During the Thanksgiving holiday, I came across a book that emphasized the power of storytelling to connect with people on a deeper level. Inspired by this idea, I would like to share my own entrepreneurial journey with you today.
From Tokyo to the United States: My Career as an Employee
I was born in Nagoya and have worked as a full-time employee at accounting firms and multinational corporations in both Tokyo and California. During my career, I was always focused on the next step, constantly thinking about how I could deliver results at my current company to secure better opportunities at the next. While striving for career advancement, I also began to notice the limitations of working as an employee.
For example, when a close family member fell ill, I frequently needed to travel back to Nagoya, which highlighted how restrictive my schedule was. Later, when I was preparing to work in the U.S. and waiting for my work visa to be issued, I experienced months of downtime where, despite having time, I was unable to work. These experiences made me wonder, “What if I could work in a more flexible way?”
Amidst these reflections, I traveled with an entrepreneurial friend on a weekday. Seeing how they could manage their own time and work on their terms left a lasting impression on me. The freedom and control over one’s schedule as an entrepreneur deeply resonated with me, sparking the thought that perhaps I could follow a similar path.
The Decision to Start a Business and the Challenges Along the Way
After working as an employee in L.A. for several years, I decided to take the leap and start my own business. There were three main reasons behind this decision:
- A Desire for New Experiences
After years of working as an employee, I felt a growing urge to step outside of my comfort zone and take on a new challenge that was completely different from my previous career. - The Freedom to Manage My Time and Life
I wanted to create a work environment where I could value both my personal time and my family, with the flexibility to structure my schedule as I saw fit. - A Fateful Comment
During my transition from Tokyo to L.A., a teacher of Chinese astrology whom I had studied under told me, “You’re not suited to being an employee.” This comment stuck with me and gave me the final push to pursue entrepreneurship.
With these motivations, I established an S-Corporation in California and took my first steps as a CEO. However, the first year was nothing short of challenging. No one teaches you how to run a company, so I had to navigate everything on my own. From learning how to promote my business and building operational systems to managing day-to-day tasks, it was all a process of trial and error. Despite the difficulties, I continued to learn and adapt step by step, embracing the journey along the way.
Lessons from Failure
One of the most valuable realizations I’ve had since starting my business is the ability to learn from failure. For instance, even when my initial plans didn’t go as expected, I was able to refine them based on the experience. Through repeated trial and error, I gradually became more adept at navigating challenges. These experiences taught me that failure is not the end but rather a stepping stone toward growth and wisdom. Each setback became an opportunity to improve, ultimately fueling my personal and professional development.
Discovering New Joys
In addition to my core work in tax and accounting, starting my own business gave me the chance to explore new areas such as marketing and design—fields I had never delved into before. While working on designs with tools like Canva, I rediscovered the joy of creating art, a passion I had as a middle school student. The ability to enjoy creative tasks, which were absent from my previous career, has been one of the most unexpected and delightful rewards of entrepreneurship.
The Benefits and Recommendations of an S-Corporation
My company is structured as an S-Corporation, and this form of business offers numerous advantages. In particular, during my first year of business, the ability to offset business losses against my spouse’s withholding taxes on salary income resulted in a much larger tax refund than I had anticipated. The flexibility in tax treatment makes the S-Corporation an excellent choice for those aiming for a more adaptable way of working and managing a business.
For Those Considering Entrepreneurship
I currently enjoy being able to manage my own time and work in a way that suits me. Back when I was an employee, I had to handle tasks regardless of whether I liked them or not. Now, I can focus on delivering services that I am truly passionate about to my clients.
If you are considering starting a business or want to learn more about the advantages of an S-Corporation, I invite you to consult with us. We are dedicated to helping those who want to reassess their work-life balance and take control of their time and career.
Entrepreneurship is not an easy path, but it is a wonderful opportunity to create a work style that truly reflects who you are. I wholeheartedly support your journey and encourage you to take the first step toward your dreams!
Comment