Why run your own business

Day 252 / 366

The conventional wisdom that we are given when we grow up is that you need to study well, get good grades, get a job and then slowly climb the corporate ladder. No one really talks about running a business. Usually, only people who come from a business family look towards starting their own businesses or continuing their family’s.

Now that I have worked in corporate as well as started my own business, I wanted to list down some of the reasons why I think young people now should consider starting something of their own.

Firstly the biggest perk is that you get to be your own boss. You get to decide your own hours and work days. And for the most part, you get to choose what work you want to do and what you don't. At Blaziken, if there is a minor holiday on say a Tuesday, I shift it to Monday instead so that everyone can have a long weekend. Last week we went to a party at around noon and then we just ditched work for the rest of the day. That is the kind of freedom I am talking about.

The most important thing though is that you get to see the direct impact of your work. Doing well will mean more sales and more revenue. And your slacking off would mean losses for the company. It is not like a usual corporate job where no matter how you perform you would get the same salary at the end of the month. This gives you a feeling of control and responsibility and indirectly forces you to keep growing and upskilling yourself.

Of course, there would be numerous disadvantages as well. As they say, the grass is always greener on the other side. But I want to emphasise that starting your own company is a totally legitimate career option, and if you are cut out for it, you should definitely give it a shot.