I don’t really see the benefits of starting your own business, if you’re going to treat it like a job. Sure, if you have a way of pulling in all the money you need with a few hours of work a day, then more power to you. But, when starting up a new business or endeavor of any kind, it’s just never been my experience that you can get away with treating the business like a 9-to-5 gig.
I believe it comes down to passion. If you’re really passionate about your idea, rather than just desperate to make the rent each month, then it’s unlikely you’ll even count the number of hours you put into your business. But, if you’re just trying to make that monthly nut and you find you need two, three, or more full days off each week just to clear your head, well, that’s a sign to me that you need to recalibrate your plan. Or write one in the first place.
Even if you’re not doing billable work, you should be studying your field, practicing your craft, learning how to use new tools.
And, if you just can’t find the courage or the desire to tell your friends that you’re busy sometimes, well, you need to figure out if you’re really cut out for this. Of course, everybody has a day like that now and then, but if it’s chronic, then maybe you’re really not into it. Sometimes, getting a job is just easier, frankly.
There are jobs out there right now for web designers, coders, copywriters, programmers, graphic designers, and other types of solo entrepreneurs. It’s not a sign of failure to take one. In fact, you can learn an enormous amount by working on a team.
The fact is, and I’ve said it before, you need to make self-promotion and marketing a consistent and regular part of your daily tasks. That’s the only way to avoid the whipsaw of feast or famine.
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