Dear Pam,

I have been working at my job for over 15 years. It seems that the more I work the less I keep. I’m tired of living paycheck to paycheck and have been thinking about starting a business. The problem is I really don’t know what kind of business I can start. I’ve heard people say that you should start a business that you’re passionate about but I don’t know if I’m passionate about any one thing. I guess I really don’t know what to do!

Signed, Tired Of Being Broke

Dear Tired Of Being Broke,

I totally understand where you’re coming from! I was in your shoes not too long ago myself. I know how it feels to make just enough money to live on but barely enough to survive. I often get questions like yours from people who are sick and tired of being sick and tired but unfortunately, there’s no easy answer. Based on your question, more of your issue is the amount of money that you’re making or should I say not making. In my opinion, that’s not enough of a driving factor to start a business. The reason I say this is because during the first couple of years of your business, it may turn out that you make less money then you make now.

You have to have some internal drive that motivates you to start a company. It would also be extremely helpful to have a passion or at least a strong interest in the business you’re looking to start. As with anything that you want to do in life, if you do not have enough of a WHY, then it will become tedious and boring. I would hate for anyone to start a business purely for money without having the proper drive or motivation to launch it then sustain it.

My suggestion to you at this point is to do some serious soul searching. Determine if a business is indeed the route that you want to go or if perhaps you need to consider some other options. There are certain people who love to dance so they become dancers. There are certain people who love to cook so they become chefs. There are people who like to draw so they become architects. There are certain people who like a great challenge and want to excel so they become entrepreneurs.   

Being your own boss requires a lot of hard work and effort. It is not easy, you are not guaranteed to make money and like anything else you do in life, you must be committed. Take some time to really think about what it is you want to do then plan your next move. I wish you luck in your future endeavors, whatever they may be!

To Your Success!

Pam Lawhorne

Pam Lawhorne is a business strategist and marketing consultant with over a decade of experience in small business development, sales, marketing and management.

She empowers individuals with the skills that are necessary to successfully launch, expand or increase sales for their business.

For more information on starting your own business please order her new book “From Minimum Wage To Getting Paid - How To Become A Successful Entrepreneur With No Money, No Education Or No Experience!”

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