Checking Out Jeff’s Balls at the Amazon Spheres
Around this time last year I found myself in a deactivation battle with Instagram. I debated my career in cannabis. Heck, I even considered applying at more corporate jobs. Even though the idea of working in a place like the Amazon Spheres sounds appealing, I can’t fathom doing anything besides work in weed.
I’m the product of a small business owner. My dad spent 17 years working at a government funded nuclear facility. Despite good pay and benefits, you know what? He hated it. My dad eventually pursued his own dreams, starting a niche model airplane magazine. Similar to what I do for cannabis, he shoots photos, writes articles, sends email newsletters and more.
So why would a cannabis creative agency owner consider alternative careers? Running a small business is hard. Bringing in new clients, managing current ones, hiring employees, partnering with freelancers, learning bookkeeping and — oh shit, it’s tax time — can be really overwhelming. The temptation to sell your soul to Jeff Bezos’ balls sounds super enticing. Who wouldn’t want to make 120K a year copywriting with PTO and benefits? But the real question, is it worth it?
For me, that answer is no. Even on the toughest days, I still feel more empowered working for myself than “the man.” I’m allowed creative freedom to do shoots like this, with the talented Mandee Rae, and smoke weed around the world. No amount of money can compensate for that. Moreover, being a business owner I know my income is in my hands, not those of a CEO.
As I sit in my Pioneer Square office and look to my left, I see a quote on the wall. This mantra keeps me motivated, even after working the longest days. It says “Entrepreneur: a person who risks their own money for freedom, rather than exchanging their freedom for money.”
You might also like
