Being an entrepreneur
For the first time since November 2008, I'm getting a paycheck today. It's not much ($930.46) and 1/5th of what I used to be paid, but I'll take it. Needless to say, I have no money left and credit card bills to pay, so it's coming at a good time.
Being an entrepreneur means sacrifice. I gave up my $3000/month beautiful Brooklyn loft for splitting a 2 bedroom with 3 people in Bayonne, NJ for $300/month. I was without health insurance for 15 months. And I can't tell you just how much I appreciate J for putting up with living in Bayonne when I know she misses NYC and hates the commute.
Being an entrepreneur means being comfortable living on the edge. Last March, when I was still in Brooklyn, I had a $3000 rent check due in 2 weeks, and I didn't have the money to pay it. And yet, you find a way. I was able to secure an investor and pay my rent on time.
Being an entrepreneur means riding a rollercoaster. One day in December, we're celebrating because an angel investor told us he wanted to put in $200,000. Over the following weeks, we agree to a price and terms, and then he pulls out. From what Chris Dixon writes, this is more common than it should be. In the end, though, I think it was the best thing that could have happened to us.
Being an entrepreneur means compromise. Having no money means you can't buy what you want, go out to eat whenever you want, travel wherever you want. But in return, you get to create something meaningful, be your own boss, and love what you do.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Jana Kleitsch said,
February 18, 2010 @ 2:26 pm
As a wife of an entrepreneur, have your fiance know she can talk to me any time! I’m happy to be a support group. I’d much rather live with someone living out their dream than someone slugging along at a boring corporate job though so it is all worth the pain that comes along with it all. Good for you Dave!
dlifson said,
February 19, 2010 @ 10:01 am
Wow, thanks Jana! That’s really generous and sweet of you.
sara girlscantell said,
March 23, 2010 @ 12:19 pm
dave, yes!
so very yes.
working for myself has made me really rethink what’s important. i think most people underestimate how important loving what you do is.