The Unexpected Joy of Small Business Ownership

Have you ever thought about owning your own small business but been deterred by the endless list of challenges that come with it?

It's easy to get caught up in the "cons" of entrepreneurship—the long hours, the financial uncertainty, the constant pressure. And believe me, I heard them all before I decided to take the plunge just over a year ago. People warned me about the sacrifices, the stress, and the unpredictability. They did mention the perks, too—like setting my own hours and not having to ask for permission to take a day off. But as someone who’s spent years as a loyal employee and a bit of a people-pleaser, the idea of being fully in charge of my work life didn’t exactly come naturally. In fact, it was a bit terrifying.

But then, something happened that changed my perspective entirely.

Earlier this year, my sister was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. It was devastating news for our family. Though she has a wonderful husband and son by her side, she wanted and needed my support, too. There was no question in my mind that I would be there for her. But there was a problem: she lives in London, and I’m in Sydney. The logistics were daunting, and the impact on my family life was significant.

This is where the true beauty of owning my own business revealed itself. Since March, I’ve been able to travel to London twice, each time staying for a minimum of four weeks. I’ve been able to be by my sister’s side, offering the support she needs during this incredibly difficult time. And I’ve been able to do this without jeopardising my business.

I’m deeply grateful to my clients for their understanding and flexibility. Because of their support, I’ve been able to manage my business remotely, ensuring that everything runs smoothly even from halfway across the world. Reflecting on this, I realise how different things could have been if I were still an employee. The difficult conversations, the unpaid leave, or even being told I couldn’t go—it’s likely that one or all these things would have been realities. My sister needed me, and because of my business, I was able to be there for her without compromising my livelihood.

Sometimes, life throws us into situations that seem impossible to navigate. Eighteen months ago, I was made redundant, and it was terrifying. But in that moment of uncertainty, I made the decision to branch out on my own and start my own business. At the time, it was a leap of faith. But now, looking back, I see that it was the right decision—one that not only allowed me to build something of my own but also gave me the freedom to prioritise what truly matters.

So, if you’ve ever considered starting your own small business but have been held back by fear or doubt, I hope my story can offer some perspective. Yes, entrepreneurship comes with its challenges, but the freedom it gives you—especially when life throws the unexpected your way—is invaluable. Sometimes the answers to our biggest questions don’t come to us right away; they reveal themselves when we need them most.