“This Life Ain’t No Joke” :: Entrepreneurship
“This life ain’t no joke, so aspiring and future entrepreneurs better be prepared,” my friend said to me the other day. We were lamenting about how tired and exhausted we were from pushing hard to make our dreams come true. I had been working on a side project in addition to my regular work as a designer and trying to figure out my taxes. He had been working hard to realize a dream to relocate to New York and had just finished paying off all of his credit card debt (I was a little jealous). We were having our usual “hey, how are you doing? How is business? How is life?” chat. I have these types of chats often with some of my entrepreneur friends as time permits and I find them to be really refreshing.
Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle and one that not everyone gets or understands. Having a group of friends or a circle of acquaintances that are going through similar trials, ups, downs and circumstances, provides me with a support system. I have lost at least one friend that I considered dear to me, because they didn’t understand the demands an entrepreneurship lifestyle could put on someone. I am still hoping that we will become friends again if/when they too, follow an entrepreneur dream that they have. I feel then, they will understand.
My circle of support is not just made up of physical friends, but digital ones as well, some of them whom I have never met. Sharing ideas, tips, listening (or reading) and sometimes venting frustrations, are easier to do when you feel the person on the other end has an understanding about what you are talking about.
This life is not easy. It can be very difficult and stressful at times. It can also be very rewarding. My answer to my friend was, “I know. I’ve been super tired lately ’cause I’ve been pushing really hard. I know I can do this and I will. I just have to keep pushing.”
Do you have a network or circle of friends/mentors that you consult with or get support from? Have you ever lost a friendship due to your entrepreneur lifestyle?
Colleen Eakins is a dynamic and creative individual that possess a knack for great design. With over 15 years of experience in the field of graphic design, Colleen is able to effectively brand her clients with great design pieces. Her motto is: “Anyone can make a pretty picture, but is it effective? Will it make your customer buy your product or use your services? My design tries to answer with a YES!”
