Question
This is not a naive, general question, at least I hope it's not.
I've been passionate about entrepreneurship, especially products and services, since almost 5 years. I have been thinking about different ideas that ranged from web apps to mobile applications and SaaS ideas.
I guess all of these ideas sounded great to me and some of my friends, but I have never actually worked on them. I'd rather do something else, like learning general business skills or working on side projects for the purpose of gaining experience and promoting my personal brand.
Last week, I've been offered a job. It will be a daunting one but it will pay off well. I will relocate from my hometown and work in a friendly environments. I said yes, and decided to relocate and organize my time between my regular job and the side online projects I'm working on.
Until today.
I was randomly daydreaming and checking the ceiling, when it suddenly hit me: a million-dollar idea. No, actually a billion-dollar idea. This doesn't mean I'm 100% sure of its success, but I was so excited about it to the extent that:
1) It gave me goosebumps.
2) It made me visualize the startup's mission and impact on people.
3) Possibility of my potential product's failure scared me, but it made me very determined to pursue it and see for myself.
4) It made me smile.
So, in order to begin working on it, I have to learn web development and develop a prototype, as well as gaining advanced business knowledge and experience. Unfortunately, I won't be able to work on my idea and stick to a 9 to 5 job. I'm afraid I'll lose the vision I have when time passes by without working on it.
I'm confused. Can you awesome people help me find the right person to consult and gain solid advice from? I trust Clarity!
Answer
After 5 years of being "passionate about entrepreneurship" and coming up with many ideas, you admit that you have "never actually worked on them".
That says a lot.
Now that you've been offered a promising job that requires you to leave your hometown, the latest and greatest idea comes along. Sounds to me like a case of cold feet.
Listen, you've been daydreaming for years. But when did you ever buckle down and work at your daydream?
Take the job. Concentrate on learning to WORK. That seems to be something you're missing about entrepreneurship.
I understand your concern about not being "able to work on [your] idea and stick to a 9 to 5 job". But that concern is probably unfounded.
An 8-hour job leaves 4-8 hours each day for work you're "passionate" about. Plus you have weekends. Pursue your startup idea then.
My guess is that you'll lose your enthusiasm for this new idea after a single Saturday of actual extra work. Then again, you might prove me wrong and pursue your idea as a side project using your time off.
Honestly, though, it sounds to me like you're using this novel daydream as an excuse to avoid the work involved in relocating for that 9 to 5 job.
Take the job! If you're still passionate about this idea in a month or 2, then you'll see for yourself whether you work on it in your spare time. The proof is in the pudding.
There's nothing wrong with relaxing and enjoying a good daydream. You're not obliged to follow them. But don't let a daydream hold you back!
