It’s been maddening.
Since making the bold (stupid?) decision to start my own business, I’ve been bombarded by friends and acquaintances trying to push me back into the world of “security” – i.e. Corporate America. You all know who you are.
It’s not that I don’t appreciate the gesture, or the faith that they have in me to be successful – otherwise, they wouldn’t put their reputations on the line by recommending me in the first place. But I wish that some of that energy that’s being to put into finding me a job could be spent supporting my decision. After all, it’s not like it came as a huge shock to anyone. I’ve started (and failed) two businesses already while in school, and my ego won’t let me work for anyone else for a tremendous period of time.
People live their lives with boxes around them. The box provides them with a sense of safety (a guaranteed paycheck, a docile husband or wife who will never leave them, etc.) But the box doesn’t provide safety; it provides only limitations. It amputates the spirit. It tells you what you can’t do rather than what you can. The box sucks.
I don’t want the box. I’m not saying that working for someone represents confinement. The box is not about a position or station in life. It’s more about your attitude, about what would make you truly happy. I have friends who would be miserable if they started their own business, so why would I push them there? Why would I want to work for someone if I know it’s not what I want to do? For the money? Or for the handy box that comes with it?
