What’s Next?

Are you at a crossroad in your career journey? Maybe you are considering changing jobs, purchasing a business, or even starting one. Now is a good time to examine your goals.

Whatever your plans, consider your future and ask yourself these questions:

• Will you still enjoy this choice in 20 years?
• What are current business trends? Is there a risk the career you choose will become obsolete?
• Is your business choice an economic staple? In other words, how will your business fare during an economic downturn?
• Is this a business that you will want to pass down to your family?

The risk of failure in business is high. Chamber of Commerce statistics tell us that 20% fail during the first year, and only 25% survive beyond 15 years. So, take your time and make smart business decisions.

A good friend of mine graduated from a highly respected college. At that time, the country was in a recession. He interviewed with several of the Fortune 100 companies, without success.

But he did receive one offer and that was to sell life insurance. At the time, he was disappointed, and I was disappointed for him. But he took the offer in hand and jumped in with both feet.

Graduating a couple of years later, I proudly joined corporate America.

Since those decisions, quite a few years have passed. And what we see is that his net worth is several times higher than mine. What was the difference? Insurance is a market staple and fares well in good and tough times. In addition, it has recurring revenue.

So, as you consider your options, make long-term choices, not just crowd pleasers.