Working for yourself is something that many people aspire to but few are willing to take the risk it takes to build a successful business. And the fears that people have about diving headlong into entrepreneurship are not entirely unfounded – statistics show that a large percentage of businesses fail within the first year.
A very small proportion stays in operation for 5 years or more. This then means that many people who start businesses find themselves re-entering regular employment to ensure a steady income. But that said, some people start successful businesses but still make their way back to regular employment to supplement their income.
One of the things any entrepreneur will find difficult and must start to deal with even before they land their first job is moving from a boss mentality to an employee mentality. As an entrepreneur, you had the power to make all key decisions and you determined the direction your business took. As an employee, you will have to contend with the wishes of your superiors and sometimes, these may not be what you would have done if you were in a similar position.
Next, prepare your resume. Note that as an entrepreneur, you have to carefully think through just how you will describe the time you were in business on your resume. Keep it positive but do not be untruthful. Just because the business you started did not last as long as you wanted it to, it is not something you need to hide or be ashamed about.
It is all about how you present your case. Many recruiters will be drawn to the boldness and initiative an applicant demonstrates and the drive to establish your own business can be one of the most powerful signs that you have the self-drive necessary to execute whatever job you will be offered to the best of your ability.
But even though an entrepreneurial spirit is attractive for recruiters, you must also find ways of calming their fears. That is, recruiters may have doubts about your commitment to your job and whether you have indeed cut off links with your business.
Many organizations bind their employees to not to be engaged in activity that would jeopardize their ability to discharge their duties. If you have still not abandoned your business, then the divided attention will make it difficult to function as an effective employee – you will not give your all to the employer.
So find ways of assuring recruiters that indeed you have closed that chapter in your life and have resolved to be employed for the foreseeable future. If you have intentions of trying your hand at business again at some point in future, there is no harm in saying so as long as the timeframe you intend to do so is not too soon after you are hired.
