A lot of people slave for years at jobs they hate. They harbor the hope that one day a dream job will come along. They hope that maybe they could come up with an idea for a business that would make a living—better yet a fortune. They know they could do it “if only.”
If only they had an idea. If only they had the time to learn new skills, or the money to start a business, or a little bit of luck, or no mortgage to pay, or knew where to start. Unfortunately, we get trapped into our jobs by the demands of the real world.
I love my job as a storyteller, and feel fortunate that I didn’t end up working as a drone in a factory. Well, I love parts of my job. Performing for an audience is a magical experience. The hunt for stories and the writing is enjoyable. Marketing and accounting are the pits. There are days, like when I lose business because of the weather, that I also dream of having an “epiphany” and discovering a new way of making a living.
If you find yourself daydreaming about a perfect job, here is a website for you. Uncommon Business features stories about everyday people who had an idea for a business AND made it happen. Be forewarned: you can spend all day reading these success stories! Especially, if you follow the links in the story that lead you to their own websites.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- After surviving cancer, and suffering through the indignities of buying a wig, Sheril Cohen began Girl on the Go offering wigs and consultations.
- Terry Feinberg got angry about animals snooping in his garbage bags. He designed Repellum Garbage Bags and predicted 2006 sales to be between $1 million and $2 million.
- After having difficulty getting contractors to show up on weekends, Debra Cohen founded Home Remedies of NY Inc, a business referring contractors to clients. Where were you this weekend when I needed a plumber, Debra?
- Jay Shafer lives in a 70 sq. foot home! Yes, seventy square feet! One of the homes he designed was featured in Better Homes and Gardens magazine, and that launched his business Tumbleweed Tiny House Company.
- A “Hip-Hop” website was bought by 20 year old Jermaine Jones. He improved it and sold it for $13,500.
Those are just a few of the ones you will find. Read them and get inspired.
Remember: those who never chase a dream never catch one.
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