navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship can be a challenge.
A post was shared with me recently from the Instagram account @BusinessAdviceDaily. The post, titled A Day In The Life As An Entrepreneur, correctly illustrates the emotional roller coaster ride every business owner feels every day.
The emotions indicated are:
- I’m excited!
- Ugh? This is hard!
- It’s working.
- I messed up.
- Give up the good for great.
- I think I’m going bankrupt.
- I’m good. I don’t know why I get so down on myself.
- I was wrong, I suck!
- Wait a second, my life is great.
The post reminded me of a tongue-in-cheek checklist regarding the stages in starting or growing a business.
- Enthusiasm
- Disillusionment
- Panic
- Search for the Guilty
- Punishment of the Innocent
- Praise for the Non-participants.
As we continue to expand the reach, impact, and name recognition of Montana Child Care Business Connect (MCCBC), I see these emotions playing out on the faces of childcare providers statewide every day. I’m here to tell you, the struggle is real.
In my nearly 10 years of supporting entrepreneurs across all industries, owning and operating my own businesses, and growing up the grandson of entrepreneurs, these emotions are 100% common no matter what your business does. Your emotions are frazzled all…the…time.
But I’m also here to tell you, the work childcare providers across Montana do is vital to each and every local economy in which they operate. And business owners in other industries as well as elected officials and economic and workforce developers should recognize the vital importance this industry plays in enabling the success of other businesses and the vitality of communities.
So here is my message to childcare providers out there…you are appreciated, valued, and your business is as legitimate as a multi-billion dollar defense contractor. Be proud of your work. Pay yourself a living wage. And we at Zero to Five Montana and Montana Child Care Business Connect are here to support, celebrate, and advocate for you.
– Jason Nitschke, Senior Child Care Business Advisor
