Today was the first day of school for my children. The first day of school is always a time of excitement and uncertainty. This year the uncertainty is even more prevalent for my children. As I have mentioned before I am a military spouse. Over the summer my family made a move from Colorado to Texas. As a military family transition is a regular part of our life, but that doesn't make it any easier, especially for my children. Today my oldest child was experiencing major anticipation. Not only did she start at a new school, in a new state, she also started high school! We all know how BIG of a deal that is. Then to start high school in a new place where she doesn't know anyone, that's MADNESS. However, when I picked her up from school today, she remarked, "it wasn't that bad."
Often times when we are in transition, whether it's from middle school to high school or from employee to boss, we expect the worse. I believe this largely comes from seeking the advice of others rather than just experiencing things for ourselves. I'm guilty of it too. Before making the move to El Paso, I asked one of my co-workers who had lived here before what she thought of it and she did not have anything positive to say. My response was: "Well I'm choosing to see nothing but rainbows and sunshine." I can remember when I was growing up hearing people say, "hope for the best, but prepare for the worst." Why do we only hope for the best? Shouldn't we work for the best? I mean, when we are preparing for the worse it means we are expecting the worse. So can we at least change that old saying slightly to say, "expect the best".
You see, for the past seven years the first day of school has been a time of anticipation and excitement as I prepared to welcome a new group of middle school students into my world. So, today was a little bittersweet for me as I have chosen to pursue my business full-time. As you launch your profitable side business you will eventually grow to a point where you will be left with the decision to either continue operating your business on the side or to become a full-time entrepreneur. I along with my family have decided it is time for me to play all out for my business. I love working with the kids hence my doubt, but I have had a void that needs to be filled. I will still work with youth through volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club and getting involved with other programs for youth in my community, so that I don't create another void by trying to fill another.
As you prepare to transition from employee to boss, there will be doubts that will surface. You will have to deal with each one as they occur, but when they come my advice to you is to, "expect the best." When you expect and prepare for the best, you will achieve the best.