I’ve always romanticized the idea of being a corporate professional, striving to break personal glass ceilings and strategically maneuvering into spaces where I’d have the opportunity to thrive and blossom into the young, black career driven woman I’ve always imagined myself to be. Still being pretty early in my career, I have so much more to achieve, and though I’ve had some less than ideal experiences, borderline defeating, the journey has honestly been a rewarding one. I have nothing more than my Faith and Family to thank for that.
To be honest, I’ve always looked at my career goals as being a tool. Which meant controlling the narrative as well as how much time and attention I dedicate. When things no longer served me, or if I’d outgrown the space, I had the choice to move. It’s not always the easiest accepting that you’re not completely in control of your day to day and financial wellbeing however with the right mindset and strategy, corporate employment can be taken and conquered. When it comes to the world of entrepreneurship while tempting, and still something I plan to pursue, taking this on full time without any knowledge or anyone close enough to guide me through just wasn’t something I felt that I could to jump into and succeed. Other factors played a part but nonetheless I was still intrigued by this corporate space I’d been exposed.
There’s no doubt the entrepreneurial world and all the qualities of being your own boss and making all of your own decisions is appealing however, there’s still so much to appreciate and obtain knowledge wise along with the shaping of who you are and can be as a person and professional, from being a part of the corporate universe. Choosing a career over entrepreneurship isn’t a cop out or the easy route taken, you can honestly have both or you can choose a career path and be completely satisfied, successful and happy.
If lately you’ve been trying to decide between the two and leaning on one more than the other solely because of the wave of newly entering entrepreneurs just keep in mind a few things and note that there is still an intriguing attraction in choosing traditional careers.
You Still Have Options
Don’t let yourself or anyone lead you to believe you’re stuck in the profession you’ve chosen post-graduation. Your degree and initial choice of career is a starting place to learn and grow where you really want to be. Whatever route you decide on, know that it is not the end all be all. When you’re ready to maneuver, you’ll be equipped with the foundation and skills to do so even if the transition is not a direct move to something familiar.
By Yourself Time
Even if you do plan to turn entrepreneur one day, starting in a career and making the transition down the road gives you the opportunity to figure out what you want to invest in, gives you stability and wisdom while you perfect the vision.
Best of Both Worlds
Why choose if you don’t have to, just decide on having the best of both worlds. Having multiple streams of income doesn’t have to be stressful or financially depleting. The point is to reinvest the money you make and allow it to make you more so that you can live a life you truly desire, and maybe even on your terms if done right.