My life consists of basically two identical roles as CEO. Which is a little funny because when I finally decided what I wanted to be when I grew up, it was that exact thing and then it accidently became a reality on both accounts. Now I play the role of CEO, as a mother and wife in my household and as Director/President of my company.
So which CEO position is harder? I can honestly say they are about equal. However, my role as CEO at the company umbrellas many other positions such as bookkeeper, purchasing, receiving, inventory control, scheduling, etc (I do all tasks being we are small). My role at home is identical... I am in charge of the finances, purchasing, scheduling. I have two employees at work, I have two small children at home. Managing people, money and time is what I do. The big difference, I do not have to answer to anyone else (other than my kids and hubby) at home whereas I have to answer to about 1200 with the company. Both positions entail thankless tasks and both have their rewards.
So am I insane? Perhaps... for most it is a hard enough task to run one environment successfully... and here I am juggling two full time. How? I am not exactly sure, and sometimes I wonder if my head will explode. My motivation is essentially the fact that I was given an opportunity to be the mother of two and the ability and drive to manage a business venture that is thus far successful. Do I ever want to pack it in? Absolutely! But then something good happens and the motivation remains and I trudge along.
Do I get paid for these jobs? Not monetarily. And no not from the company either, at this point, as the money is needed for growth. I receive my payment from both positions in the form of the odd thank you, pat on the back (hugs and I love you's at home) and knowing the job is done to the best of my ability. Just as a person watches their children grow up into decent human beings, I watch the company grow as well.
So if you are a mother and are thinking of starting a business here are some thoughts for you to help you make that decision. Running a business and running a household with small children is very much the same. You work long hours with fewer initial rewards than anticipated. The only time most people see what effort it takes is when the job is not completed to expectation. If you are dealing with customers, the odds are you will be dealing with tantrums at work as well (surprisingly there are quite a few adults out there that are not all that reasonable in their demands and thought patterns). So if you are up for a challenge, this is definitely one. And having someone to support you in all you do, is a must. My hubby is away a lot, but when he is here, he helps out immensely. This is a must and without his help, I wouldn't be able to get done what I do get accomplished. Other friends and family are also key. Make sure you have a support network that will aid in times of need. Business, like children, waits for nobody. You are either involved, or you are not, there is very little grey area and room for error. When an opportunity presents itself, you must take it as it may not present itself again. For the most part, depending on the type of business, you cannot pick your own schedule (one of the biggest myths out there)... customers and employees have an expectation that you will be available certain times. No different than children needing schedules, customers and employees do too. Don't get me wrong, there are rewards to it all otherwise people (including myself) would not do it everyday, but the hard work and effort required to run a business and family must carefully be planned out. The odds are you won't be a millionaire within a couple of years and perhaps it will take until your children take over the company (if they even do) before anyone actually reaps the rewards of the efforts put forth. And it takes money to make money... regardless of the initial cost, if the company experiences growth, the company will need capital, either in the form of loans, or your not receiving a pay cheque for even longer.
So is it worth it? To me it is, but to some, probably not.
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