Can you still have "free time" and be an 27 y/o entrepreneur?

[CAL]

Hello All,

I am 27 years old and want to become a full time entrepreneur either this year or next. My struggle is not really with the financial risk but the thought that I would have to give up everything (e.g. friends, family) for a long time.

I am completely aware of the fact that I will have to work a lot but I am very passionate about my business so that will not be a problem. I am so worried, however, that I will look back when I am 50 and think "man, all I did in my 20's was work and did not have much of a social life".

I am curious to see how other young entrepreneurs deal with it and to see if it is not as big of a deal as I am making it out to be.

Thanks, Cal

[andrewrichardgale]

i think its sad your 27 and still that concerned about your social life, im 19 and partyd probably harder than you ever had, last night we were at a warehouse party hosted by cops for there birthday. ive been to vegas with the top hairstylist and had the owner of joshua christopher salon drop over 10grand in a weekend staying in the sickest suites, buying hundred dollar drinks for everyone, best clubs he paid the bouncers to get me in

anyway, have you ever had a serious girlfriend? how much of your social life do you have then?

it all comes down to how do you want to see yourself? rich with freedom, or so concernd about your social life your going to be a bum the rest of your life

[CAL]

haha... thanks for that reply. I am really interested in hearing if this is a concern of other young entrepreneurs and if so how do you handle it.

[zharlene]

I believe it's possible to find that balance. I hangout with friends every other week...which is also really good for networking (i.e. either I meet a potential customer, or my friends/family introduces me to someone they know who might need my services).

[some_dude]

interesting thread...i made a similar post today regarding this same issue as well as the financial risk issue.

For me, the social issue is not as hard as the financial risk. I try and stay as socially active as i possibly can, hit a bar here and there, sports leagues...but there is a rather large margin from my social life before starting my own shop, and after.

In my case a lot of people don't understand what it takes and the raw dedication you have to posses to do your own thing, but I think you can find a balance. By no means do you have to "give up everything" but keep in mind that there are sacrifices your going to have to make...

[gowriter]

It is important that you have a balance between the two. Your business does demand a lot of work, especially when you're starting off, but be sure not to neglect your friends and family members. Give them time as well. I know. I know it's rather addicting when you are working on something you are passionate about. You read as much as you can, you do as much as you can, all of it's both frustrating and fascinating. But you do it because you love it. And that's fantastic.

But...

Your friends and family need you to. You decide what that work life balance is.

[cdeneire]

Create a business that attracts and involves you being in social interactions.

Don't let posters who "party hard" and clean for a living distract you of your goals. You can do anything at any age..

[BC SEO Guy]

"I am 27 years old and want to become a full time entrepreneur either this year or next. My struggle is not really with the financial risk but the thought that I would have to give up everything (e.g. friends, family) for a long time."

Where did you read that this is what is going to happen?

Being a full time entrepeneur means you set your own hours etc. Most people will work hard for the first 3yrs until they are making a decent amount of money per month then ease off and enjoy life - plus you can hire people to do a lot of the tasks that take your time.

[matt_15]

I'm 15, and I think the way to balance work and fun is to make your work more fun.

[BC SEO Guy]

well here is the thing... once you have made $10k/mth for years on end you will realize that money does not buy you happiness. I found out that way. Now I am working on a feature film - as I have realized I have a passion for film etc - plus I am experienced at selling investments.

So the best advice I have for young entrepneurs is to figure out what you like to do - in other words if you had $100mil in the bank what would you do all day - then turn that into a profession or business.

Sounds corny and old and most people say - forget that! if I was making $10k/mth I would be so happy!.... but it's true - those of you on the other side of the fence can agree with me I'm sure

[matt_15]

Don't let posters who "party hard" and clean for a living distract you of your goals. You can do anything at any age..

brilliant.. :-)

[robousy]

Hey BC Search Engine Optimization Guy,

I just read a post of yours where you mentioned that you are working on a film.

I'm finishing up a PhD in particle physics, but then hope to devote time to entrepreneurial activities, and I have to admit I occasionally day-dream about making films.

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of films are you interested in?

Also, if you have any interest in the SF genre are you looking for scripts? I have a 15'000 word novella that I think would translate very well into film.

[BC SEO Guy]

Hey BC Search Engine Optimization Guy,

I just read a post of yours where you mentioned that you are working on a film.

I'm finishing up a PhD in particle physics, but then hope to devote time to entrepreneurial activities, and I have to admit I occasionally day-dream about making films.

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of films are you interested in?

Also, if you have any interest in the SF genre are you looking for scripts? I have a 15'000 word novella that I think would translate very well into film.

Hi Robousy... dang this long name I just put BC S E O Guy but it spells out the acronym oh well

SF is my favorite genre. I currently have a script being written by a writer here in BC Canada. However, there is no guarantee what he writes will ever translate into a movie so I am definitely open to looking at scripts - might be perfect timing.

Why don't we take this conversation to email. Drop me a line at bcbreeze at live dot ca and we can take it from there. Do you use msn?

[wjhon53245]

I am curious to see how other young entrepreneurs deal with it and to see if it is not as big of a deal as I am making it out to be.

Thanks