Problem: My family wants me to have a stable career, but I want to be an entrepreneur
Problem: My family wants me to have a stable career, but I want to be an entrepreneur
Name: Li Wei
Occupation: University Graduate
Country: China
City: Shanghai
I am Li Wei, and I recently graduated from a university in Shanghai with a degree in business management. My dream was to launch my own startup, where I could bring some innovation by applying new ideas.
But my family wants me to get a stable job, where there will be a fixed salary, with low risk. They argue that being an entrepreneur is too risky, and if you fail, life will be too difficult.
I understand their concerns are not unfounded, but a feeling inside me says that if I don't try, I will regret it for the rest of my life. What should I do? Should I take a job at the behest of my family, or should I pursue my dreams?
Solution: Make your dreams come true in a responsible way
By Askly Help
Dear Li Wei,
Your problem is very familiar and real. Family always wants our security, because they love us. But at the same time, we also have to be responsible for our own dreams.
The answer to your question is not entirely simple, but it is possible that you can fulfill your dream of becoming an entrepreneur in a responsible way, while also reassuring your family.
1. Don't see family as enemies, but try to understand their concerns.
Family concerns come from love. They want you to be safe, so that your life won't fall apart if you fail.
So instead of getting annoyed by their words, try to understand what exactly they are worried about. If their main fear is about financial security, then make a plan to address that.
2. Job and startup—start both together
Maybe it's not right to take the risk of quitting your job and becoming a full-fledged entrepreneur right now.
- Find a good job that provides a steady income.
- You will also be able to move forward with your startup plans.
- When you see that your startup is generating revenue and it is sustainable, you can quit your job and focus fully on entrepreneurship.
3. Take it step by step, don't jump in at once.
A successful startup is not created overnight.
- Start a small experimental venture first.
- Do something with a low investment that will yield quick results.
- If it doesn't work, try a new strategy.
- This way, your experience will increase, the risk will be reduced, and it will be easier to convince your family.
4. Explain to the family gradually
If your family sees that you are gradually becoming successful, they will naturally support your dreams.
Talk to them openly—
- Tell them that you're not just chasing a dream, but are working systematically to make it happen.
- Reassure them that you are making responsible decisions, not doing anything impulsively.
5. Don't be afraid of failure, because failure is also a way to learn.
Being an entrepreneur means failure. But failure is not the end, rather it is a great opportunity to learn.
Many successful entrepreneurs failed early in their lives. Jack Ma (founder of Alibaba) applied for many jobs in the beginning, but was rejected. Still, he didn't give up and is a successful entrepreneur today.
6. Chase your dreams, but keep a firm foundation in reality.
Li Wei, it's great to have a dream, but it's even more important to have a plan to make it happen.
- If you take it step by step, understand your family, and have a realistic perspective, your dream of becoming an entrepreneur will come true and your family's worries will be reduced.
May your dreams not remain just fantasies, but rather become reality—this is my best wish for you.
— Askly Help