what would steve jobs do?

[AASAVAR]

Hello my fellow young Entrepreneurs,

My name is Andre I have a problem and I need help to make a decision. I always ask myself, "what would steve jobs do?" in this sort of situation- however I find myself grappling with the answer.

Problem:

I am 22 and about to graduate University. During my college career I created a small business based off a 50k investment. To be frank the business flopped- while the planning and execution was precise, I misread the market. Since my company flopped i sold it off and made back half of my total investment leaving me in the hole around 18k- with student loan officers drooling at the mouth to start collecting my student debt. SO lets say im 20k in debt.

I am currently working on a new business- an internet startup that has amazing potential to attract a huge audience and collect an extremely lucrative cash flow. Its my baby- for the last 3 months i have spent days, methodically planning/brainstorming/and critiquing it- i have been given the opportunity to tell a select few about it- and everyone who hears it, loves it.

Last week I was offered a 6 figure job, the moment i graduate from college.

I like the money more than i need money. I can survive the next year pursing my website by living with my girlfriend and waiting tables at night giving me earning power to allow me to pursue my website during the day.

However, working the job for a year would allow me to delete all my debt and save and in a years time i would be more financially suited to pursue my business- but we all know how unpredictable life is and ANYTHING can happen at ANY moment.

Do I pursue my business, do I take a risk on what i want in what i believe in or do i play it safe?

Thoughts?

[DigitalPalette]

Pay off your debt if your looking for others to invest in your website. I would say take the 6 figure job and try to work on the website even a minimal amount of time while saving to be able to be on your own two feet for a while. Your girlfriend may be there now but things change, your in the position to get a high paying job while many in this country can't even get a minimum wage job.

Good luck. I do wonder why Steve Jobs, out of all entrepreneurs, is your idol however.

[AASAVAR]

thanks for the advice!
Steve Jobs is my idol for the simple fact that he is a strong believer of one pursuing their dreams, regardless of the uphill battle that may ensure. Always persevere, always push forward, keep your chin up- would not say he is my idol (that job title is for RON PAUL) however I respect the man greatly. Thanks again

[topherkhon]

Great stuff! Thanks for sharing the useful information.

[atownag]

I agree with DP. Debt is an awful entity that most people have come to accept, but not many of those people understand the consequences. It may be very tough to do both the job and pursue your dream, but if your passion is there, it will fuel your dream. Also, props for the Ron Paul comment.

[jrockfl]

I think your entire post is made up, it does not make any sense.

[shirtaholic]

Well Aasavar,
The way I see it, you need to find your destination/direction first. Is it money you are looking and opting for in life? cuz in ur post you said it. If thats so, then definitely go for the six figure job.
Otherwise,
why do you want to step into entrepreneurship? is it not for money but for the reason that you want to own something? Well in this case you should still take the job and run this company by hiring employees alongside your job.
Or do you want to do it for the sake of starting something from scratch and see it grow and build? in this case, I would suggest you dont join the job (provided you dont love money more than this passion)
feedback is always welcome on my views

[daveb1]

Hi AASAVAR,

I would take the job and work on your business on the side. Money is very powerful tool so the more you have the more you can accomplish in a lot of cases. A 100k is a fair amount and should help you provide a great deal of capital to your future personal business dreams. Worst case scenario is you hate the job, learn a lot about the work environment, make some money and leave after 6 months - year. I think this is the classic case of "1 bird in the hand is better then 2 in the bush". Keep us updated on what you decide to do and how it turns out.