I am self-employed.

It almost doesn’t register. It’s been a goal of mine for a very long time; and I think I’ve always known (or thought I knew, anyway) that I would someday achieve it.

I didn’t see it coming. I did not think I would be a business owner within nine months of finishing school. I had no idea what kind of business I wanted to operate, and no particularly promising widgets to market. Aside from going to school, I didn’t feel that I’d done much to bring myself closer to my goal, and I wasn’t sure what to do next.

The opportunity was dropped in my lap without me even looking for it. A family friend wanted to retire and apparently believes that I am capable of taking over. My family has the resources to provide most of the means for me to acquire the operations. So—plop—here I am—an employer and small business owner.

Don’t get me wrong; this isn’t being given to me for free. I’ll be paying back every penny, with interest. However, I’d never have been able to fund the purchase on my own name and assets.

Do I deserve this? Of course not. I’ve done nothing that would entitle me to such an opportunity. I am not owed anything. I do not take this for granted, I appreciate it greatly and I accept it humbly but confidently.

Am I worthy of the opportunity? Can I make something of it? Will I work hard to make it a success and reward those who have put their faith (and money) in me?

Yes.

It’s been quite a learning experience so far, just to create a new corporation and obtain all the licenses, services, accounts, vendors, etc.; and I’m not done yet. I’ve already had to deal with losing employees in key positions, and customers that spent a lot of money and are very unhappy. I’m trying to learn the product, customers and the industry, while still dealing with many of the logistical loose ends that remain from the purchase/transition process. It’s tricky sometimes, but certainly not impossible.

It doesn’t feel like a job. That may be the best part. I’m certainly not getting rich right now. But it is pretty easy to get out of bed in the morning, and to work late, when it’s my project, not just my job. It’s invigorating to know that ultimately, it all comes down to me. I have the ultimate authority and don’t answer to anyone. It’s also my neck on the line, which can make it a bit scary. I think that the risk of responsibility is a factor which ultimately has a positive effect. Risk elevates the excitement and reward in most of the sports that I enjoy, why should it be any different now? In fact, the risk is largely responsible for this opportunity. If there were less risk involved, the purchase price would have been beyond my means.

Right now, I have much to learn about the business and how to serve the customers. I’m relying heavily on my crew (who are great) and their experience. That said, based on the progress I’ve already made, I’m confident that I can do the job very well. With the right people, I’ll be able to take the company beyond anything it’s been so far. That is my ambition.