A few months ago, my sister came up with an amazing idea for a business and I was immediately on board. I jumped in right away and for the past 5 months I've been working to get it up and running.
I still think it's a great idea and I want to continue with it, however, I'm concerned because my sister and I are very different and have different goals career-wise. I'm afraid to attach myself to her too much and abandon my career path and what I want to do, even though I'm really passionate about this business.
My sister is a nurse and she does not like it at all. She sees herself completely leaving the nursing field and doing this business 100%. I however, like my career and I want to do both. I'm 24 and my sister is 31. We are at different stages in our lives. I still want to have my own professional identity. What should I do?
Be honest with her.
Tell her your concerns now, and ask that she give you the same courtesy.
The unique skills that you each bring to the table and the passion you both have is what can make the business successful - but only if you can communicate.
If you aren't willing to commit 100% right now, then tell her what you are willing to give - I'm sure she'll appreciate whatever you can give her, including your support.
First of all, congratulations on being able to be honest with yourself. I study Family Business dynamics and the challenge with them is the larger they get, the smaller and more stifled one feels - a bit of a paradox.
As you may know, vision is everything for a business. One person may have wanted to persist with Apple as a Computer company, but now they are a technology company. Two entirely different realities.
This makes our first choice clear:
we do not want a major role in this business.
That takes us to our second choice - would we let it go completely? This depends on the following:
How likely is our individual success?
What would happen after we left?
Would the business survive?
What would happen to our relationship with our sibling?
If you'd like a further discussion on a call, we can talk about the a) validity of your personal career choice b) the line of conversation to have with your sister and c) the exact role you should carve out within the joint business for yourself.
Can you do both? That seems like the key question for you.
Based on my own experience, I would say: Yes. You can do both. You can set SMART goals for your business and your career and have both. Entrepreneurship has transformed my career and gives me the vision that my corp colleagues don't have.
The next question would be: are you biz goals in alignment with your sister's? An authentic communication will take you to mutual understanding and you might reach an agreement that suits you both.
Good luck and call if you want to talk more.
My mom gave me some sage advice when I was young that still holds true in every part of my life: Start out the way you plan on holding out. I didn't fully understand it at the time, but the older I get, the more it rings true. You must come to the table as you are from the start.
Support your sister's vision but not at the expense of your own. That's the only way you'll remain motivated and joyful throughout this transition. I would suggest you and your sister have a heart to heart where you negotiate the level of support you feel comfortable with. What I know is that the excitement you feel at the idea of the business will transition into the realities of running it. If you start out of the gate with the realities, you'll be the better at the end.
I would love to have a consultation with you, free of charge to help you navigate the ambivalence that you feel and to help you get more clarity. I truly believe you can approach this in a way that both she and you can get excited about. Contact me.
I will not suggest you abandon your sister in the middle of the corporate ocean, as entrepreneurship is not a bad idea, but determine first that is the career suitable for women? If you find it is not choosing your own career path as there is no point in wasting time here.
1. Entrepreneurship
For women who want a chance to do what they really love doing, who have always dreamed of starting their own business, entrepreneurship could be the perfect career. This would give you the flexibility to allocate time to your business and family as needed. This is also one of the biggest challenges you will ever take up in your life as every decision will rest on your shoulders.
2. IT
With IT companies starting up and mushrooming rapidly, it's little wonder that this field has become so popular among women. Young women can take up a career in the IT sector after earning a certificate or bachelor's degree in an applicable field, like computer science, informational technology, and cyber security.
3. Medicine
Whether you choose to be a pharmacist, a surgeon, or a nurse, a career in the medical field provides women with the ability to achieve career success and wealth. Plus, there's good job security.
4. Teaching
Teaching has always been considered one of the most women-friendly careers as it allows women to spend sufficient time with their families, de-stress, go on vacations, and balance home and work.
5. Human Resources
This field is perfect for women who have a penchant for working in the corporate world and interacting with people to solve organizational issues.
6. Psychology
A career in this field allows you to help those struggling to overcome many different personal and family problems.
7. Interior Design
A career in interior design is a great option for women who are creative, organized, and detail-oriented, who do not want a boring office job. As you develop your career as an interior designer, you also gain the flexibility to pick your clients and appointments and get paid immensely well.
8. Media
For women who are creative, good at communication, and love research, media is the place to be. Women today can achieve it all, from financial independence to a family, and from a progressive career to a great personal and social life.
Besides if you do have any questions give me a call: https://clarity.fm/joy-brotonath
