Help!! College Or My Dream Job?? I Need Advice

[emi_girl23]

Thanks for all the advice!! Sometimes its easier to take advice you dont really wanna hear from people who arent considered family. I'm definitly thinking college...at least two years. It just might be taking on too much, i've been running a local coffee stand for awhile and kept track of the till, ordered inventory and what not...but thats not going to make me financially smart in opening a business...i definitly think its a great idea to get at least a 2 year degree or even just take a few classes before jumping on in. Thanks guys!! It's so nice to be able to get advice from people who have been in my shoes. I'll keep you posted. Em

[roz]

The Small Business Administration (SBA.gov) has a service to help you form a business plan, get financing, get licensed, etc. You should go visit them. They have one stop centers in many major metropolitan areas. They give loans to women starting businesses when you are ready.

[TheWife]

Roz that reminds me, I can't think of the name right now, but there is an entire organization devoted to helping women start a business, just do a search, I'm sure there is more than one.

[flyershoe]

That's great advice! Coincidentally, our company had a table tonight at an event for the National Organization of Women Business Owners (I think that's who you were thinking of)... we had an open seat, but I couldn't go because of class. I'll see if I can get any info from my coworkers that went.
It is true that there are special programs that help small business owners, and especially women business owners. That qualifies you as a "minority" business owner. I know that you'd be doing a coffee shop, but we are given preferential treatment for government contracts and such. Definitely worth looking into! Getting that extra education will better prepare you for taking advantage of these programs!

[MNewby]

Ok this is coming from a small business owner. I have my own cafe/coffee/ice cream shop (http://www.freewebs.com/sweetstreats). I am 29 years old, married for 7 years, and have an 18 month old. I went to a community college for 2 years, worked in the airlines for 6+, worked misc jobs after getting laid off after 9/11, and now own my own business. Honestly, I wish I would have done this when I was a lot younger. I LOVE it and am glad I had the experiences I did. It's A LOT of HARD work and the money side of it can be VERY stressful at times. Honestly one of my biggest stresses is paying rent, my loan payment, and employee wages each month. Those are my 3 most stressful finance areas. I would love to chat with you more about this if you want. Feel free to shoot me an email if you want to chat more.

[flyershoe]

Okay, I am such a dork but I just realized that Em was asking about opening her coffee shop in "Coffee Talk"! How funny!!

[flygirl813126]

I have thought about having a mom and pop flight school. The problem is the start up costs are insane. i just love the organization and publicity of stuff.
The other thing that I would love to do is flip real estate. I had so much fun working on our house.

[ASLhands]

Funny, flyershoe, I have been thinking about opening a franchise of an exercise chain too.

Anyway, emi, since you are only 18, I would agree that college is a better choice for now. I know at this age you just can't wait to start your life and be independent. Trust me, you'll have plenty of time for that. You have to play smart. Getting some education under your belt will help for you to have something to fall back on. You can always take out a loan to open a coffee shop, so go to college while you are young and have the chance. Good luck in your decision!!!