Leaving Work at Work

When I shut down my start up and got a "real" job at AMEX in 2013 - I remember how different the new job felt. It was so freeing.

I actually left my computer at work. And I didn't have email on my phone.

When I left work, I actually left work behind. I used to joke that the swipes would still go through even if I wasn't paying attention to my laptop.

Many employees get to do some version of that when they sign off for the day. Out of sight out of mind. I'll pick it back up tomorrow.

Founders do not have that luxury. They eat, sleep and breathe their company. I've met some that can mentally turn off that part of their brain when they are not working. But not many. It can be all consuming and incredibly stressful.

Of course - there are rewards for being an owner. The boss. Your impact and earning potential is uncapped. You can build it your way.

Meanwhile, an employee is agreeing to a set price for their time and not much control on what they work on.

The burden of ownership is heavy though. And the upside is not a sure thing.

I'm fascinated by this spectrum. From 100% owner to line employee just getting their paycheck. And the tradeoffs of all the variations in between.

I know I found a happy medium for me as a solopreneur.

What is your balance? How are the tradeoffs working for you in that configuration?