog and taking the time to comment! You hit the nail on the head: stressful, but lucky! I feel the same!