As we’re preparing for the wedding, I notice how lucrative the wedding business can be. I’m also very amazed by people who give up their career to pursue their passion. Sometimes, we talk about doing a job that we love or setting up a business of our own but we know that it’s never easy. This week, I had the pleasure of meeting new friends who gave up their job and started their business on their own. Respectable, I say.

When I worked out my career goals last year, I’ve never thought of setting up my own business in the next five years. It’s just never been an idea that I’ve entertained. But watching everyone slowly doing it has gotten me thinking that I should start before I’m tied down with commitments. Speaking of that, I’ll like to share my experience here.

A while ago, a client-turned-friend of mine commented that my quality of work and attitude was different from when we first started working together. I know very well the reason of my slump in attitude and quality and it is because that I’m stretched too thin over many projects – both at work and freelance. It was a very tough period and every minor request from clients seems like a chore. I know I’ve reached my limits but I thought I was superman and as the saying goes, “It’s all in the mind.”

Obviously, I couldn’t deliver because of the sleepless nights and to be honest, my clients weren’t very happy with my work. This could be very serious because my network and reputation was at stake. It didn’t take me quite long to realize my mistakes and what struck me most was a friend actually said this to me, “Exchanging time for money is the worst exchange because time is limited.”

Clearly, that statement made me understand that there is a difference between a technician and a businessman. So, I planned for a career shift this year because I think I do not want to waste any more time being a ‘technician’. I’m glad that I’m enjoying my work for now although it still feels like work sometimes but lesser. As the starting is always the hardest, I will persevere and these new friends will always serve as an inspiration and motivation for me to plan and think big.

Lessons learnt in 2007:

1. Never exchange time for money because we have only 24 hours a day
2. Always set a limit to how much you can do. Set a quota, focus and deliver the best.
3. No matter how bad the client is, do not burn bridges. Cherish your network like gold.
4. Either you push yourself and rise up to where you can get more money from it or you stay at where you are and get more pressure and lesser returns
5. Take things one step at a time and take breaks to nourish the soul if necessary

1. marco Says:
   February 7th, 2008 at 9:34 pm

   Happy Lunar New Year…