In our second installment of createyournewfuture.com’s interview series, we have a trailblazer whose ambition makes Lady Gaga look lazy. A business woman, soon-to-be author, and entrepreneur, Darrah Brustein is paving her path to success with a potent mix of drive and learned wisdom. She owns a credit card processing business called Equitable Payments, she writes her own blog for betwixters (to find out what that is click here), and hosts networking events for professionals under 40 in Atlanta. Thankfully, she took a few moments out of her hectic day to talk to us about her journey.
What do you do?
My primary business is as owner of a
credit card processing brokerage. That means I work with businesses to get them set up to accept credit card payments or find those who already accept credit cards a lower priced/better method by which to do so. I spend my days getting to know business owners, CFOs, and those who help these people make better operating and budget decisions. May sound boring, but it’s the most fun I’ve had working (and I came out of the fashion industry if that says anything).
What factors went into your decision to be an entrepreneur?
Some primary factors were dissatisfaction with other work experiences and primarily, distaste with working for other people. I worried that was an entitled feeling, but later have recognized that there’s somewhat of a ‘breed’ of entrepreneurs who tend to share this feeling in common. Oftentimes you want to see how you can do it on your own rather than for someone else, and you’re willing to take the necessary risks to do so.
I’d come out of a couple lay-offs in a relatively short amount of time, so that didn’t hurt to make my decision. I found it to be hugely challenging to take such a leap when you’re comfortable, no matter how unhappy you are in your current position.
How do you feel about your decision?
I feel great about my decision. While certainly it’s not always been an easy ride, I’ve never felt like I’ve been so true to myself in my work life before. To make your own schedule, be the one holding yourself accountable, and build a brand that lives or dies based on your efforts is nothing short of invigorating. With every success, I can pat myself on the back; with every failure, I can learn without someone else coming down on me for it. I’ve always been self-motivated, so never appreciated other people’s micro-management. I am my own worst critic as well as strongest cheerleader.
I think the current job environment shows that there is no security in working for someone else anymore. So, while it’s not ‘secure’ to work for yourself in the start up years, it certainly feels good to know the uncertainties in-and-out and do everything in your power to make things successful.
If you could make that decision differently, would you?
No. I don’t believe in regret, but rather learning from mistakes (and more so, not being afraid to make them in the first place). I’m sure there are moments I look back on where I would have done individual things differently, but the decision to go out on my own I would not take back.
What would you tell your 19-21 year old self?
A. You will not be homeless once your parents stop supporting you in college. B. Don’t be afraid to forge a path that is very different than some of the more traditional ones your friends are taking. C. Don’t allow others perception of your job title or salary to sway you in your decision to do what is best for you.
What advice would you give to others when they consider their job trajectory?
See a and b above. Also, be diligent about learning from your current and past experiences. What skills did you find yourself using that you enjoyed? What parts of your days were most interesting/rewarding/fun? When I was job searching, I made a “Top 10 Non-Negotiables” list for myself of my job and work environment. It included everything from commute, to attire, to culture, to salary, to the breakdown of the type of tasks I’d spend my time doing. Turns out there was a reason why I couldn’t find a ‘job’ that was a good fit. All signs pointed to working for myself, I just didn’t know it yet.
What things do people not consider immediately when making this choice?
How much time you spend every day working. Monday through Friday for a minimum of 8 hours (plus some weekend time if you need to) is the majority of your waking life. If you don’t enjoy both your daily functions as well as those with whom you share your day (co-workers), you will not enjoy the cushy salary, sexy title, or otherwise luring thing that drew you in.
-Margo Aaron
