Am I an entrepreneur or just an employee?

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Dear Aunty B,

I am a Gen Y working for a marketing company and have itchy feet. I have only ever lasted in a job for two years before I want another one. I think the answer for me lies in starting my own business. But how do I know if I am an entrepreneur?

Jennifer,
Sydney

Dear Jennifer,

Oh, so now entrepreneurship is the Gen Y answer to boredom. Jennifer, maybe you need a shrink, not a business. Why not try this poll? I found it in a book called Entrepreneur… and Beyond, By Alex McMillan.

Test yourself out on this.

Employee thinking

Entrepreneur thinking

I need a monthly salary

I need to make a profit

I need good superannuation

I need a capital gain to retire

I want a promotion

If you want to get to the top start there

Thank God it’s Friday

God is it Friday already?

If I qualify I can get a good job

If I set up my own business I can employ well qualified people

What do you want me to do

What needs doing?

I need a secure job

I want to be financially free

I look forward to retiring at 65

I never want to retire but I will be able to soon

I want high status

I want to control my own destiny

I want to stay on the boss’s good side

I want to control my own destiny

I like to keep to my strength area

I need creativity and variety

I want a better job

I have a dream

I want to keep to my area of strength

I need creativity and variety

And here are a few of my own

I love getting a pay rise

I love promoting people

I have done my best

How do I do better?

I leave at 5

I never really leave work

I need a fixed income

I can live with great financial uncertainty

I hate my job

I love my life

Can the Smart Community offer Jennifer any more thoughts? What is the difference between the mindset of an employee and an employer?

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