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Show Notes

Sarah Raad  Sarah started her career teaching tax law at the University of Sydney.  Following the teaching post, she moved into Deloittes to work in tax.  From Deloittes, Sarah moved into a commercial analysis role at Coca-Cola Amatil. Then she moved to Cadbury Schweppes and worked through the period when Asahi Brewery acquired the organisation. 

The following career opportunity was with Nestle, which was a sliding-door moment for Sarah.  Ultimately, she knocked the role back and started her own bookkeeping business, Bookkeeping OnTime. 

When a life-changing decision is made like this, it can be hard to explain, and a lot of introspection occurs.  It can be a time of second-guessing yourself and pondering or questioning many vital decisions that have been made.

COVID was tough but also an excellent time for making a life-changing decision and reevaluating critical life decisions. 

As a result of taking all these decisions

For professionals in their twenties, the early part of a career can see regular changes.  For Sarah, each change was strategic and challenging to make.  A comfortable role can limit potential and opportunity.  The best career move may not be an easy decision.

Some companies like Deloitte are great for teaching disciplines, skills and processes.  However, you are selling time, and you have to be there.  The work environment is conducive to spending much time at the workplace.

Other roles brought different pressures, such as working on critical public holidays.  The culture was great, except there was lost family time and not a very good social life.

Employers feel that staff may leave them quickly and readily.  Employers sometimes forget the value of a staff member.  The staff member does not feel valued, just a cog.  What is the difference I am making in an organisation?

The material benefits of a job feed the quality of life. Sarah had a mother that was always home for her.  As a mother, Sarah was unprepared for the rigour and requirements of a working mother.  Childcare and meal preparation are fundamental requirements in life. 

Starting a new business requires some cash reserves.  It is not paid employment.  As an entrepreneur, some risks can cost a lot of money.  Entrepreneurs start a business because they are good at a particular area, so it is essential to surround yourself with the right people and processes.  Accountants, lawyers and HR advice are examples of expertise needed for a successful business. 

Starting a business is an adventure.  An entrepreneur can change the rules and do it their way.

In summary:

Dealing with tensions in the real world.

The tension between opportunity and what I am meant to be doing.  Sometimes there is a more profound knowledge about what you should be doing.

The tension between being comfortable and extending yourself.

The tension between material benefits and quality of life.

The tension between risk and getting the adventure risk provides compared with getting security.

Trying to make the best choices is not always with complete knowledge.