Is entrepreneurship for everyone? I don’t think so. I think people have this extremely optimistic view of being an entrepreneur. Can you be happy as an employee? I think it’s a great choice for some people.
How can you tell which option is better for you? I decided to look into both to hopefully get you started on the right career path for you. 
What is an Entrepreneur?
People have a preconceived notion that an entrepreneur is a risk taker; looking to follow their passion, come what may. However a sucessful entrepreneur takes calculated risks that have a good chance of success.
The key is to find what works for you and what customers need.
Business Ideas for 2011
While there are a huge list of possible businesses you can start, I wanted to narrow it down to business ideas that you can start from home and build into a full time business if you want.
- Technical Writing
- Management Consultant
- Event Planning/Promotion
- Video Production
- Web Design
- Internet Marketing Consulting
- blog consultant
- Online Freelance Writing
- SAT/LSAT Tutoring
- Bookkeeping
- Travel Planning
Does any of the above suggestions seem reasonable to you? Do you see yourself being successful starting off small with some of these business ideas and then building up? If you’re not sure if you’re ready to be an entrepreneur, here are some questions to ask yourself.
- What are your top 3 skills?
- What are your top 3 strengths?
- Do any of the business ideas match up with your skills and strengths?
If you can identify your strengths and skills or you don’t have much interest in the ideas above, then my suggestion is to go back to the drawing table. Don’t chase an opportunity just because it could make you money. Find something that aligns with what you can do, what you enjoy, and what people need.
Can Being Employee Work For You?
Not everyone wants to be a jack of all trades or run a business. Many people can be and are happy specializing within a field and working in a company setting.
- Define your career goals.
- Be a sponge and learn from others.
- Take the lead once in a while to build your skills.
- Keep your network fresh.
If you want more details, check out an earlier post on being a happy employee.
Thoughts on Managing Your Career
Being happy with your career is a deeply personal series of choices. Don’t feel pressured to conform to anyone else’s definition. What works for me might not work for you and vice versa.
I’d love to hear from you. Do you have what it takes to strike out on your own? Do you prefer to work your way up in a Fortune 500 company? Why?
Don’t forget to check out the rest of the job series to help figure out your next move.
- Signs That You Should Quit Your Job
- Job Freedom Fund: How Much Do You Need
- How to Make a Plan to Quit Your Job
