A new path

Mike had been looking out of the window for quite some time now. His coffee was now cold but he didn’t care. Or notice. Or both. His mind was busy making life changing decisions which were not easy. His heart was racing and suddenly he closed his eyes. He at last realized that he should sit down and relax. The only person he was arguing against was his self.

He was thirty-two years old, the oldest of four siblings, and had studied marketing management quite simply because the family business required it. His father inherited the business from his father who started it when he was in his twenties. He was from a poor family but he had goals and a dream and despite having little formal education he was able to turn a small business into a well known and respectable one after years of hard work.

Grandpa had an interest in books and had a vast collection he had accumulated over the years. He was surprisingly open minded for a man of his era and always liked giving opportunities to people. This he had passed down to his son along with the burden of being a business owner.

It wasn’t easy you know. It never is. Having a business and people depending on you takes its toll. You can see it in their tired faces and white hair. And grandfather and father had it written all over their physical appearance. Not that they were miserable people. Quite the opposite. They were optimists and loved knowledge and educated discussions. They cared for their business and the people working in it.

These positive attributes they were able to pass down to their children and from Mike’s family, he and two of his siblings had declared an interest to work there. Their father had never asked or forced them to do that. They were practically raised in the factory you see from a young age. Their grandfather’s house was in the middle of the factory, so they were there every other day. Their parents had them help around to earn their allowance and they had grown to care and gain a lot of insight knowledge. So it only felt natural for them to continue working there even after they had graduated from school and college. No one ever discussed this with their parents. It was a natural continuation of the previous status quo.

Mike had already been in the family business for 17 years. He begun when he was 15 years old helping in the assembling of furniture during the summer holidays and two years later he even went on deliveries and saw first hand the interaction with customers. Following that he continued working part time during his studies in the marketing department which proved especially useful to him. His experience helped him understand the lectures and the lectures helped him understand the practises of the marketing department.

He was never content however. He always loved to read so he often had lengthy discussions with his professors questioning and challenging their views earing their respect in the process. Following his studies, he fully dedicated his time to the family business with the support of his father.

Around that time the social media were gaining ground in the people’s lives with more and more people downloading and frequently using apps like Facebook and Twitter. Mike saw this as an opportunity while others older than him saw it as merely a hobby. He begun studying it and experimenting with it. He set up the company’s profile on social media, posted ads, contests, and soon gained many followers. Business was given an additional boost due to these verifying Mike’s realisation that social media had come to stay and that they were a powerful tool.

And now here he was. On the verge of an important decision. Things had been a bit rough lately. Despite the financial crisis the business was holding on. But it did put strain on the family’s relations. And Mike felt that in order to salvage his relationship with his family it was time to move on. Explore other choices. Expand his knowledge and make his own business. A true descendant of his grandfather he wanted to pursue his dreams and make something of his own while still learning. He wanted to start his business focusing on marketing through social media. And he felt that now was the best time to do so. He had knowledge that others hadn’t yet in this part of the world and could appreciate the power of social media. Furthermore, he wanted to offer his expertise and help other business and people build their brands. He had a passion he wanted to pursue which he had never felt for the family business. And he felt ready.

Despite that he also felt anxious. All the possible what ifs were pouring in his mind. What if he wasn’t good enough? Or failed? There was however one what if that never crossed his mind. Because it didn’t have to. What if his parents got angry? They wouldn’t. And he knew that. He had been raised and given to understand that his professional choices were entirely up to him. He never really questioned that. Nor did he wonder whether it was because his parents felt trapped in the family business and didn’t want this for any of their kids.

No. All the worry stemmed from his self-consciousness. He wasn’t abandoning the family business. He was going to be an external associate. He would be able to calm and repair the relations with them, he had no doubt about that. He was preparing for this moment for months. He had done his research, weighted the opportunities and possibilities and had made his decision. He had already discussed all these with his wife who fully supported him.

Finally, he picked up the phone and dialled his dad’s number. It rang four times. With every ringing he felt his heartbeat accelerating. He wasn’t sure if it was anxiety, excitement, or nervousness. Or all the above.

Finally his dad answered.

-Hey son.

- Hey dad.

They exchanged pleasantries and set up a meeting for the afternoon. He somehow felt calmer after their talk. Maybe it was his dad’s calm voice or the fact that he knew he would support him in any way he could like he always had. He felt a sense of reassurance and decided to go on with his day as usual to keep his mind occupied.

He checked his reports, posts, met with the graphics department, even had a coffee with his brother to whom he hadn’t mentioned anything yet and was surprised at how fast time went.

At 4 pm he knocked on his dad’s door. He entered.

-       What’s going on son?

His dad could tell it was serious.

-       Dad, I have thought about this a lot. I want you to know it’s not a rushed decision.

He went on to explain how he felt about it all. Their business, their relations, his newfound passion and finally:

-       I want to start my own business.

His dad was quiet this whole time. Perhaps years ago, he too had such a speech prepared but had never been able to say it out of fear and respect. He had mixed feelings. Sadness, confusion, pride were the dominant ones. Finally, he said:

-       You can do as you wish. We are here to support you in any way. If you ever want to come back the door will always remain open for you. I can help you by the way. I know…

He knew. He had ideas. He got more and more excited as time went on. He could introduce him to people. He could do this and do that. And Mike felt encouraged. Some of his dad’s suggestions were actually good. Some not. But it didn’t matter at that point.

The future was finally looking promising and hopeful.