If you are a college dropout, you might feel that you don’t have any chance to be successful. This fact is not true at all. That’s because we can find plenty of examples for individuals who achieved success after dropping out of college. AJ Cartas, the author of Startups and Downs, is a perfect example to prove the fact mentioned above.
As a college dropout, AJ had to face many challenges and hurdles when he was building up his own business. However, he didn’t give up. He is now a successful business owner, and he loves to share his experiences and help the college dropouts to be successful business owners in the future.
Here are some lessons learned from the life experiences of AJ as a college dropout. When you go through these life lessons as a college dropout, you will be able to learn how you can become successful as a business owner in the future.
- Life is not what you see on TV
TV and social media often portray entrepreneurs as wild, carefree, and wealthy individuals. But in real life, entrepreneurs are not like that. They are going through lots of challenges and hardships in day to day life. They are living on couches and eating instant noodles every single day before they embrace success. Entrepreneurs are, indeed, smart. However, they are going through lots of challenges, and you should be ready to go through those challenges. In the long run, you will reap the rewards of your hard work.
- Becoming an entrepreneur is not all about money
Most of the people dream about money when they are working hard to become entrepreneurs in the future. Becoming an entrepreneur is not all about money. You will indeed be able to earn amazing rewards when you become successful as an entrepreneur. However, you will have to go through lots of challenges while you are on your mission. This is where you have to make lots of sacrifices. Hence, you shouldn’t just think about money when you are trying to become an entrepreneur. There’s more to life than money.
- You should be ready to fight
College dropouts who aspire to become entrepreneurs in the future will have to encounter lots of struggles along with time. Entrepreneurship is where you need to make sure that you are in a position to fight every single day. It would be best if you did everything possible to overcome the challenges that you come across.
- You will find it as a difficult task to take care of yourself
When you are in the middle of a struggling business, you will find it a difficult task to take good care of yourself. You should be mindful of this as an entrepreneur as well. You will not have enough time to ensure your health and personal development. AJ has experienced this in his life. That’s why you need to understand this truth and move forward accordingly.
Some of the college dropouts who start their businesses as entrepreneurs will have to suffer for many a little bit until they achieve success. You should hold on until the moment you achieve success, and you should never give up. You may have to work around 80 to 100 hours per week until you get to that moment. The time and effort that you spend building up your business are worth when compared to the results that you can achieve. That’s why you should keep faith in yourself and keep on struggling.
Remember that when you struggle, you’re out of your comfort zone. And when you’re out of your comfort zone, you’re growing as a person.
AJ experienced these hardships. He explains more in his book and tips on how to overcome them. He also advises on topics that college mostly fails to teach students, such as emotional intelligence.
