Risky Business
What I’ve Learned After Building a Career Based on ‘No Risk, No Reward’
My first grownup job was technically a startup. I saw the posting for a new publication while interning for a national newspaper. I started as a copy editor and within a year experienced my first promotion.
I also experienced my first layoff.
My longest grownup job was another new project, launching a daily lifestyle show. I worked there for over a decade, experienced numerous promotions.
And got laid off a second time.
In both cases, these were calculated risks; new projects funded my major media corporations. But new projects, no matter how good they look on paper, always have a year or two (or three) of growing pains. That’s where the reward comes in. At least it did for me.
I’m of the “patchwork resume” generation. Even in high school in the 90’s teachers would brace us for a career jumping from job to job. I never expected to retire from the same company after 30+ years of service. Instead I approach each job as training ground for the next. I’ve become a skill shark; always moving, improving and learning new ways to create.
A new project, or startup of any kind, will start out thinking it’s one thing. But when that one thing falters, everyone will step back and unpack what works and what doesn’t. This creative rebuilding is how I’ve been able to test and learn new skills on the job.
Now I’m starting up my own startup. It’s frightening and exhilarating and is weaving together all the patches of my career so far.
- Find one stable thing. In between startups I’ve worked for more stable, established programs. There will always be news, which means there will always be news writers. These positions don’t have the same creative growth opportunities, but you need to start somewhere solid. Find something stable and part-time to cover your basic expenses while you build something else. Once the basics are covered you’ll have the freedom to explore and test out your startup.
- Keep and open mind. My past two startup experiences began as one thing and evolved into another. My consulting business is no different. Every new client consult, every new client idea starts with a moment of “I’ve never done this before” followed immediately by “but I know someone who has. Let me get advice from them”. And each time I cross that mental bridge, I find a new service to offer. I started this company in June and it’s already shaping into something different from how it began. I can’t wait to see what it looks like after a year.
- Know your ‘why’. It’s hard work. Anyone who tells you to start a business so you can work less or have more flexibility is only telling half the truth. But there’s a difference between working hard for a corporate goal than working hard for your own. Tap into why you believe in this one thing and hold on tight. This is your goal, your motivation and the one thing to keep you going when you’re running on fumes.
One new lesson I’m trying to learn is to take time off and celebrate small things. You only get one first client. You only get one first big contract. It’s true you need to keep track of what’s working, what isn’t working and how to grow your business. But don’t forget to stop and celebrate mini milestones when they happen.
It’s true there’s no risk without reward. But the rewards aren’t always money, free time and tons of followers. Sometimes the reward is the experience to support bigger and better risks.
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.
