Do what you enjoy

This semester is coming to a close.  If I had to express one thing that I found to be most beneficial from what I learned it would be this, do what you enjoy.  Don't worry about money, it can't buy your happiness.  I would rather start a business doing what I have a passion for, then have another JOB doing something I can care less about.
Just a few days ago I was conducting an annual evaluation for one of my associates.  At the conclusion of the interview I asked her where she saw herself in five years, what did she want to do.  I ask this of everyone I evaluate.  Her response was a wake up call.  She said she wanted to go into journalism, but that her fiance discouraged her from this path because she "couldn't make enough money."  I wanted to scream (I didn't).  First, that is false, second you need to do what you find enjoyable.  Money can't buy your happiness, but a life full of enjoyable moments can.

Don't choose the wrong job

I think the best piece of advice I took away from this weeks lesson was this: don't choose the wrong job.  Alright, that was pretty vague.  What I mean is stop trying to impress someone, rather do what you enjoy, do what comes natural, and do what you have a passion for.  Many of us, if not most of us, get into a job or a career because we think it will help us progress.  Even those of us who are educated.  We immediately seek after that position that will be a shining mark on our resumes that we think will scream to future employers, "this guy's good, just look at the impressive job he landed fresh out of college, you'd be nuts not to hire him."  You get the job, and you hate it, but you think to yourself, "I just need to do this for x amount of years and I can move up to that next job/position."  And so the career of drudgery begins.
Instead of doing the "dance" for future employers (look how awesome I am), do what makes you happy.  You will immediately find report with those you work with, you'll be amazing at it because it won't feel like work, and the experience you gain can be used to launch your own business if you so choose.  So when you graduate with that Harvard business degree (you know who you are), perhaps investment banking really isn't a great idea after all.  Think about it.

Changing the World

Today's business model really isn't that much different than the one of yesterday.  Maximize profits!  That's really what most businesses are about.  How can I squeeze as much money out of the market possible.  Exercising this model can have great financial reward, but at what cost.  This is Cain's business model, and a lifetime of creating such a business can destroy us.  What's really important?  How can we make a change in the world?  We can easily move away from the business of Cain by moving towards the business of God.  The difference is Cain was in the business of himself, and God is in the business of others.  Jesus Christ is our master teacher.  He went about doing good, and serving others.  It is likely impossible for us to make a living without making money somehow, but we can consider what we can do to contribute to the world by putting the needs of others before our own.  Cain asked, "am I my brothers keeper?"  A question he knew the answer to, but merely asked to mock God.  Yes, you are, and yes you ought to be, "Let every man esteem his brother as himself."  A question we ought to ask ourselves in business is this, "how can I be someone who rescues, who have I rescued recently?"  By asking ourselves these questions we can become a person that really changes the world for the better.              

Balancing Your Life

Can entrepreneurs be effective at running their new business and have a life on the side?  It's complicated.  Well, not really.  It all depends on each individual situation, but the truth is starting a business can be very time consuming.  When you mix this with having a family, or other important pursuits (i.e. church service, or school), balancing your time can become difficult.  One important lesson to learn is keeping your priorities in check.  Make a list of what's most important to you, and keep to your priorities.  There will come a time when you have to decide between priorities.  Will you attend your son's soccer game, or meet an emergency business need that requires your attention.  Don't let lesser priorities take the place of more important ones.  Make time to attend to what is of most worth to you, and remember, if things aren't right at home, things can't be right at work.  Consider this when choosing the business you will start.  Try to pursue something both you and your spouse are excited about.  If you are starting a business you will need all the support you can get at home.  Your significant other will likely need to pick up the pieces if you are spending extra hours with your new business.  Will he or she be ok with this, will you be ok with this?  These are things you will need to consider and discuss with your spouse.  If you have older children you may consider including them in the conversation as well.