Job and Business Opportunities: Are You Making the Right Choice?

Introduction

What if everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear? It’s a powerful, almost paralyzing question that strikes at the heart of every major life decision. When a good job or business opportunity presents itself, the stakes feel higher than ever. But how do you know if it’s truly what you want or just a mirage in the desert of your ambitions? Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the exhilarating and often terrifying world of career and business decision-making.

Personal Experience

What is it that we really want when it comes to having a better job or a successful business? Do we want to make more money? Do you want to be recognized? Do you want to feel important? Do we want to provide more comfort for our loved ones? Do you want to help more people and provide more opportunities for individuals in our communities? The list of reasons can go on and on. But for many of us, if we are honest, what we really want and we are looking for is time. For me, when I first started creating and growing businesses it was everything about the money. I knew that the only way that I could make as much money as I wanted and do it in the time frame that I wanted was through having my own business.

I never deviated from that. That was my only goal, making money. Now that I am older, and I like to believe wiser, my priorities have changed a lot. Some of my desires are still the same. For example, I still would like to be able at some point, to build my own customized and personalized home. But if I never get to do it and have it, I am ok with that. Is not a do-or-die situation like it was many years ago. One major thing that changed in my life is that making money is no longer my number one priority. I don’t make decisions driven or influenced by money anymore. Now my top priorities are time and purpose. Not that money is not important, but is not and it will never be as important as time, and the purpose in life.

I have compromised who I really am for a very long time. I have compromised my values and deviated from what God called me to do and be for a very long time. But not anymore. I am trying to put my priorities in order and try to make better decisions when it comes to businesses and job opportunities. I always had some type of business but at the current moment, I have a job due to the season that I am in right now which is going through my second bankruptcy. Things have been interesting to say at least. It has been a huge adjustment working for someone else after not having a boss for so long. But it has been a great opportunity that has taught me humility for sure.

These last 5 months or so have been painful and very frustrating. Making less than 30% of what I was making in my previous job; having a schedule that makes me work 6 days a week, and on top of that I have to commute 4 hours every day to go to work and then come home. So you can imagine that it has not been easy. But overall I am thankful because I believe that God is teaching something. Other than the humility and depending on Him instead of my own strength, and wisdom I am not sure. But even if He is teaching me only those things, it has been a great class, I just hope that I can pass it. And I know that He has blessed me with a lot more than just the teachings. One major and perhaps the most important thing is that I get to get home every day and see my wife and kids every day when before I only spend weekends at home due to my previous job. But sometimes it is easier to complain and focus on the negative instead of the positive.

Recently I had a conversation with my boss where he shared that they will be expanding the business and that they will be opening a new location very soon. And that he would like to train me so I can become sort of a general manager for the new location. This opportunity will come with a hefty pay increase and a lot of responsibilities. The way that he presented to me was like the opportunity of a lifetime because the offer also included making a percentage of the revenues of the location. So if the business grows, so will my income. For many, this will be a dream come through. For me, I am not sure.

I hope that my boss doesn’t come across this blog any time soon because I don’t want him to be disappointed with me and fire me because I need my current job for the moment 😅. But the truth is that I don’t really want the new job offer. All of this should be scheduled to happen within the next six months or so and a lot of things can happen in six months. Heck, maybe the opportunity never comes, but for now, it looks like it is mine if I want it. And I don’t want it. You see if I only analyze and concentrate on the money and financial stability that this opportunity is going to bring to me and my family, it is a no-brainer. I have and will say yes to this job offer.

But when I look a little dipper, I quickly realize that is not as pretty as it may look. Again, the money will be great but what would I have to give in return for that money? If I am working 6 days a week right now, between 12 to 14 hours a day, counting commute time. Can you imagine how many days and hours will I be working as a salaried general manager starting, growing, and managing a new location? In other words, starting, growing, and managing a business that is not truly mine. I am not sure that this trade makes sense. I don’t think that it is worth it.

