I started Cows From My Window 18 months ago and despite the inevitable rocky patches of any new business, it has been the best 18 months of my life.
Here are 7 reasons why owning a lifestyle business works for me (and could for you):
1. I can choose my work
Whenever I'm approached by a potential client, the first question which goes through my head is "Is working with this person on this type of change something that will really excite me?" If it isn't, I don't take the work. What job would give me that freedom?
2. I have control over my time
OK, having your own business is hard work, but it's me and not my boss who gets to decide how much I work and when.
I stop at 3pm so I can take my 3 ½ year old daughter to a park, explore Beijing's hutongs together on my bike, or maybe do some painting. If I haven't finished what I needed to, I make up for it in the evenings after Elsa is in bed - which might not be everyone's choice, but it suits me.
3. I decide where I work
I see clients at home or work with them over the phone - which is a joy, because there's no commute. On my writing days, I can drag on my slobbiest clothes, and work from my laptop at my local café. (I admit there's a downside... having to limit myself to just one cup of their wall-climbingly strong Italian coffee, and mustering the willpower to stay away from the tiramisu).
4. I'm surrounded by inspiring, creative and courageous people
My clients are a daily reminder of the courage and determination it takes to change your life...and of how much it is worth it in the end. And I've made friends with many other business owners - a fun, independent-minded, creative bunch of people firmly in charge of their own destiny.
5. I am always (ALWAYS!) learning
I have a piece of paper pinned to a corkboard beside my desk and barely a day goes by that I don't scribble another book title down on my wish-list. Psychologists, philosophers, heroes of today and yesteryear, business and marketing gurus - how will I ever live long enough to learn all there is to know?
6. I have time to smell the roses
Elsa and I spend nearly 3 months of the year (in batches) in the UK with my parents. It's pretty much free time, for Elsa to bond with her grandparents, and for me to visit friends or just relax in the laid back country village, where a 100 metre amble to the local pub is the height of the social scene. I do fit in some work, (thanks mum and dad for the child-minding)! - but it's ticking-things-along kind of stuff, nothing too stressful.
7. I'm forced to become a better person!
There's nothing like owning a business for slamming you brutally up against your weaknesses. Not just technical areas like accounting expertise or strategic thinking. But personal qualities you're lacking, like - in my case - patience, or the ability to JUST - CHILL - OUT.
Having your own business is like being permanently on drugs (I imagine!). The highs are higher and the lows are lower. But in my view, finding something in life which constantly pushes you past your comfort zone is the best way to honour the one life we are given. In the words of Thomas Mann:
"There is at bottom only one problem in the world and this is its name: how does one break through? How does one get into the open? How does one burst the cocoon and become a butterfly?"
Sarah helps mid-career professionals transition from the corporate world to self-employment "off the beaten path". Her clients' impetus for change is a desire to follow a passion, express their creativity or help people or society in some way - and at the same time to lead a richer, more family-friendly lifestyle. Kick start your new life by signing up to Sarah's FREE mini e-course 5 Keys to Finding Freedom By Doing What You Love at http://www.nomoredreadingmondays.com
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