To try to start my own business

[thegruffalosays]

Just that really!

Im a SAHM, have been for the last four years. My eldest starts primary school in September so I'll have a bit more time then.

My background is exec assistant work and I've been looking for part time jobs for a few months now. I'm getting nothing. Pre children I held a v senior position so now I'm looking for something with far less responsibility, my CV just doesn't fit.

The upshot of this is that I'm in a position, with time and cash flow, that I could start up something of my own. I have an idea but I'm so rusty at being out of the game that I feel frozen with indecision.

So AIBU to give it a go and see what happens?! I'm so scared of failing that it's putting me off even trying 😩

As long as it's not buying a load of sweets, putting them in a box and tying a fancy ribbon around it and then selling them at three times the price for mothers' day/Easter/valentines' day etc, then go for it.

...goes back to drawing board 😂

Ha ha!

Honestly, if that really was your idea - don't. Our local FB is full of these "businesses" - you might make ac few quid, but that's about it.

When I was a SAHM I looked into various franchises, but the initial outlay was a lot. I had no desire for a pocket money job like gluing glitter all over crockery, but a proper full time wage thing.

Thing is, if it's too easy everyone is already doing it. If it's very highly skilled, the very highly skilled people are already doing it. It would take a lot of dedication to compete.

Anyway I just ended up learning to code in my free time and became a software developer instead. Not exactly a business, though many go freelance after a few years, but it can be learned in your own time and it's one of the most flexible and lucrative careers out there.

goes back to drawing board
Good idea @thegruffalosays 😁
Nothing to say you can't set up a business using your skills though? As as executive assistant you would have been involved in event planning, project management etc. Can you set up a business doing this sort of thing instead, especially when permanent assistants or executaries are seen in industry as a luxury?

You said that your cv doesn't fit. Do you tailor it for each application?

I'm only joking, that wasn't really what I was planning 😂

I've got an idea that would work so well with what I enjoy and what I'm good at, it just feels so daunting and the fear of failure and the unknown is stopping me before I even try

OP, I think I have a decent suggestion for you (used it myself too). With your background, there's this platform called fiverr where people pay for virtual asisstants.

@readingismycardio thank you, that's very helpful!

Could sign up for some short courses on setting up a business? It would help you get a handle on the admin side and maybe make it a bit less daunting?

@MrsMoastyToasty I do to a degree. I think the issue is that as @ANameChangeAgain says EA roles are see as a luxury now.

Also the roles I've applied for have been far more junior than my previous roles, because I no longer wish to work a 50 hour week, or be on call all the time.

I've had employers contacting me to clarify the role and salary to double check I've applied for the right thing.

I think it's time for a new chapter, try to do something else. But I want a proper role or business. Not just pocket money money like someone else mentioned.

@hoorayandupsherises yes! That will be my next step I think. I've already dusted off my copy of "starting a business for dummies"😂

I was going to say you would be a brilliant virtual assistant. I have quite a few friends that have used them when growing their own businesses.

I also see quite regular jobs posted by local companies/franchises (eg Rugby Tots was after one recently) looking for someone to do 3-4 hours admin work per week.

Ah sorry cross posted - yes, the 3/4 hours per week thing would be more pocket money.

Have you tried dumbing down your CV?

I set up my own business when I was between jobs, I expected to do it for 6 months. 20+ years later I still run it, although the shape of what I do has shifted over the years.

I found it most valuable when dc were young teenage - too old for babysitters / after school club, but too young to be in the house on their own.

I think to be succesful you've got to be quite multi skilled - the skills to work IN your business (whatever profession that is) and the skills to work ON your business, admin, marketing etc. Marketing is important, I don't think you can get anyone to sell your product or service as well as you can do it yourself. That was pretty uncomfortable territory for me, but I got better at it. I also had to learn quickly about technology - no help-desk to call when the printer doesn't work . I had advice and support from an accountant.

One of the most helpful things was finding a women's business support group, everyone was really encouraging, and at specific points in my business life I had a coach - someone that I could share my dreams and ambitions with and who held me to account for what I was going to do.

I love it, and wouldn't hesitate to do it again, even in these challenging times.

@venusandmars that's such a nice post to read, thank you 😊 and congratulations on your success!

I agree marketing is really important. GoDaddy do websites / domain names at a reasonable price and very easy to set up, or a Facebook page is free.

The other thing in your line of work (ie dependent on you personally) is to build good relationships where you are utterly reliable.

Do you have a company name etc?