And had to make some phonecalls. But the 1st person I called was a grumpy one so I ended up texting instead since it’s less intrusive (and unfortunately means a much poorer chance of a reply, ever). Time check: 8.15am Saturday.
Alright, so with my own crazy workhours I’ve forgotten how maybe some folks don’t start work till 9am or later on Saturdays, discounting those who don’t work at all, all weekend. These agents I’m calling are supposed to be working from the word GO but I guess some can get quite aggressive about their beauty sleep. My bad.
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The other day one of my ol’ buddies asked me how long I’ve done this “thing” and it hit me: I’m going to pass the 2nd year mark. The shopsite opened on 8 August 2008; incidentally someone told me it’s useless to pick a good date, but almost 2 years down the road, I must say, it’s a darn good thing I did, starting on an easy-to-remember date! Not that I’m a superstitious thing, but I never say no to nice numbers for a fresh new start.
I just said yes to a 5th job in January but the Happyshop business still gets most of me. I just love treasure-hunting for new stuff and the major roadshows: budgeting, restocking, inventory, sale list, freebies, layout, blahblah. My buddy Eileen recently commented more than once that I’m such a busy person. But having 5 jobs for me is fun. The toughest thing really isn’t choosing a different work/lifestyle. It is your heart having to deal with what people say to your face.
Most people I talk to don’t quite believe the thing that I do. Just the other day the manager at the reflexology centre even asked me how much I make a month. Oh even my own brother has not visited my shopsite. But if you’re serious about your life choices, you just have to stick with the people who understand (like, other solopreneurs) and just avoid talk with people who don’t. Otherwise it is too damaging for your soul. I mean, your life is yours, other than the true people you are accountable to, why do you have to justify it to anyone else? People are always going to have something to say. My wise school counsellor’s most memorable sayings were:
#1 Their Mouths Are On Their Faces
#2 Even The Best Of Celebrities Gets Gossip
I think the most important thing to aim for is to believe in the work that you do, and have that pay the bills, so you can spend your time with the people who matter the most. Yes it can work out that way!
Have a fab weekend everyone.
Tags: different work, happyshop, life choices, solopreneur
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Hi Ruth
Totally agree with you 100%! I took a step of faith to set up my own handmade biz full time about 3 years ago. I love what i am doing, just that there are times when u hear discouraging comments from other ppl that they think ur biz sounds like a joke or not being serious.. maybe they are just jealous that you are doing something u love? haha.. oh well.. what to do when u live in SG where status & reputation plays a huge part. I think most of us Asians will be like that.. hungry for recognition and acknowledgment.. I moved to Australia a year ago and i am so glad that the handmade community here is so much better than in SG.. I hope to bring my biz a little further here.. anyway wish you all the best in ur biz.. i actually envy you for what u are doing! haha.. 加油！:o)
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Hello Joyce
Thanks so much for your note! I guess sometimes our reality and choices appear awkward and removed from what most people are used to. But once we’re the biz, we begin to realise we’re not weird, right? And there are folks who have a similar mind and have done well, on more grounds than just monetary. On some of the blue-days I draw inspiration by reading (or re-reading) about creative solopreneurs who are still enjoying what they do (not just a flash in the pan) and making an honest living out of it.
I visited your site! It’s lovely, what you do!
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yes, I totally agree with you.
so many time I encounter people who asking “how much you earn a month?”, ” how you find your customer?”, “how can you get customer if you don’t have physical store?”
I learn to smile with all my confident, and answer, “Actually I earn pretty well with my business, I satisfy with my product, people love them and they always come back to me.”
and those people who just look down to me just shut their mouth.
I just smile to them and glide away ^_^I believe in myself and very happy with what I do
GANBATTE!!! ^_^
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Irene-san! haha the “glide away” description! too cute. You have a pair of wonderful hands and an acute eye for great pairing of colours and details.
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Even with a physical space, there would also be people asking “would you earn much with what you do”, “how you find customer” etc, so I guess it also depends on what people perceive as the norm or “profitable business”… But I like your thoughts, I’ve also been taking on 2 jobs to sustain the physical space, so I agree with “believing in the work you do”. For my case, it’s to think positively that at least I’m investing in my child’s flair
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2 jobs plus that lovely art school! you’re fantastic
Talk to you soon, have a new project comin’ up! -
hi there,
I just wanna say I love your lil site and all the cute stuff you’ve sourced, and so do my friends.I once watched an episode of Oprah about eradicating toxic people from your life and it has always stayed with me, its been over a decade since that episode. It is exactly what you referred to in your blogpost. Surround yourself with positive people who will encourage and believe in you and life as you want to live it.
I am always so inspired by women who decide to step out and become solopreneurs, and basically take charge of their careers, so often we’re so busy with the dailystuff,the kids,etc, we just cruise and before you know it, life’s slipped away!
Kudos to you and your lovely shop.
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