After 35 years service with the federal government I have decided to do something I have always wanted to do. I have always wanted to start a business.
Perhaps so much so in fact that, my chosen profession of 35 years in Government actually positioned me to help others start their own business. As a former business adviser I had a mission; my mission was to help others become successful, now I am on my personal mission. (Funny thing the "word" mission - I'll get into that a bit later)
I had often been asked what I was going to do once I retired from the Government. Most folks I met wanted to know if I was going to get a "real job" when I got out of the Government.. Cute, huh! I'm sure all the other dedicated Government employees out there have heard that being expressed before....! Well, it's now my time to find out what a real job is all about.
In retirement, I should be relishing the life of leisure in my golden years. However, I can still feel those same business urges I had for so many years; to pursue the "American Dream" of achieving fame and fortune is an inner drive that is not yet gone. I have given up on winning the lottery, entering a game show like wheel of fortune, or falling down in my neighbors yard and breaking my leg for the insurance money.
I think my previous experience should help. At least that's my thinking! There are those that remind me, "that government job only made you soft" - in what part of the anatomy I'm not actually sure. What I do know to be true is that I am ready for the "red tape". "Bring it on", I say!
Thousands upon thousands sought my 35 years of experience and advice on starting their own business and becoming a prime or subcontractor. Why can't I do the same for myself? For some there was success, others won't even buy me a cup of coffee now, most I never heard from again. Now, I am about to undertake and experience "the process" first hand!
I have actually wanted to start my business for well over 40 years. At age 12, I realized I had all the makings of a business entrepreneur . At that age, I was making money by mowing yards for neighbors at $5.00 per yard and $2.00 per hour for trimming and weeding. Little did I realize then that I could make more money concentrating solely on mowing yards; it only took on average 45 minutes to mow a yard. (Military housing in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri typically had the same size yards). Perhaps pondering that thought forced me to migrate toward a posh Government career.
Nevertheless, I was bringing in the bucks back then! My brother, 5 years my senior, was also working for me - he wasn't an actual employee cause he didn't like to mow, but he did like to borrow money from me; at a slight interest rate of course!
Hopefully, this business journal will inspire someone else to follow their "own dream". Don't wake up 35 years later and say, "If only I had"...
Perhaps so much so in fact that, my chosen profession of 35 years in Government actually positioned me to help others start their own business. As a former business adviser I had a mission; my mission was to help others become successful, now I am on my personal mission. (Funny thing the "word" mission - I'll get into that a bit later)
I had often been asked what I was going to do once I retired from the Government. Most folks I met wanted to know if I was going to get a "real job" when I got out of the Government.. Cute, huh! I'm sure all the other dedicated Government employees out there have heard that being expressed before....! Well, it's now my time to find out what a real job is all about.
In retirement, I should be relishing the life of leisure in my golden years. However, I can still feel those same business urges I had for so many years; to pursue the "American Dream" of achieving fame and fortune is an inner drive that is not yet gone. I have given up on winning the lottery, entering a game show like wheel of fortune, or falling down in my neighbors yard and breaking my leg for the insurance money.
I think my previous experience should help. At least that's my thinking! There are those that remind me, "that government job only made you soft" - in what part of the anatomy I'm not actually sure. What I do know to be true is that I am ready for the "red tape". "Bring it on", I say!
Thousands upon thousands sought my 35 years of experience and advice on starting their own business and becoming a prime or subcontractor. Why can't I do the same for myself? For some there was success, others won't even buy me a cup of coffee now, most I never heard from again. Now, I am about to undertake and experience "the process" first hand!
I have actually wanted to start my business for well over 40 years. At age 12, I realized I had all the makings of a business entrepreneur . At that age, I was making money by mowing yards for neighbors at $5.00 per yard and $2.00 per hour for trimming and weeding. Little did I realize then that I could make more money concentrating solely on mowing yards; it only took on average 45 minutes to mow a yard. (Military housing in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri typically had the same size yards). Perhaps pondering that thought forced me to migrate toward a posh Government career.
Nevertheless, I was bringing in the bucks back then! My brother, 5 years my senior, was also working for me - he wasn't an actual employee cause he didn't like to mow, but he did like to borrow money from me; at a slight interest rate of course!
Hopefully, this business journal will inspire someone else to follow their "own dream". Don't wake up 35 years later and say, "If only I had"...
What is the business you'll be starting?
ReplyDeleteJoe, you can find it on this website
ReplyDeletewww.myspace.com/jasonsever for a hint!
Oh yeah thats great. This is Joe Perreault, friend of Shaunnas and Jasons. Been following your blog since your wife talked about it on facebook. Keep it up!
ReplyDelete