Do you want to change your career (secular work) to something that is enjoyable, likeable, and your passion?

I am tired of the anxiety I had in my life. My secular work is dealing with other people's problems. I'd rather do something creative. What I do is creative but dealing with consumer problems.

I wish I could have a store where I sold collectables, antiques, french country furnishings and accessories for in and outdoor. I would like to include things I made (including my book of poems) and interior decorate the store with old and new items that makes one feel calm, peaceful and happy.

But that is only a dream. I can't afford to rent a store. There are a lot of similar stores around. But I know mine could be ever as good if not better and affordable! However, I don't have the time to sink hours into it. Neither do I have the energy. Although this Midwest course has helped me, I am still tired from having been anxious although I am doing well considering!
Odd thing, I can work hard in my garden up to six hours and go to bed sore and happy.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me? How about you, would you like to change your career?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Victoria

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Victoria

[This message has been edited by Victoria (edited 04-18-2001).]

Victoria,

This is something I seem to be focusing my attn on lately! I just recently graduated college (I'm only 23!) and have life at the coat tails... well, you know how we are, kind of! I am recovering "nicely" and I have started thinking about what I want to do with MY life! I have this nice degree in something I am interested in (Animal Science and Animal Ecology), but I think I want to have my own business down the road! I have a passion and love for animals. I don't have money now, but one of my good friends and I have talked about starting our own doggie daycare. We both have a love for animals, especially dogs! They give you unconditional love, are there when you need them, and don't talk back! I also love helping people and this would be a way I could. The only thing...i don't have any money yet! So, I will have to actually work for awhile before I can do it! I don't have a job yet. I have been working on recovering...I "freaked out" when I graduated. But now I know I am ready...as ready as I will ever be to find something! I'm bored! Anyway, thanks for the post! Anyone else out there want to share? Have a great day!
Cindy

Victoria and Cindy,

Just wanted to let you know that money is the smallest obstacle in beginning a business. If you really want to start one, you need to write a business plan. There are plenty of good books on the subject on the market, or you can contact you local small business office or your state or the federal government for their publications on starting your own business. Once you have the plan written, you can apply for grants. There is SOOOOOO much money out there. Some states offer a 50-50 proposition on businesses that begin. Some are 80-20 on the buildings that you build. Even the large corporation that move into your cities use state and federal money to begin their businesses there.

The small business office is so helpful in getting businesses started. They have people who have owned their own businesses for years act as mentors for those just beginning. They offer great advice and very constructive criticism for your business plan.

I have always wanted to own my own business, and I have used these agencies to write my business plan. I know that I want what my city has given other businesses...the land free of charge to put the building on, and three years of no city taxes. I have already acquired about $120,000 in grants and have applied for more.

The process can be fun and exhilarating if you allow it to be. It is such a great learning experience.

If you want it....Go for it....Don't allow anyone to stand in your way.....If it is going to make you happy, then you owe it to yourself to start this venture.

DW

Dear Cindy and DW,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and suggestions. I started my own business in consumer protection in 1998. So, I am familiar with some of the start up help in my area. However, your food for thought is good.

Wish you both the very best for your creative goals.

Sincerely,
Victoria

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Victoria

DW,

Thank you so much for the information you gave me! I am starting to outline what I want to happen and to do research on what needs to be done (considering insurance and liability) and what needs to be done for the animals themselves. I am going to try and look up some of the stuff you told us about! Thank you again!

Cindy

This is a good topic

I currently do web design, and when I used to work outside the home, I did all sorts of odd jobs to put myself through college. I used to volunteer in NICU and I also worked in a nursing home. I didn't graduate...yet. My goal is to become a surgical PA {Physician's Assistant}. I am really interested in surgery. I am bouncing back and forth between general surgery and gynecology. I had to shadow PA's for a while while I was in school and I observed surgeries {hence my fear of having surgery as I KNOW what goes on in that OR } I am fine as long as I am not the patient...LOL I want to get 'hands on', but I was only allowed to watch. My favorite show is L&D on TLC, I want to jump through the screen and do sections and deliveries...my dream was to become an MD, I knew at the age of five...but I had a baby at 18 and my dream went out the window. I considered an RN, or an RNFA, but I don't feel that is challenging enough for me...so, as soon as I have my surgery, I am getting back to volunteering in the NICU and I will probably go back to the nursing home and I can graduate, and I will take a residency in surgery.

That's what I want to do

Take care

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~Angel

quote:

All the resources in the world, by themselves, will not get you there. Opportunity alone will not get you there. You must decide to get yourself there, then it will happen.

[This message has been edited by Angel (edited 05-07-2001).]