I want to start a thread about the 'slashcareer' movement. This is a term coined by former NYTimes blogger, Marci Alboher (twitter: @heymarci). Alboher uses the term to refer to the growing trend in America of entrepreneurs and SBOs who haven't 'left their day jobs.' 'Slashers' (as I like to call them) may work FT at a job, but also have one or more 'entrepreneurial side pursuits'.
My wife and I are 'slashers.' I personally feel very comfortable in this role. I work FT but have also built a business. She works from home and has built a home-based business as well. Between the two of us, we have a piano studio, an SEO consultancy, and a professional writing service - all operating under a Limited Liability Corporation. Together, we have 13 piano students, a half dozen or so writing clients, and we've just barely started getting serious prospects for our other online marketing services.
Our firm has 4 staff members who work very flexibly in Independent Contractor postions. It has taken us, working together, 3 years to build all this up, and we are very proud of our accomplishments. Of course, she and I have put in a ton of hours to build this through many long days of challenge and adversity, but all the hard work is paying off handsomely.
But the point is: We're 'slashers'. I like the stability and predictability of a regular job, with regular income. But if that's all I did, I would soon get bored. Building and growing a business has been one of the most enriching experiences for the both of us. Our businesses give both of us the creative outlet we both need, and also unchains us a bit from having to rely solely on a regular job for our self-esteem, income, and sense of purpose.
So, I wanted to start a thread to hear from other 'slashers'. What have been your experiences with being a 'slasher'? Do you like it? Or, are you more wanting to be completely self-employed? Do you think being a 'slasher' is a poor substitute for being a 'real' business owner, or the best of both worlds?
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