When I started my business in 1983, money was my biggest obstacle. I had a good job, which I left on purpose, at a time when mine was our only income. We also had heavy debts left over from business school, plus four kids; the eldest was 10, the youngest was 1 year old.
There was also the biggest boost to starting a business: My wife said, “Go for it; you can do it.” And she meant it. At several key points along the way, she made it clear that we would take the risk together. There was never the threat of “I told you so, why did you leave a good job, you idiot?” What she said was, “If you fail, we’ll fail together, and then we’ll figure it out. We’ll be OK.”
If you’re starting a business and living a relationship, then think about that one. Call it a “make or break” factor.
(reposted from the original on Planning Startups Stories)
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Beautiful reminder of the relationships in our lives and how the support means so much more than anything. Thank you, Tim.
Perfectly true!
Starting a business is stressful enough without having to worry about the of your efforts having on your home-life. It’s always a good idea to get the support of your family. Often they’re the best people to run ideas through as they won’t have many of the pre-conceived notions of how to run a business or operate in your sector.