Book Brew 150: Entrepreneurship Is Not a Get-Out-of-Work-Free Card

So this guy (let’s call him Ethan Fumblecode) asked us for advice. And oh boy, did it unlock a rant.

He recently graduated from college with some kind of tech degree.  As you all probably know already, the job market is kinda donkey turds, so Ethan is having a hard time finding a job in his field of study.  

Ethan asked us about our business.  He then told us his plan, “Yeah, I’m just thinking of skipping the whole 9-5 thing and starting my own thing.” Oh, Ethan.

“It’s a temptation that exists for everyone — for talk and hype to replace action.” — Ryan Holiday

After I reflected on our interaction with Ethan and my own work experience, I have some advice I’ll put out there for you young whipper snappers who may be considering the same thing as him.

Why the 9-5 Isn’t the Enemy

“What are you trying to  maximize that might actually be costing you?” - Justin Welsh

The “9-5s” I have had over the course of the last 30 years (holy forking shirt balls, how did I get so old!?) have taught me irreplaceable lessons I never would have learned had I gone straight into entrepreneurism.

“We often think that we want an open road and the ability to choose any direction for ourselves.  But sometimes, what we need is a tunnel that can reduce our choices and send us in a focused direction.” James Clear

Working for others can teach you a lot instead of skipping that step and trying straight for your own thing.  It helps to build up a foundation of skills that you can then build “your own thing” on top of.  

• Teamwork → Learning how to build great things while not strangling coworkers
• Importance of Punctuality → Showing up is half the battle and shows respect (“Move like you’re late and wait like you’re early.” Shane Parrish)
• Customer Service → People are wild. You learn fast. (Don’t mess with people handling your food or selecting the size of your needle or catheter)
• All kinds of finance/accounting skills → AKA not accidentally committing tax fraud
• Organization → Managing chaos without losing your mind (and when you do lose your mind, knowing how to find it again)
• Communication → Saying what needs to be said, clearly, kindly, and without passive-aggressive sprinkles
• Sales & Marketing → Even if you hate it, you’ll use it (a lot!)
• Technology → Understanding how it works so you’re not at the mercy of it
• Flexibility + Innovation → You figure out how to make it work when nothing’s working

Try Some Hiking Before You Attempt Everest

“The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work.” — Vince Lombardi

So, while I’m a huge supporter of anyone wanting to start their own business, I think in many cases, it makes sense to learn the fundamentals from someone else first. If you’re just starting out like Ethan, you might want to climb a few practice mountains before you free solo El Capitan.

Ponder This

1. What job taught you a lesson that still shows up in your business today?
2. Are you chasing freedom or avoiding structure?
3. What would “learning on someone else’s dime” look like for you?
   
   

Books/Newsletters

• Ego Is the Enemy - Ryan Holiday
• The Saturday Solopreneur - Justin Welsh
• 3-2-1 - James Clear
• Brain Food - Shane Parrish