There continues to be a great interest from individuals who are looking to leave their corporate lifestyle in search for a more fulfilling career in which they get to work on the ideas that they have identified a gap in the market for. ‘Passion is one of the greatest motivators for those who look at leaving their positions within the corporate world in search of a career that is more fulfilling to them and their personal interests. Moving from the corporate world to an entrepreneurial position allows for individuals to benefit from a greater sense of freedom when it comes to deciding what area of work they decide to pursue and the projects they will undertake. Additionally the move from the culture of working 9 – 5 to one that allows for a more flexible arrangement where you decide what hours most suit your own schedule and what location suits you on any given day. This new found sense of freedom is notably one of the most common deciding factors for those who look to move to becoming entrepreneurs.
Of course when making the decision to become an entrepreneur there is the additional risk of the business possibly failing if a sufficient plan isn’t in place. However, this can be prevented if the individual sets realistic goals to achieve in their first year of operation to ensure their career as an entrepreneur makes it past the initial hurdles they may face. The idea behind a business venture is only the beginning, an individual needs to ask themselves if their idea fulfills a need that they have identified, who can they target their business towards and ultimately is the idea profitable? The first year will always be the hardest but once the initial problems arising have been rectified you as an individual can move forward with greater knowledge on how to solve problems and come to solutions.
An example of a successful move from the corporate lifestyle to that of an entrepreneur exists here within the walls of the Rubicon. Kevin Hoban of H2 Compliance first began his career working as a Program Manager for Hewlett Packard. Following almost a decade of working for the company he took the risk to leave the corporate world and enter into the realm of an entrepreneur. From here H2 Compliance was developed which has been in operation for over a decade. Kevin identified that there was a gap in the market in which his idea could materialise, utilising his degree in Environmental Engineering from Trinity College Dublin he worked to ensure that his dream would become a reality.
Kevin’s decision to move from the corporate world into the entrepreneurial sector was a success and should be an example to those who may feel apprehensive about making that final leap into working for themselves. However, Kevin does not shy away from the fact that not everything goes to plan in the entrepreneurial world, “Working for yourself has its good and bad days, just like when I worked for someone else. However, when I work for myself now, I know that I’m in control of my own destiny, it’s up to me to make the ‘bad days’ ‘good’ for the team at H2 Compliance”. While there is an additional level of responsibility when it comes to making decisions, entrepreneurs can ensure that they make the decision that will not only benefit them but their business as a whole.
Initial uncertainty surrounding your job security should not act as a barrier to those who wish to ‘step-out’ from the corporate world. The freedom to work for yourself and follow your own passion truly is fulfilling. If this is something you are considering, there is no time like the present.
On February 12th, you can take time out to explore your Start up Opportunity. The Rubicon is running #WeLovestartups event from 5.00pm,which will provide you with an opportunity to discuss your hopes with the Rubicon team. It will provide you with the opportunity to get any questions you may have answered, as well getting to listen to a Panel of Alumni talk about their first steps to becoming entrepreneurs. Also in attendance will be the Local Enterprise Offices and SECAD(Leader) who work closely with all those starting or developing their business.
