Oops! I'm a Starter

I’m re-reading Rework, a great book for people like us. It’s a “slap you in the face” kind of book. I agree with most of it. Here is one of my favorite paragraphs:

There’s a new group of people out there starting businesses. They’re turning profits yet never think of themselves as entrepreneurs. A lot of them don’t even think of themselves as business owners. They are just doing what they love on their own terms and getting paid for it.  — Rework

Five years ago I left my job to become a full-time web developer. If I had known that the economy was going to tank 6 months later I never would have quit. I am so glad I left, though My wife and I have learned a lot about living without knowing if work was coming in or not.

It took me a few years to get into a rhythm. Partnering with Adam was critical. I honestly don’t think that a single person can sell services, manage projects, design and develop web sites. I prefer to develop; sales is not my strength. I do not have a degree in marketing, whereas Adam does. Adam didn’t originally write code, now he knows how.

Side note: Doing what you love to do and getting paid for it is awesome.  I really can’t believe how many people hate their job(s). I had one job I didn’t like. I knew I wouldn’t like it when I started (who likes delivering mattresses?), but you do what you have to do.  I have been able to do “computer stuff” and have gotten paid to do it since I was 16 (14 if you think about the computers I built for people).

Being a small startup was never my plan, but that is where I landed.  As a company, I don’t know where we will land, but at least I’m enjoying the ride.

photo credit: Expedition Ge Force via photopin (license)