SUBSCRIBE| <<prev 2008-06-23 next>> This is now my 3rd week of working for myself and I've noticed some interesting things happen. There is a subtle ever present stress that people have when they have normal jobs as an employee especially in the software industry where most people are salaried [they get paid the same amount of money no matter how much they work; this is a common way for companies to exploit their workers without paying them for it... but that's another blog altogether]. I noticed last week that my face looked somehow younger and I began to analyze why. It was then that I noticed that something that had been there for so long that I had totally not noticed anymore had disappeared: bags under my eyes from not sleeping well. It was then that I realized that I had been sleeping extraordinarily well lately; after just 6 hours of sleep I feel totally refreshed but I stay in bed longer just because I can (aside from that I just like cuddling my fiancee). Also I have just felt very carefree lately about everything. I used to be very careful about always being on time and rushing around from place to place to maximize my efficiency. Upon reflection this was because I never felt like I had enough time to myself. Now I have all the time in the world to myself and it feels good. I even stop completely before making a right on red now, something I never did before and had received $400 traffic tickets for (fucking Mountain View is full of traffic cops because they have nothing better to do but I digress). Don't get me wrong, there are stressors with owning your own company but they are entirely different from being an employee. I have to worry about networking, making contracts and deals with other people and if anything goes wrong it is entirely my responsibility to fix it. All in all though, the relief of the aforementioned stressors by far trumps the new stressors on me. Another thing I did not expect is how regular my schedule is. I had this idea before I started my company that I would be working all sorts of crazy hours randomly throughout the day and night. This did not happen; I wake up around 7 or 8 and work until about 6 taking a number of breaks and/or moving work locations to get a change of scenery during the day. Maybe I'm just entrained from the years of working as an employee but it is nice to have regularity in your schedule. It helps me separate work and play. |
As someone who is gearing up to go independent in 3 weeks from now ( 18 july, counting the days), I find your blog refreshing and inspirational. I think I'll stick around to see what else you discover while starting up. Way to go!
Keep writing,
Wim
I am starting my own thing at August 1st. Like Wim, I am also counting the days, and your blog is like a "Red Bull" for entrepreneurs. I am convinced that I will enjoy my freedom like you do, although, I know that with great power comes responsibility :) Keep on blogging and have fun
Cheers,
Heli
Good for you. I have my own company jamiedobson.co.uk and I sometimes work silly hours, but mainly I am sensible. But, even working daft hours does not bother me because it's all for me. It's a choice.
Well done. Enjoy - you will have hard times, no doubt, but they are by choice too.
Jamie Dobson