I’m still thinking about that last book I reviewed. One of the other questions is something like – are you willing to pay the cost of your dream? Most people don’t even think about the cost of their dreams. Even small dreams have a cost. Big dreams have a huge cost. You need to know what it is, and if you’re willing to pay it.
One of my dreams is to own my own business. I vacillate between a high tech business and one that is not. There are benefits and detriments to both. I’ll touch on the non-high tech options a bit. There are a lot of costs. Here are but a few.
- Loss of salary – ok – I’m already there, starting a business now doesn’t mean I will lose anything. However I might delay how long it takes to get back to a good salary.
- Loss of identity – I’ve lived and breathed high tech my entire career. It is part of who I am. That would be gone. This one really hurts. I have a strong resume and I would be turning my back on it.
- Loss of stability – I’ve always had a “job” working for someone else. This is all up to me!
- Loss of expertise – Time to learn something new – and not be an expert anymore.
- Closing a door – Once you leave high tech, it is almost impossible to get back into it because the technology changes so quickly. Is it worth it?
What’s the cost of your dream? Do you think it is worth it? I’m still trying to figure that out.
2 responses so far ↓
Sanat // February 25, 2010 at 12:55 pm |
Linda,
Good major points you’ve hit on.
I think the biggest question is are you content with what you’ve done in Hi-Tech and willing to Open that door for something new.
It all points to what your end goal is. Looking back did you want to Reach the top in 1 field Or experience news fields. Alot of people are afraid to re-invent and end up compromising.
Of course you can have best-of -both by starting up a Hi-Tech biz
Good luck
winethinker // February 25, 2010 at 6:32 pm |
Hi Sanat – thanks for the comment!
I’ve been in high tech my entire career, but I like to think that I’ve reinvented myself a bunch of times already. Some of it is just career progression, some of it was applying what I know to completely different industries, and some of it was learning completely new technologies. In any event it was always terrific to learn something new!
I think I’ve come to the realization that no matter what I do, it will involve tech. I don’t think that I would be happy without the geek factor.
I did catch one “mistake” in that post. I have already started one high tech biz that continues on without me. Maybe someday there will be room for another one!