The Pros and Cons of Staying: Ask Noah
Yet, I've been quietly seeking and have just attained backing to start my own boutique firm. Creating something on my own has always been a very real professional goal of mine. I know this is a dream problem and I am very lucky! However, I am at odds on which direction to go in. What do you think?
A: I'm so glad you identified your situation as a dream problem.
It saved me the trouble of having to point that out -- and it truly is!
The Pros and Cons of Staying Put:
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Being named a partner may release you from the burden of having to always be looking for a better position. The salary will most likely be consistent, and grow with time and future successes. You will have the satisfaction of working amongst a team of fellow leaders, helping to guide the philosophy and agenda of your firm's future.
On the flipside, it can be limiting to feel like YOUR future is so neatly laid out. You have climbed the ladder, so you crave challenges and competition. With your newly won "top-dog" status, you will no longer need to claw your way up, and competition will inevitably wane. Perhaps a very concentrated level of intensity is essential to keeping your particular juices flowing. The highest of achievers often feel that entrepreneurship is in their blood.
The Pros and Cons of Leaving:
Exiting gives you the opportunity to be the "designer"' of your own dreams. There is excitement in your language which makes it obvious that this option is still a very appealing priority to you.
You are very fortunate to have the safety-net of this backer. Many others have gone out alone to establish themselves, without any funding. Are you willing to let this rare opportunity slip away?
Selecting a path to become one's own boss forces us to face difficult truths and the need for some serious reality testing absolutely necessary.