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August 21, 2005

Diary of a Start-up

Diary of a Start-Up: Getting By

Posted by Nicole Chilton at 11:40 PM

Today I accepted a 2-day job with a local automotive parts business. Supposedly I'll be spending my day filing, but what I've found with temp jobs is that you never know what you're going to be doing. For example, my first temp job ever I was told I'd be sorting t-shirts for a marketing campaign. Turns out, I was working in a warehouse for 8 hours lifting 60-pound boxes...in business casual attire.

One of the reasons Dan and I decided to open our own business was because the concept of not working for someone else, or for something we didn't enjoy, seemed so ideal. What we didn't really consider was that not working at all is pretty scary.

When we moved from St. Louis to Springfield, MO to pursue our dreams, that meant quitting our well paid, 401K-earning, exceptional health insurance-provided jobs. Though we were both stuck in cubicles, our jobs offered stability and a very comfortable life. Now that we are concentrating all of our efforts on opening the theater, stability and comfort is a thing of the past.

To help make ends meet, we had an agreement that I would work as a temp while Dan worked on everything related to the theater. When I am in between jobs, then I could help out with whatever task needed to be done.

At the beginning this worked out well. My first big assignment was for six weeks, and even though I dreaded the actual job (I was a collection agent for a local hospital), the weekly paycheck was nice. In the eight months we've been working on opening the theater, I've had about 10 different positions, including substitute teaching and freelancing for my former employer in St. Louis.

The problem now is that we are in the stages where we both need to be working full time on the theater, but we also need to pay bills, eat, and feed our dog. Luckily, the temp agency I work for knows my situation, and when they have short-term jobs come in, I'm the first on their list to call. That works out well, but unfortunately, those one-day jobs usually pay the least, and are few and far in between.

By accepting this job for tomorrow, I've had to cancel two appointments and scramble tonight to get my administrative tasks done. Even then, most of those tasks will have to be postponed because they require making phone calls during business hours. I also feel guilty because accepting a temp job means a fairly easy day (unless, of course, it's substitute teaching), but Dan will be spending his time bolting theater chairs to the terrazzo floor of our auditorium.

I guess it's the price we pay to follow our dreams, though!

Diary of a Start-Up is a weekly blog written by Dan and Nicole Chilton, who are currently starting up an art-house theater in Springfield, Missouri. Dan has been chronicling their progress for more than a year at The Moxie Blog.

* 12 Comments

12 Comments

Posted by: Brian Dopp at August 22, 2005 04:32 PM

I know what you mean about splitting your work up between something that pays and something that will hopefully pay off. My wife and I have been working together in our business for 3 years now. At first she worked part time and I worked full time until we had so much working coming that she had to go full time with me.

Now however, we are back to the issue of whether one of us should work full time and the other at a better paying job. I have to admit, it is very scary not knowing where or when your next pay check will come from. I am at least glad to see that there are others out there in the same boat with me and are succeeding at doing what we have considered doing.

Posted by: Tom Keith at August 23, 2005 10:28 AM

It was interesting to read of your experience. I too am quickly approaching a flashpoint that, after 20+ years of local government service, will result in my undertaking a totally new and wholly entrepreneural venture. Yes, it's exciting and yes, it's scary. But as I have remarked to my partner, I'm really excited over the prospect of having something to be really excited about.

Posted by: Russell at August 23, 2005 01:40 PM

It's even harder when you are alone. I am single which means that I can not work two jobs since I am in the catalog business. I have to be by the phone all the time. I sideline on another business I have, but try to be in business and single at the same time. It can become a real chalenge real fast.

Posted by: Siddhartha V. Shah at August 23, 2005 05:17 PM

SO nice to hear of others in the same boat! I'm pursung building my business (dealing in sacred art) completely on my own and it took me leaving my former high-paying job as a gallery director to do this--so I wasn't "competing" in any way, to give it my full attention. And now my days are filled with more and more things to do, from morning until night...and all the while I wonder, "Where's my paycheck"!!! What I'm learning is that this really is about investing in my future, in MYSELF. And THAT takes hard work--to really believe you can do it and that you have it in you to succeed. But what other option is there? It's now or never! So GOOD LUCK!!

Posted by: Frank Papa at August 23, 2005 06:31 PM

You do what you have to do. In my experience, the business owners who are willing to do whatever it takes are the ones that are most likely to succeed. Money is tight for everybody these days, and starting a business can be expensive as hell. Too many business owners have an expectation that once they come up with the idea, that the money will come rolling in. It just isn't true. We're doing well (3 years of retail), but I'm certainly not able to relax yet. Those who "expect" to be able to pay people say, do their painting or expect to be able to get paid $x from their business simply don't have realistic expectations, and as such, are more likely to fail. Good job, and keep it up! There's really nothing better than passing out after a very long, hard day of work.

Posted by: Alison at August 25, 2005 01:28 AM

Congrats on doing your own business! I, too, have my own business and it is very scary sometimes. July was particularly scary, but things are finally starting to come around. I really think that everything just takes time. I really get a lot out of helping other business owners. We belong to a network of business owners, and we keep each other on track. I try to make contact with a few of them everyday.

Good luck, and take care!

Alison

Posted by: John Hinson at August 25, 2005 10:53 AM

Lets face it - this IS the reality. Ignore the daily onslaught of mouth watering stories heralding instant business success and millions in the pocket (my biggest challenge these days). The success of any venture comes from the passion and persistence of the founders. I applaud us all on our commitment to becoming employers instead of employees.

Stick with it - you will make it!

Posted by: Gary at August 25, 2005 05:33 PM

I took the plunge seven months ago...after 15 yrs. of corporate life and opened my own business. My wife was nervous at first and several of my friend expressed concern. After a ramp up period, I'm making more now than I had before and have A LOT more control over my earnings, career, & Time. Others have told me and its true, the best thing you can do is find time (even 2 minutes per day)network with other business owners. If your committed and provide exceptional product or service, you will succeed!.

Posted by: Uniform Chef at August 31, 2005 11:49 AM

Welcome to my world.

Posted by: Nicole at August 31, 2005 12:08 PM

I've enjoyed reading everyone's comments - it's fun to hear about how other people handle similar situations. Thanks for the positive reinforcement!

Posted by: Cindy at December 22, 2005 07:45 AM

hi i just like know if you could me some infor on how to start your own temp job service i been looking around for whil in it how do i get PPl to hire My ppl and get the jobs come to me so i can send out ppl that need jobs what best way to do this

Posted by: Kimi at December 24, 2006 04:53 PM

Very good project! http://autoinsurancequote.newoz.info >auto insurance quote low cost health insurance http://cheapcarinsurance.newoz.info >cheap car insurance

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