September 12, 2003
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?
