Is Becoming An Entrepreneur Harder Than Surviving In A Foreign Country?
March 20, 2008 by Akemi
In 1995, I came to the US to rebuild my life. The more I think about it, the more I realize the similarity of this experience and that of becoming an entrepreneur.
If you are currently employed as a professional and dreaming to have your own business, the land of entrepreneurs probably look like a foreign country. You can see that entrepreneurs speak different language, they act differently, and you sense they think differently. You read a few guidebooks, which give you some ideas, but you are not sure if you are ready to make it there. Something, however, is very attractive about the land of entrepreneurs, and you start packing despite the nagging fear of the unknown. . .
Why did I leave the stability and comfort behind, once in Japan and then in Corporate America?
Unlike some immigrants, I had a good life back in my original country. I didn’t run from poverty nor persecution. In fact, I had far more luxury back then because my parents wanted to give to me. We went to Honk Kong to shop brand name dresses and dine like royalty. The analogy goes to the comfortable life as employee. When I had the day job, I was paid quite well, the banks loved my credit, and life was stable and comfortable. I had no problem putting foods on the table, and I could even get a mortgage to buy a house.
So why did I leave the comfort or even the luxury behind and dived into the unknown water? Crazy, huh? In a sense, yes. I wouldn’t recommend doing this if you are so completely against feeling miserable and vulnerable among strangers, overwhelmed with the amount of work you have to do to catch up and establish yourself in the new land, with all the risks known and unknown.
My parents thought I was out of my mind when I declared I was leaving for America. They thought I’d be robbed and killed. Honestly, I was afraid about it, too, in my mind. When I arrived, I quickly figured how hard it was to keep up with all the readings my college courses required. I thought I spoke pretty good English (and I did – I passed the test so I didn’t need to take any ESL courses) but it was not enough. When I spoke up in class, some people sneered at my accent. I was stressed out. The worst part was that, even when I was sick and found myself in a doctor’s office, I still had to speak in English. . .
I knew there was a higher purpose in life and had to seek it.
I wanted to become the person who I believed I could be. A stronger, wiser person. I felt I wasn’t really living if I just stayed in the superficial comfort. I wasn’t sure if I could make it, but I just had to try.
Two years after I came to the US, I graduated with honors and straight A (okay, with just one B from my first semester, in fact). The class listened when I had something to say. I had won the trust of many friends and faculties, which helped me to land a good job. Now I have far more American friends than Japanese friends.
My English is – well, I still have a bit accent, and maybe I make errors with singular and plural rules or the use of prepositions, but in spite of all these minor issues, I write as part of my business, and my readership is growing . . .
I again hit the point where I knew from within that I could be something more than the role I was playing in Corporate America. The best I could do there was to assist the president of the company. Although I knew I was as intelligent as any senior management (or better ^_^), I couldn’t get their positions because I didn’t have the specialized education and background. Then why not have a business of my own and utilize my generalist skills and deeper wisdom?
Coming to the land of entrepreneurs is just like coming to a foreign land. Some of the more established entrepreneurs may sneer at you, try to kick you off the competition, or even take advantage of you. Perhaps, however, your darkest time comes when you realize your limited sales ability. You realize you don’t speak the language of sales and business well enough, and the only way to make it is to learn it — quickly. When you keep going, there is hope . . .
The rewards that surpass my expectations
In both of my trials, once establishing my new life in America and again becoming an entrepreneur, I have found freedom, confidence, and renewed love of life. Moreover, I have found that living in a new land is not just scary and alienating. When I had the courage to reach out and ask for help, I was rewarded with great friends who have stimulated my growth. The realization that I am always connected in the big circle of life have strengthened my spirituality.
My American friends (or whoever or wherever you are), let me tell you, if I could come to America and rebuild my life from scratch, you sure can become an entrepreneur.
It’s a choice. If you are driven from within, believe in yourself and in the world. Your fear of the unknown is natural and understandable, but don’t let the fear run your life. The journey is tough, with lots of interesting and magical twists, and when you think you are just barely making it, you are actually making it real inside out.
What are the values you seek in life? How are you materializing them?
Special thanks to Barbara of Blogging WithOut A Blog for choosing this post and my blog for the NBOTW (New Blog Of The Week).
If you like this article, you might enjoy my eBook on spiritual entrepreneurship. Click here for free, immediate download
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Akemi, I find your story both courageous and inspiring! Kudos to you!
Thank you! Sharing my story like this make me feel both vulnerable and empowered. More to come!
You’re a brave soul, Akemi. Congratulations on all of your successes!
” Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t “
Kirsten,
Thank you. But I really don’t think I am more brave than anyone else. You have the courage in you, maybe more than I do.
Cagri,
A few years? That is all? Well, I don’t regret it even if it takes the rest of my life. . .
Hello Akemi, I must say that you are very brave! But I guess that’s what an entrepreneur is made of – a courage to pursue one’s passion. You definitely have my support! I wish you well, Evelyn
Evelyn,
Thank you. As I said to Kirsten, remember you have the courage in you too. I am no better than anyone else. I just took my wish seriously and took action. You can do the same, or even better!
Hello Akemi,
I find this post very inspiring. I you being real in revealing your fear also.
I respect you for guts and tenacity. My hats off to you!
Blessings
Gamy
Akemi thank you for sharing your story and also the PDF. Both have given a lot of insight into you both personally and professionally.
Wishing you every success
Jeanne
Gamy and Jeanne,
Thank you for your blessings.
This is a great post for those who don’t understand the immigrants.
I, too, came to US in 1996. It’s not an easy path for me to become my own boss in the USA. At the end, it’s all about enjoy your life no matter where you are.
I am glad that I find your blog from StumbleUpOn.
Akemi – this is an amazing story and a wonderful comparison. I would love to live in America, but even though my first language is English, there are many cultural differences. I will be reading your blog for more inspiration.
Terence,
Thank you. America is a country of immigrants, country of dreams. Good luck with your business, and let me know if I can be of help for you.
Cath,
It was great to find your blog, too! I have some British friends and would love to visit there someday.
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Dear Akemi,
Your story was proven history. It is sometimes difficult for people to be told about themselves. However, what a better way to improve character?
As a young / mature African American Male, the journey is not over. America does hold the key for everyone’s happeness and we are allowed to work for it.
I congratulate you for revealing your thoughts, they were more than interesting.
As a fellow business person, I also wish you the best and God’s Speed.