I’ve done both… I tried to have a genuine business in my early 20′s, but at the time I had very few personal contacts who I could get excited about my product (and as it was a pyramid-type of thing, there were too many other people already selling the same types of products). It ended up going bust and not working. I think, had I done it in my childhood hometown, I may have had better success, as I would have known more people who could have spread the word about my business… but at the time I was a good halfway across the country and my best contacts were coworkers at my various temp jobs, and my best friend and her family.

In a way now, in my late 20′s, I kind of still am an entrepreneur… as I control what time I start and finish my day for my business as an independent contractor. Though I also have a full-time job. While I love having my own business… I get up when I want, I don’t fight anyone over what is on the radio while I’m working, I can take a break when I want to and I don’t have to work around anyone else’s schedule, and my customers are pretty much fine with me not meeting a set deadline… I know I need a bit of structure in my life in order to be sane.

It’s the full-time job which has molded me best… as I’m around other people. I occasionally have a run-in with a coworker or my boss over an issue, but generally we can reach an agreement once we have voiced our grievances. I usually don’t have that kind of personal contact with my customers or the overseeing company, in terms of my business, unless a message is left for me in terms of a personal note.

I think if I worked entirely on my own, I would still be lacking in some one-on-one personal skills. Working with a team helps to remind me that I have deadlines to meet, and I am also reminded of others’ needs. I think having the business alone would accidentally put me inside of my own little bubble… and that’s no way to live your life.