Can't Find a Job After Graduation? Start a Business!

Entrepreneurship as a fallback plan probably isn't how most businesses are started. However, in today's economy I'm sure that it is looking like the most viable option for a lot of unemployed recent graduates and unemployed professionals. When you scour the internet for interesting articles about start ups and advice, you don't hear entrepreneurs exclaim, "I was unemployed, so this was really my last option!" Generally, they developed a good idea, gave it a test run, and proceeded to drop out of the cubicle workforce.

Most of these "trial-method" entrepreneurs are self-driven and motivated enough to propel themselves and their business to at least a quasi successful state. But I think we're about to see a new trend of entrepreneurs that just don't have a better option. Starting a business without a day job is historically seen as too risky and too unstable for professionals with families and responsibilities. However, it's a lot less risky when you are completely without income. The worst that happens is you give it a good run and end up where you started with some extra stories to talk about in your next interview.

I know all this because it is exactly the situation that I'm in. Although I'm currently living with my parents so I don't go into massive debt, I can't seem to get a job for the life of me (even part-time, temporary, or night shift). I've been through the interview process at several companies so far with pretty good odds of landing each of the positions, but there seem to be too many people more qualified than I am. A lot of times when I discuss this with people I get the "oh, just keep trying and the right job will find you eventually." Unfortunately, that just doesn't seem to be how it works anymore.

I read an article this morning called Where Do You Rate on the Entrepreneurial Scale. I've been pondering it ever since. I would put myself at a 7 on this particular scale, because I have the drive and know-how to really go at a business, but have never truly done it. However, you could apply the same scale to your job seeking skills. A 1 being you post your resume on a couple job sites and update it each month (it would almost be hard to qualify you as 'looking' for a job, because really you're just waiting for a job). A 10 would be researching companies you want to work for and picketing outside their offices until someone gives you an interview (You're on the edge of insanity. Some would call you pushy; others would call you motivated). Seeking out positions you qualify for, crafting a matching resume, and not generally following up your applications would probably put you around a 4 or 5.

I get a different score on this scale. I would honestly be hard pressed to give myself more than a four. Although I'll go out of my way occasionally to ring someone for a job that truly excites me, I pretty much don't follow up my applications whatsoever. I'm sure there is some correlation to this score and my ability to get a job, but that is not the point.

The point, my very few readers, is if I get a better score on the entrepreneurship scale than the job seeker scale then shouldn't I be trying to start a business rather than going on an endless job search? Take this mental test and be honest with yourself. I know that when I really let the truth roll, starting a business is really where I want to be.

Take an Idea and Run With It

Talk about a long lull in activity...it was interesting that I hit it the same time the guys at Corporatepreneur did. I guess my lack of activity was just caused by the recent turmoil in my life. Things have to be relatively settled before I can think well and clearly.

Anyway, I was going pretty hard at the job search. That may void the title of the blog for some people, but it was all according to plan. The idea was to get a solid career related job (preferably one where I could learn some new skills to help me with my future endeavors) to get me on my feet somewhere and then start a venture or two on the side with hopes that after a year or two I could step back from the cubicle before I got too entrenched.

As it turns out, the universe (but mostly the economy) has been plotting against me. I came close to scoring a job offer on several occasions, but nothing has worked out so far. Applying for jobs for 4-6 hours per day just wasn't giving me any satisfaction and really turning my outlook negative in a hurry. There was a day in the middle of this week when something really clicked--I'm here indefinitely, time to start getting on with life.

I usually can't understand why I don't get hired for a position. Many times it is out of our own control, but when you really feel like you're the perfect candidate to take the figurative dam and blast it wide open it is really discouraging when you find out the bad news. I've felt like this for two positions recently, where I just can't imagine a candidate who is a more perfect fit than I am.

Well, I realized that just means its time to use the 'potential' and 'drive' that I've always been told I have to (taking a semi-quote from 300) do what I was trained to do, what I was bred to do, what I was born to do! I've come up with an idea for a business that I think could be a real winner. Everything is under tight lock-down right now, but I'm really optimistic and excited about the idea and opportunity.

I'll let everyone in on the secret when the website is complete, posted, and functional (and when I get the name on all of the social networking sites). Anyway, I will probably relocate this blog to my own domain (allmendingerenterprises.com) which is just sitting empty right now. Redoing that site with this blog attached is on my to do list right after the business's website.

I have to say, sorry to toot my own horn, but the website I'm making for this business looks well beyond my normal capability level, almost as if a graphic designer has swooped down and taken hold of my mouse! If you can't tell, I'm excited about this to the highest degree. Hopefully that will translate to success.