It’s surreal — The fact that I’m a business owner. The fact that I’ve never done this before (owned a business). And the fact that it’s been a pretty amazing few months. It’s been a whirlwind, that’s for sure. I’ve had quite a few sleepless nights, skipped lunches, and felt ragged out from time to time. But would I change anything? Absolutely not. Launching a new business and gaining any semblance of traction takes WORK and a lot of it. I knew this going into it, so there were no surprises.
I’m hard on myself and always have been. I have a hard time accepting mediocrity, and knowing that I had one chance to start this journey in my own little version of “correct,” I knew I had to give it all I had. I can honestly say that I’m proud of myself, and that, my friends, is something I’ve never said before. To myself, anyway.
For the last three months, I’ve been teetering on the fence about being a solopreneur chasing a dream and devoting time to finding another corporate position to replace the one I lost in August. Some may ask, “Why not just focus on your business full-time?”. Well, I have. And I am. But the corporate world is all I’ve ever known and while I’ve certainly had my fair share of instability over the years, having a typical W2 position is a safe bet. I do have a family to support, a house to hopefully purchase someday in this crazy market we’re in, and kids that seem to get more and more expensive every month. So, I figured this was the path of least resistance. I’d find an opportunity I’d enjoy and perhaps have the consulting business as a side job, or at least something I’d always have to fall back on that NO ONE could ever take from me. This is all 100% true. However, this isn’t exactly how I feel now.
With each passing week that I have recruiters contact me about an opportunity, schedule an interview or two, and connect me with the hiring team(s), and be told, “You seem like a great fit!” only to be ghosted completely, well, it’s exhausting. And it’s taken time away from what has been right in front of me since mid-August. My business. It’s been a constant in my professional life where I’ve felt a void for so many years.
So, this brings me to how I feel at this moment. First, I feel thankful. Immensely grateful. I’ve learned so much about myself over these past few months, and while I’m by no means an expert in running a business, I honestly believe I’m doing OK. I’ve built my business from the ground up by word of mouth and referrals as my saving grace. And they’ve been the backbone of my business. I truly believe in the power of having a great professional network to rely on, which I’m extremely grateful to have. Without my LinkedIn family and former colleagues having my back, I’m not sure I’d be where I am today.
Running a business isn’t easy. But, like most amazing things, it’s not meant to be easy. Trying to gain traction with a new business while handling the day-to-day pressures of being a wife and mother and carving out time for corporate interviews, well, it’s a miracle I haven’t completely gone insane. But this is why I’m even more appreciative of every facet of my life right now, and I don’t take it for granted one single bit. I’m in this for the long haul and enjoying it exactly as I’m meant to, my way.
To anyone out there asking yourself if you should go for it, whatever “IT” is, the answer is a resounding Y-E-S.
Why the hell not?
YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE!
If you know someone who is looking for a Fractional COO and/or a Chief of Staff to help manage and scale their business, please send them my way for a FREE consult. Time is a commodity we can never get back - My services help business owners, CEOs, etc., protect their time while ensuring the trains stay on track. Please visit my BOOKING page to learn more. To my clients, both current and former, THANK YOU. You have each helped to change my life, and I can’t thank you enough. I’ve learned from you, been in awe of you, and I’m humbled that you’ve chosen me to help support you and your business(es). I value you more than you know, and I’m here for you. Always. To those I’ve met over the past few months that may not be officially on the April crazy train just yet, what are you waiting for? Let’s do this! You know how to find me, and I’ll be ready for you when you’re ready. 😉
Gratefully,
April Eldridge, Owner/Founder April Eldridge Consulting LLC