So has anyone watched the new series ‘Girlboss' on Netflix? To be honest, I’ve heard mixed reviews from friends. Some have told me that it's a must watch, and others have said that it’s not really that great. Since, I’m the kinda girl who likes to make up her own mind, it’s likely I'll give it a whirl this weekend to see what all the fuss is about. And, if I like it -- binge watch the entire season.
There is definitely an allure to being a girlboss. The idea of being able to call the shots looks super sexy, and very appealing. But, the reality of being your own boss is quite the opposite. Unless of course you're Sophia Amoruso (creator of #girlboss).
Maybe you dream of following your passion, becoming your own boss. You may be wondering what life looks like on the other side of 9 - 5. So let me draw the curtain back, and let you in on a little secret. It’s pure hustle, girl. Becoming your own boss is not something for the faint of heart. It’s a hell of a lotta work, with little return at the beginning.
Sure you get to make your own schedule, but then you have to stay accountable to it. Yes, you get to have lunch with friends, but then you lose all productivity for the rest of the day. Becoming your own boss is ‘adulting’ in it’s purest form.
Women tell me all the time that they're ready to quit their day job and pursue their dream. It seems all bright and shiny from the outside, but when you get to the heart of working for yourself; it’s important to be armed with all the facts. And, I’m going to give them to you.
Here are a few key questions to ask yourself before taking the plunge.
1) Do you have a good support system?
Being your own boss is hard. And, can be isolating. But, if you have the right people around you, it is manageable. Your success will largely be related to who you surround yourself with. So, it’s a great idea to join a mastermind, get a coach, or start working in community workspace.
2) What does your saving account look like?
No matter how you plan financially, there will always be things that come up unexpectedly. It doesn’t take long to blow through your savings account when you are starting out. So come up with a solid plan and then stick to it. You may have to pick up a side hustle, and there ain’t nothing wrong with that.
3) Do you have what it takes?
Rolls eyes. Of course you think you do. Doesn’t everyone? The moment you step into your passion, is the very instant you realize that you're ill-equipped to handle the responsibility that comes along with it. Even if you do have confidence now, you'll have to fight to sustain it. Get scrappy.
4) Are you ready for the fight of your life?
The not so glamorous side of being a hustler comes with physical pain and emotional heartbreak. It’s not easy to push past those things, but you are going to have to if you want a breakthrough. It’s long hours hunched over a computer or stuck in a dark studio. Emotionally the toll can be hard on the best of them — fight for what you want.
5) Is your mind right?
This is paramount. I can’t say this enough. What you believe about yourself will make or break you! It’s mind over matter. Being the best at what you do will come at a price, and there will always be someone better, stronger, and smarter. You will face unimaginable obstacles. Most of them will be in your mind, so be fiercely determined to move past them and believe for your success.
So, if you’ve gotten this far, you just may be ready to take on your dream. Before you do anything crazy, get honest with yourself about what it’s going to take to really pursue your passion. You're the one in the drivers seat, so be strategic about where you want to go. I’d love to say that becoming your own boss is the best thing you’ll ever do, but I’d be lying. It’s the gutsiest thing you’ll ever do — and only the best survive.
Cheers to all the kick ass girlboss’!
