Insurance -- This may sound like a petty detail, but it’s really not. Health insurance costs are astronomical, and everyone knows a story about that guy who didn’t have health insurance and got into a car accident. I was able to get health insurance through my husband’s company, but I realize that this solution is not available to everyone.
Support -- I admit that I could not have made this decision without the support of three key people -- my husband, my best friend and my business mentor. I actually hate to admit this need for approval, but without the support of the people whose opinions I respect the most and who know me the best (all my strengths and weaknesses), I wouldn’t have moved forward. Thankfully, they were all encouraging.
At the end of the day, I know that being an entrepreneur requires a great deal of flexibility, adaptability and perseverance. But I also know that to become an entrepreneur, you just have to take the leap, jump into the fray and start something.
Melissa Chang is the founder of Pure Incubation, an Internet incubator based in the Boston area. She blogs at 16th Letter.
More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:
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- Melissa Chang: 10 reasons that start-ups 100% absolutely should outsource (almost) everything
- Analysis: Keep it simple, because VCs are stupid
- Analysis: Is Twitter worth $75 million? $150 million? How about none of the above?
- Analysis: Chavez, China, and the coming startup squeeze
- Opinion: 10 'Net services that will succeed (and 10 that will probably fail)
Comments
Melissa,
This is very honest and relatable feedback about the big pictures issues one has look at when considering stepping out of corporate america into the great unknown. I really appreciate your insight and action provoking thoughts.
It prompted me to figure out who is in my support circle and to remember that brain-storming through lots of good business ideas is a smart approach to finding the business that is perfect for you. This is especially meaningful because I have recently spent a couple months attached to different business plans that I eventually abandoned because of lack of passion for the topic or an unclear revenue stream. Congratulations on being able to do it yourself and thanks for sharing your insight!
Sincerely,
Jamie
Jamie,
Thanks for your comment, and I'm glad that the article could help. I completely agree with your point about finding a business idea that you can believe in, as well - that is huge. Sticking with an unappealing idea for the long haul is not an idea that I relish! Best of luck!
Melissa - Thanks for this article; it's made me think more concretely about my next step.
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