Will a Good Employee Be a Good Owner?

Hi,

I’ve spent the last two years at a job that I really don’t like, but I haven’t left yet because I’m not sure what to do next. My first job (while I was in kollel) was helping fundraise for a local organization. That turned into a full-time job, where I was eventually earning 90K. I’ve been recruited to a number of new ventures since then in construction-related fields. My current position is operations manager.

Every time I join a new business, I’m the one who builds it up, makes it profitable, and am the brains behind the success. Because of that, part of me thinks I should go out and start my own business. What stops me though (besides that I don’t know where I’d get the money to get started) is that I’ve gone through a number of bouts of depression over the years. There are some days and weeks where I’m completely “off.” The rest of the time, I’m the most productive guy on the team. I also don’t know if I’d be good at it — just because I’m a good employee, does that mean I’ll make a good owner?

An employee (for now)

This is a Great question.

I think at least 80% of the population walks around wondering if they should start their own business (or maybe it’s just my clients?). It sounds like you’ve been pondering this question for a while, and there are good reasons in both directions that must be confusing you to no end!

There are huge differences between being a successful employee and being a successful business owner. First, the boring details: your financial reality. Unless you have a solid investor, a spouse whose income is enough to depend on, or simply enjoy living on the edge, experts say to first put away money to cover at least 6–12 months of your expenses.