For many years I have heard this voice inside, that nagging voice, that would ask “is this all there is to life?” The day after day monotony of jumping out of bed, getting behind the wheel and going to work. You see, I owned my own business. The American dream, right? Work when you want to, take vacations whenever and wherever you want to; heck, play golf all day, if you want to. However, the brutal reality is if I didn’t manage my business, the work did not get done. One would like to think a corporate culture can be instilled. “Lead by example” my business advisor said. Really? “Furthermore,” he says, “don’t put it in writing. Don’t make an employee handbook as it will be used against you.” What is a business owner to do?
Well, I watch the movie “Atlas Shrugged” and realize that in America, there is no way to have a successful, profitable business. There will always be government regulations, taxes and fees (at local, county, state and federal), employee issues and everyone else who has their hand out. Also, businesses pay much, much more for utilities. Don’t forget about all of the community organizations wanting your time and money. The schools and various clubs wanting what they feel is their share, even though they have no interest in supporting the business that they want donations from. At the end if the day and more than five years, I’ve taken no salary, no vacation and my time is definitely not my own. I keep wondering, “who is John Galt?” Actually, WHERE is John Galt? I must find John Galt!
