What is the best strategy for reentry into job market after owning business?

Question

I decided to buy a business rather than pursue an MBA after 10+ years in sales & marketing positions, including mid-level positions with fortune 500 corporation. The business has been OK, but is not providing the income and satisfaction I had hoped. I would like the lessons learned to assist moving back into a more structured job, and don't want to be branded with the negatives sometimes attributed to entrepreneurs.

Answer 1

How long have you been in the business, personally I think going back to work for someone after self employment and being your own Boss, is a step backwards. If the business is not producing what you expected, then you need to examine the reasons for this rather than throw in the towel and go and work for a fixed income employer, whom will govern your whole life and time and basically everything you do until you retire.

You must have been pretty unhappy to have bought the business in the first place and quit your last job, so why return to the same street you left ? Look at that business and all thats wrong with it and put those things right first. If it was all a big mistake and you are really not at all cut out for business ownership, then do return to being an employee! Good luck.

Answer 2

If you have enough business to sell it, then leaving to go back to work for someone else becomes a plus rather than a failure. Or can you merge into a related function and close out your business as you go. Or put it on your resume and state the facts. Did not provide income or satisfaction expected. Honesty is the best policy.