Are you an Entrepreneur?

I am convinced now, that entrepreneurship is the path for me and really it always has been. I remember accepting my first job after college, at the time I took a job purely for the money, it was the only way to afford my two bedroom apartment and the only way I would be able to stay in LA. But it didn’t take long for me to wonder what else was out there. Sure it was a “secure” job but I was constantly thinking of other things I should be doing. I am creative by nature and most “creative” jobs don’t fit under the “secure” umbrella. So while I was working, I was building my design portfolio on the side and writing. As I transitioned from job to job I always had a side gig – I was designing, writing or operating an online retail store. I have never been satisfied just working for someone else – even when I moved up into management.

But I was scared to commit full-time to entrepreneurship and still am today, even though I may be unhappy with working, I am addicted to the security - the security of a steady paycheck and the security of health insurance.

But after having my two children and the need to be home with them, I’ve decided it’s time to take the leap and invest in my passion and become a full-time entrepreneur.

So here I am totally invested and ready to take the leap. I’ve even committed to encouraging others to follow their passions in this year’s Clean Start Challenge.

This week is National Entrepreneurship Week, which makes it the perfect week to focus on what you are truly passionate about and determine if you can turn that into your life’s work.

“Choose a job that you like and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucious

What if you aren’t sure if you have the entrepreneurial spirit? Entrepreneurs often have similar traits here are six common traits of an entrepreneur.

1. You are passionate.
2. You're always looking for opportunities.
3. You're dreaming miles ahead while focused on what you're doing right now.
4. You're prepared to say, I don't know, but I'll figure it out.
5. You're a builder and/or creator.
6. You want control.

To learn more about National Entrepreneur Week, check out www.entre-week.org and remember entrepreneurship empowers everyone. In addition be sure to check out the following articles for mom entrepreneurs: Great Resources for Woman Ready to Launch Their Business, 7 Websites Mom Entrepreneurs Should Visit, and 10 BlogTalkRadio Shows for Mom Entrepreneurs and Bloggers.

Be sure to check out the Clean Start Challenge where I explore ways we can turn our passions into our life’s work. Vote for Team One and help support the Los Angeles branch of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship.