What the Grind Culture Doesn't Tell You About Entrepreneurship
Today I’m at an all familiar crossroad in my life. Do I really want to be an entrepreneur?
And before I dive in too deep…yes, this is a rant. You’ve been warned.
Back in June 2015 I wrote about “An Ideal Day in the Life of an Entrepreneur” and then in in November 2015 I talked about “Why Being Complacent in My Career is Working for Me Right Now.” Well which is it Shalanda? I know you’re wondering. Well, I honestly still feel the same about both. Those IG Bosses sure make working for yourself as the best way to live so much so that everyone and their mama have LLCs now. But you know what?
Entrepreneurship is hard. AF! In so many damn ways!
First there’s the accountability part. Now for me, I’ve never been unemployed since graduating from college in 2009. So the steady paychecks, ample vacation time and pension that comes with teaching, I wouldn’t say I haven’t felt the fire under my ass to join Team No Sleep. It’s not that my job doesn’t have it’s stressful moments, but the security of public education (low pay and all) does play a part in my “Oh, I’ll do it tomorrow” mentality when it comes to my blog and business. And honestly that’s okay. It’s actually a blessing to have side hustles that you enjoy for pure pleasure and not of necessity to keep a roof over your head. So sis, enjoy your 9-to-5 if it fuels your lifestyle.
Then there’s the marketing aspect. Yes, I have a degree in the subject but Florida State University didn’t prepare me for social media. Well, how could they when it wasn’t as big of a deal back then? Nowadays, in order to have a brand or be a brand yourself (shout out to you influencers!) you have to sell to your audience a lifestyle more than you showcase your product. A whole lifestyle?! While I’m still trying to get mine together?! I can’t and won’t flex for the ‘gram. It’s just not in me.
And oh let’s not forget about time! Social media will it appear as though everyone is popping and always have been. There isn’t one ounce of struggle in their feeds. Why is that? Maybe it’s embarrassing. Or because it isn’t part of the lifestyle they’ve curated for you to double tap.
But see, I’ve been praying and paying attention. There are a few entrepreneurs I’ve been following for a while, some over a decade and guess what? It took them YEARS to get where they are now. Two women in particular said it took then ten years and several endeavors (pronounced trial and error) to figure out what stuck and brought in the bucks.
So do I want to give up on this blog and Understated Clothing? Yes. Yes, I do.
Will I give up on my babies? No. I won’t. I’ve tried doing so in the past and I’ve always come around to restarting both.
Instead of giving up, I plan to slow it down when necessary. I’m challenging myself to write whenever an idea strikes me (like now) and to complete a task or two each day for my vintage clothing boutique. My word for this year is consistency. A little each day will lead to tremendous progress over time.
Let’s get (more like continue) to work folks!