My Biggest Sacrifice as an Entrepreneur

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What’s the biggest sacrifice that you’ve

made to start your business? The members of Succeed: Small Business Network share 17 things they gave up to get ahead.

“Quality time with my four children and husband. In 16 years

as a business owner, I have never really mastered the art of

balancing work and family. I still struggle with the pros and

cons today.”

Carrie Goss

Owner, Advantage Billing Solutions

“I left my corporate job with a beautiful corner office

view to branch out on my own. It’s all about the

passion and doing what you love.”

Michael L. Russo

Strategic Leadership, Manufacturing and Operations Management

Karen Kerski

Owner, Catalpha Advertising & Design

“Financial (and mental) security. The two are almost

equal and vie for first place."

“My retirement money... it's a big leap of faith!”

Wendy Boston-Robinson

Event Planner/Decorator

“Almost all semblance of a social life. Pouring funds

into the business rather than other things.”

Rachael Saltzman

Freelance Photographer at Cohn & Wolfe

“I think the biggest sacrifice (since I don't have a family of my own or

significant savings yet) has been my sense of security and that

feeling of making my parents proud of me by getting a corporate job.

My mom did recently tell me she is proud of me for taking the risk to

start my business, and that meant the world to me!”

Kelly Rates

Owner & Lead Consultant at Blacktop Consulting

“I gave up my own place and full-time job to start my

company with my own funds and savings. It’s worth

following your passion.”

Jessica Church

President, Virtual Keepers LLC

“I sold my motorcycle (a 1989 Honda Hawk NT650—a

cult classic now) to buy a top-quality IBM laptop. I still

dream about that bike, but it was worth it in the end!”

Eric Weidner

President, Workbox, Inc.

“I have put money in as well as free time, but by far my

biggest sacrifice is time with my family. I constantly feel the

need to push hard so I can get to a point where I can be

with my kids before their childhood passes by.”

Joey Noel

Managing Partner at BNG Technologies, LLC

“All my assets, twice... And a relationship. And I

would do it again! And again!”

Sonny Hansen

Marketing Manager

“Time. My business partner and I often joke, ‘When we started, we

thought we would work 20 hours a week and get rich. We found out

we often worked 60-80 hours a week to make a living.’ But that was 25

years ago. It eventually got better. Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY! The

extra time rarely felt like work—it was more like play, even at 2 a.m.”

Daryl Gerke

Partner at Kimmel Gerke Associates, Ltd.

“I sacrificed the security of high-quality health

insurance.”

Ginger Schultz

Business Owner at Bay Breeze Ad Specialties

“Free time! Really using any time I have available to work on

my business, but it was definitely worth it.”

Neal Morados

Entrepreneur, Investor, and Social Media Consultant

“My inflated ego is the biggest thing I've sacrificed.”

Ron Johnson

Chief Esteem Officer at Esteem Engine

“Stocks, savings, friends and family time, and my SUV. I earned

money, and I lost money. My first startup failed; I lost everything.

But what I have not lost is my passion. Now I’m starting back on

my track again.”

Shailendra S. Chauhan

Entrepreneur/Technologist

“When we were first married, my husband sold his cherished '64

Falcon Ranchero to buy me my first larger format professional

camera so I could step up, be more competitive, and take my

business full-time.”

Marie Leslie

Writer, Photographer, Image Specialist, WordPress & Social Media Trainer

“My stable quiet life. I am determined to leave a

(physical) legacy!”

Sherry Stapf-Tolisano

Broker/Owner at Spartan Realty

Join the Discussion: “What’s the biggest sacrifice that you’ve

made to start your business?” Succeed: Small Business Network, Powered by Staples is an online community

that helps professionals thrive in small business. Ask questions, share answers, and

learn from your fellow entrepreneurs.

Join the group at www.linkedin.com/succeedsmallbiz.

PHOTO CREDITS via FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS

Slide #1: das_miller

Slide #2: Patrick

Slide #3: Dan Nguyen

Slide #4: Bill Frazzetto

Slide #5: Bill Barber

Slide #6: Henner Zeller

Slide #7: ryan harvey

Slide #8: David Dugan

Slide #9: Eric Weidner

Slide #10: Peter Voerman

Slide #11: Terry Ross

Slide #12: Jonathan Cohen

Slide #13: Brent Schneeman

Slide #14: Nathan Gibbs

Slide #15: Mark Fischer

Slide #16: Andreas Poike

Slide #17: Greg Gjerdingen

Slide #18: Kaibab National Forest