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My parents emigrated from Korea when I was 3, and my mom worked in retail and restaurants to support our family while my dad received his English degree. They were the first of our entire family to emigrate to the States, and came with virtually no money — so much so that my brother and I remained in Korea with relatives for almost a year until my parents could settle in and afford to have us fly to America to join them.
Shortly after my dad received his degree, he started teaching English to one student out of our little apartment. Soon that number grew to five. Once he had ten students, he opened up a small, one room school. I remember my parents working from 7 am to 11pm in those early years, yet still having time to make my brother and I do our supplemental workbooks, provide us with homecooked meals, and take us on monthly camping trips.
I have nothing but the greatest respect for immigrants who sacrifice so much to move to America to provide a better life for their children. I think a combination of growing up around that immigrant mentality and the entrepreneurial spirit my parents embodied have largely shaped how I think about work and business today.
I completely understand that starting your own business isn’t for everyone. The hours suck, you work weekends, it’s hard to take vacations, and managing employees is probably the hardest part of the job (I hate managing). But I’ve pretty much been my own boss for almost the past decade, and I think once you’ve been your own boss, it’s hard to work for someone again. Just like I can’t imagine what it’d be like to go into a regular office again because I can’t give up working in my pajamas! 
Had my parents not been entrepreneurs, I wonder if I would have ended up following a completely different path. Now I can’t imagine another life. I’d rather take the risk and work twice as much for half the money as my own boss because of the flexibility and the possibility of unlimited growth.
Were your parents entrepreneurs and do you think that affected whether or not you became one yourself? Do you have your own business or would you like to start your own business one day?
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My parents worked at “normal” jobs, but my dad had a side business in our small town (gun shop/locksmith) but it was more of a hobby and didn’t raise much income.
I always had the entrepreneurial bug, probably b/c I like to do things on my own. I like to know how and why things are done. It can be a more difficult journey, but very rewarding and educating. I was an actress in NYC for 12 years, so compared to working 40-60 hours a week at a desk job and then trying to work as an actor, my current business is a lot more doable and fun. Plus, I get to be the star of my one woman show!!!
My parents were both born in Barbados and moved here with my grandparents. That sacrifice my grandparents made to leave their homeland in order to provide a better life for their children is what inspired me to reach for the stars. It literally came to me one day on my way home from work. I was battling with where my life was going. I wanted to throw in the towel and just settle for oridinary. Then I thought about that sacrifice that was made for my parents and for me. They wanted me to have a better life before I was even a thought. I couldn’t be ordinary, I had to become extradinary and work hard to carry on their dreams. Any time I feel like throwing in the towel, I remember what my grandparents did for my family.
Neither of my parents are entrepeuners but my father always had the entrepeuner’s spirit. He would have loved to be his own boss but having to provide for a family stopped that dream. Yet another sacrifice made for my well being. Having a family that was willing to do anything for my well being is what inspired my path to be my own boss. Yeah the hours suck and it’s a lot of work but it’s the best decision I ever made. Just like my grandparents and parents, I will sacrifice to provide a better life for my future generations.
My parents were entrepreneurs as well. They instilled in me a great work ethic, and I have great memories of filing invoices and answering phones when I was a kid!
I also remember the economic struggles, and how helpless we were in leaner economic times. I chose my college to minimize debt, and am intensely aware of how much pressure my dad felt to support the family, his employees, their families, etc.
No one in my family can understand why I choose to work in a hospital, instead of hanging out my own shingle because everyone else shares my dad’s passion for owning their own business.
I don’t know how you guys do it… The pressure is just too much for me… but obviously, I intensely respect the ability to do so! I still long for the independence, but fear the responsibility!
My dad started his own business about 12 years ago. I’ve seen how much more he enjoys working for himself and that has encouraged me to consider becoming an entrepreneur as well
Wow, your story rang true for me on so many levels, being the daughter of a Korean immigrant family as well. My parents have worked so hard since they stepped foot in the States and still do, owning their own business now but struggling with the unstable economy. I understand that they want, more than anything, for their children the have secure, stable jobs and futures that they sacrificed comfortable lives in Korea for.
I studied architecture in school and after working in the field for 5 years, realize that my talents and passion live elsewhere…mostly jewelry design, but other small scale creative projects as well. Although my parents can’t help but think my schooling and training was a waste and fear about an unsteady income, I am on the brink of leaving the corporate world and venturing off to have my own design business (as you say,”because of the flexibility and the possibility of unlimited growth”). My background comes into play from concept designs to how I communicate with clients. My personality was just not cut out for the corporate world and I am so looking forward to being my own boss, despite the huge responsibilities.
I want to reach that potential of unlimited growth not only for myself, but to justify my parents choices to bring me up here. All the more reason to work really hard and create beautiful things!!
It must be destiny that I came across this post today. I’m originally from Jamaica where I watched my mom create and flourish in a drapery company that she started in our home. Her brother and sister had their own businesses as well so I was constantly around business minded individuals who juggled business and family.
It wasn’t until I moved to America that I saw my parents work for other people - it was such a change. Although they worked harder for themselves, they were so much happier.
I’m 2 months away from graduating from college, and as everyone is going to career services to line up jobs I just have no desire to do so. Instead I keep racking my brain trying to think of a way to generate income on my own time and on my own terms. The entrepreneural bug definently rubbed off on me and I just can’t seem to shake it. I have to admit I’m feeling a little lost right now.
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Mrs. Bee, New York
Age and Occupation: 29, Weddingbee Publisher
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Internet
Engagement Date: May 7, 2004
Wedding Date: March 5, 2005
Venue: Westside Loft, New York
About Me: Yes, my name really is Bee! I love my blogging, wikis, and tabasco sauce!
My dad started his own business about 20 years ago. He’s definitely instilled the entrepreneurial spirit in me, but I do have to admit that I never admired the way he worked. Sure, he set his own hours, but those hours were long and hard and relentless. At the same time, he would never have it any other way. He doesn’t like answering to anyone (other than his clients), and office politics were something he always greatly despised (and I suspect I would as well). I greatly value being able to work from home, and the long hours are worth it for the most part (occasionally it breaks me down, and I wish I could work for the state, where they require you to leave at 5PM sharp and they get every holiday known to mankind off), but I usually shake it off and am thankful that I am able to work at home in a small business!