I think it's sad that society tells us to choose one career, do it, & do it well, retire, & then die. Choosing a career & mastering it is awesome! But why do we believe that it needs to be just one career & not multiple?
I fear that many people neglect their passions & forfeit their gifts & talents simply because they don't think they have enough time. I think, however, if they saw business as I see it, a simple thing, then they would be inspired to start pursuing their God-given passions today. For some reason it just feels impossible to try to get a micro-business off of the ground while having a full-time corporate job, & this is all because, in my opinion, people have a poor understanding of what business truly is. (see previous blog: Redefining Business)
It may also feel wrong to have multiple streams of income because we fear our attention will be too divided. However, many successful people will tell you that it's very wise to have multiple streams of income. Brilliant investors, like Warren Buffett advise people to diversify their investments.
I want to challenge you to do the same. Diversify your streams of income. Unfortunately, most people only have one stream of income. I believe this needs to change.
Think about it...what happens when your one stream runs dry? What will you do then? The reason investors diversify their investments is because they do not want to put all of their eggs in one basket. If one fails, you'll have another to fall back onto.
BUT HOW?
Suggestion: try to cut your...I don't know...TV time in half. Did you know that the average American spends 34 hours/week watching television? And yet, most of those same people I can guarantee you are complaining on how they never got a shot at pursuing their dream. Don't be this person. Change. Pursue your dream. If you have cut down on all of the unnecessary things in your life & still don't have time, ask your boss if you can take 5 hours off this week, so that you can devote more time to your project. As your project demands more time, ask for more time off. That may seem like a stretch, but if you can get your work done in 45 hours, instead of 50, maybe your boss would be willing to give you a shot.
All of this to say, please feel the freedom to have multiple irons in the fire at one time. It will keep you sharp & will probably actually make you even more effective at your full-time job, as pursuing any business venture teaches one to be more creative, analytical, & courageous.
Joel Widman
Owner
Anderson The Fish