Create Your Own Job Through Entrepreneurship

Let me begin by sharing an updated 1990s version of the Cinderella story.

When the Wicked Stepmother stood at Cinderella's door, she saw Cinderella working on a stack of papers very intently instead of sweeping the floor. Her curiosity was aroused, and she asked Cinderella what she was working on.

Cinderella quickly replied, "Job options. I'm thinking about starting my own business so I can expand my horizons and create money at the same time."

"But what about Prince Charming," the Wicked Stepmother replied.

"Oh, I'd still love to meet him. I could use a partner in life as well as business!" Cinderella cheerfully responded.

As for the rest of the story, the Wicked Stepmother soon realized Cinderella was no longer a "wimp" and was seizing control of her own future. She decided to stop picking on Cinderella and began spending more time looking at her own life—exploring creative job options for herself.

As for Prince Charming, well eventually he did meet Cinderella and was instantly charmed by her aliveness and sense of purpose as well as her obvious business management skills. Eventually he became one of her financial backers in business and Cinderella became a very successful Woman Entrepreneur—and everyone lived happily ever after.

This new version of Cinderella is perhaps more relevant than ever to present day. We are all challenged by changing economic times where jobs are tight and too many large organizations seem to be downsizing instead of hiring. This is definitely a time to be creative in looking at different ways to earn money—different ways to create a job.

Starting your own business is one creative option that more and more people are seriously looking at, especially women. Many organizations, such as the Women Entrepreneurs Roundtable have been formed over the past few years to help women explore the option of starting their own businesses.

Traditionally, women have been geared to work as employees and homemakers. More and more women, however, are becoming aware that they do have additional options—and one option is to start their own businesses.

Many women have become experts in juggling a multitude of roles by balancing work and family life, and many of these skills are transferable to managing a successful business.

Starting a business from scratch can be rewarding experience. It offers freedom and the chance to integrate one's interests and talents with making money. Besides being one of the toughest and potentially most rewarding careers, it is possibly one of the last frontiers for real independence and creativity.

©1994 Gabrielle Parkinson and Taunya Funston