A Guide Inspired by My Personal Journey
Almost every single mother dreams of being their own boss, but few comprehend the grit, determination, and self-belief it requires. Inspired by my unique journey, this guide offers an exploration of how to be your own boss in 2024, with each step outlined deliberately for your understanding.
Step 1: Discover Your Passion
Your business should not only meet a market need, but it should also align with something you’re passionate about. Remember, the road to being your own boss is tough, and it’s your passion that will keep you motivated during challenging times.
Before motherhood chose me, my heart was set on aiding teenage girls victimized by abuse and neglect. I wanted to guide them, be their confidante, and above all, a figure of trust. For a brief period, I was able to do just that. But the sad reality of life is that passion doesn’t always pay the bills. Juggling two full-time jobs left me physically and emotionally exhausted, and worst of all, it stole precious moments with my daughter. So, I made the hard choice of trading my joy for financial security.
As the years rolled by, I encountered adult versions of those young girls I wanted to help. Women who carried the deep scars of childhood abuse and neglect, and who found themselves in dire straits. Many leaned on me for advice, and some even saw their own stories reflected in mine. They would often ask me, “How did you do it?” The secret, I told them, was perseverance and resilience.
Step 2: Acquire the Necessary Skills
Equip yourself with the skills needed for your chosen field. The internet is a goldmine of resources, providing countless opportunities for you to learn and grow. From books to online courses, make the most of these avenues to enhance your knowledge.
This is why I firmly believe that single mothers should harness their skills to become their own bosses. By doing so, they can dictate their own hours, decide their own pay, and most importantly, be there for their children. Worried about not having a skill that can earn you a living wage? Fear not, for the internet is abound with resources to help you learn. And even before the advent of online education, libraries were my sanctuary, their books and workshops were my teachers.
Step 3: Invest in Yourself
Don’t shy away from investing in your personal and professional growth. Whether it’s attending workshops, hiring a coach, or buying books, these investments will pay off in the long run.
Over the years, I’ve invested heavily in myself, acquiring new skills through books, training, coaching, and yes, even through the myriad jobs I’ve held over the last two decades. The amount I’ve spent on coaching could probably cover the tuition for a four-year business degree at a state university. But every penny was worth it, and I don’t intend to stop learning anytime soon.
Step 4: Plan Your Business
Meticulous planning is the backbone of any successful business. Understand your market, identify your target audience, and plan your marketing strategies. A well-structured business plan also helps in securing funding, if necessary.
After years of skill acquisition, it’s time to put them to use. I’m now offering a service to help single mothers launch their own businesses, leading them on the path of self-employment. This year-long program, a fusion of group and one-on-one coaching, is designed to guide you every step of the way as you launch your business. There is a small monthly fee for the program, with a discount offered for those who commit to the full year upfront. So come on, let’s embark on this journey together.
Step 5: Execute Your Plan
This is where the rubber meets the road. Start executing your plan and be prepared to face obstacles. Remember, failure is not a sign of defeat but a stepping-stone to success.
Step 6: Stay Resilient and Adapt
Running your own business will test your limits. You’ll need to stay resilient, adapt to challenges, and always be ready to learn from your mistakes.
The moment I discovered I was pregnant, I had barely crossed the threshold of adulthood, with my 18th birthday celebrations a mere six months past. “Motherhood, here I come!” I confidently proclaimed to my bathroom mirror, the pregnancy test with its unmistakable double line clutched in my hand. Little did I know back then, just how much truth the phrase “single mother” would hold for me. Sure, I had my moments of doubt, questioning my capability to go it alone, but my faith in my own latent mothering abilities never wavered. Looking back at my 18-year-old self now, I see a fearless young woman, ready to tackle any challenge head-on.
Fast-forward twenty years, the fearless spirit remains, though now mingled with a touch of apprehension when facing new challenges. And it’s not the prospect of something new that’s daunting, but rather the fear of the effort it would entail, the potential for disappointment if things go awry and the energy needed to change course when they inevitably sometimes do. My life has been one continuous battlefield, where my sole mission is to prove to the world that I am capable of anything. And people who know me, know that failure is not a deterrent for me, it’s merely a stepping stone to success.
Becoming your own boss is a journey filled with ups and downs, but with perseverance, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude, you can conquer any challenge that comes your way. Remember, the path to self-employment isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. Keep going, stay focused, and you will achieve your goal.