In order to receive you always have to give. Unless you are talking about the Grace of God. That is the only thing that we get as a gift without asking anything from us. But other than that, there is no such thing as a free meal the saying says. We don’t have anything material when we come to this world and can’t take anything material neither when we leave this world. And I do believe that we should leave a good inheritance to our children. I just don’t believe that inheritance should be only money and material positions. How about good values? How about good memories? How about good teachings about how to be a good follower of Christ? How about a good example of how to be a good Husband? How about being a role model and showing them how to be a good citizen?

To me, some of the opportunities that I had in the past have been just distractions and their purpose has been only distracting me from what God has called me to be and do. I have gone into business that I have not business doing. I have also taken job offers that I should have not taken. And just because all that I analyzed was the money factor. And 100% of those times, I did make good money, or at least more than I had. But 100% of those times either I lost it all or I ended up disappointed and unfulfilled. Feeling empty and feeling that I was just wasting my time doing something that I should not have been doing.

So before you say yes to that big “opportunity” that is in front of you; that seems like is going to solve all your problems. And it looks like is the answer to your prayers; take your time to analyze it properly. See if it aligns with your values. If it aligns with what you are passionate about. If it aligns with what you are good at. If it aligns with your purpose. Whether or not it will bring more than just money to your life. Because trust me, money is not everything. It is good to have it but is not the most important thing. If you are married with kids, make sure that your spouse and children are on board with this decision. Because they too will be paying the consequences of your decision. Whether those consequences are good or bad, they will be impacted and affected by them. Ask God for wisdom and He will give it to you. Don’t rush into things just because they look pretty from afar. You could and will be disappointed when you get close to it.

The Data: Facts and Figures

Understanding the broader landscape can help frame your decision-making process. According to a Gallup poll, 85% of people worldwide are not engaged or are actively disengaged in their jobs. This statistic is staggering and underscores the importance of aligning career choices with personal values and goals. Furthermore, a study by the Harvard Business Review found that employees who find meaning in their work are 93% more engaged.

The Problem: Deciphering True Desires

Problem 1: External Pressure Many people face immense pressure from family, friends, and society to pursue traditional definitions of success. This pressure can cloud judgment and lead to choices that are not genuinely aligned with personal desires.

Problem 2: Fear of the Unknown Fear of failure or making the wrong choice can be paralyzing. This fear often stems from a lack of self-awareness or confidence in one’s abilities.

Problem 3: Lack of Information Making informed decisions requires thorough research and understanding of the opportunities at hand. Many people make hasty decisions without fully exploring their options.

The Solution: Practical Steps to Clarity

Step 1: Self-Reflection Start with a deep self-reflection. Ask yourself what you truly value and what your long-term goals are. Journaling can be a powerful tool for this process. Write down your passions, strengths, and the kind of lifestyle you envision for yourself.

Step 2: Research and Inform Gather as much information as possible about the opportunity. This includes understanding the company’s culture, the industry’s future, and the specifics of the role or business venture. Websites like Glassdoor and industry reports can provide valuable insights.

Step 3: Seek Mentorship Talk to people who have been in similar situations. Mentors can provide a wealth of knowledge and perspective that you might not have considered. They can also help you weigh the pros and cons based on their experiences.

Step 4: Risk Assessment Evaluate the risks involved. What are the potential downsides, and are you prepared to handle them? This includes financial risks, time investment, and the impact on your personal life.

Step 5: Pilot Testing If possible, try to test the waters before fully committing. This could mean taking on a part-time role, freelancing, or starting your business as a side hustle. This approach allows you to gain firsthand experience without fully diving in.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to take a job or business opportunity is one of the most significant choices you’ll make in life. By reflecting on your true desires, conducting thorough research, seeking mentorship, assessing risks, and testing the waters, you can make a decision that aligns with your values and long-term goals. Remember, it’s not just about seizing an opportunity but ensuring it’s the right one for you.