Corporate vs Entrepreneurship: My Personal Experience with Both Worlds

Corporate vs Entrepreneurship

This post shares my insights and experiences from both the corporate world and the realm of entrepreneurship. Having spent nearly 20 years in corporate roles and recently getting into entrepreneurship, I've seen the best (and some of the worst) of both worlds.

The Corporate Grind: A Glimpse Inside Big Multinationals

My journey in the corporate sector spanned two decades, most of which I spent in big multinational companies like Boeing, Thales, Raytheon (now RTX), and CAE. The most striking realization from this time was how these giant corporations seemed to define the business world's standard operating procedures. Moving from one big corporation to another, I initially believed that this was the only way to conduct business.

In these roles, where I started out as a technician and eventually climbed my way up the ladder to senior management, I faced relentless demands for new business and the pressure to fill revenue gaps caused by delayed customer projects.

The biggest revelation in senior roles? The sheer focus on numbers and quarterly results in the kinds of publicly listed companies I was working for.

Yet, within these challenges, my most rewarding experiences involved coaching and mentoring my team and beyond. Helping them envision and achieve futures they couldn't see for themselves was deeply fulfilling.

This aspect of my job taught me valuable lessons in coaching, eventually guiding me to my current career path as a coach for young professionals.

The Entrepreneurial Leap: Finding My Own Way

The urge to "do my own thing" was always there, whispering to me since my early 20s. The idea of creating something of my own, having the freedom to make my own decisions, and the potential to earn above-average income was too enticing to ignore.

So, after nearly two decades in the corporate sphere, I spotted a market gap: helping small and medium businesses interface with large multinationals. Taking this plunge meant giving up a stable paycheck for the unpredictability of entrepreneurship.

Early on, the biggest lesson was clear: marketing and sales are paramount. Without these skills, survival is nearly impossible. The journey so far has been a mix of exhilarating successes and challenging setbacks, a rollercoaster of emotions unlike anything I experienced in the corporate world.

Culture, Satisfaction, and Balance

In my own business, culture stands out starkly. I have the luxury of choosing who we work with, ensuring a good fit for both parties. The personal satisfaction from doing great work and receiving direct feedback is huge, something I didn't experience as intensely in the corporate setting.

However, the emotional toll is also MUCH greater. Failures hit harder, but successes are more exhilarating. Work-life balance is a continuous negotiation between business growth and personal well-being, often swinging between near burnout and necessary time off.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

To the young professionals contemplating entrepreneurship: If you feel the itch, scratch it. Your youth is the best time to take risks, with fewer responsibilities and ample time to recover from failures. But remember, a corporate career can be equally rewarding, especially if you're one of the bright minds who can navigate it successfully. Follow your gut and chase what truly excites you.

The Entrepreneurial Grind

Believing in my potential to succeed as an entrepreneur was one thing, but the reality is it's as tough as they say. If you decide to jump into entrepreneurship, be prepared for intense hard work and relentless dedication. It's a challenging path, but for those who are up for it, the rewards are unparalleled.

So, whether you choose the corporate ladder or the entrepreneurial path, remember, both journeys offer unique experiences and opportunities. It's all about finding what aligns best with your goals and passions. Keep pushing forward, and don't be afraid to chase your dreams, whichever route they may take you on.

- Dan