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macforray · Mar 8, 2006, 09:43 PM

I turned in my formal resignation at work today. I've done it before, but it still is one of those life moments that is both sad and glad.

This time I am starting a whole new adventure. Instead of doing the "9 to 5" working for the "man" (which I have done for 25 years), I am going to own a business. I am stepping into an already established coffee / bagel / sandwich shop. Totally independent and not a franchise.

I'm excited and aprehensive at the same time. It is totally "out of my box". My family and friends are totally puzzled by this move. Maybe its my mid life crisis. Instead of chasing younger women (my wife would cut my you know what off!) and buying a red sports car, it just might be that I want to do something different.

Anyone else gone or going through this? Want to share your stories and experiences?

If nothing else, wish me luck.

ambush · Mar 8, 2006, 10:18 PM

g'luck. i hope there isn't a starbucks nearby. i hope there won't be one.

Pendergast · Mar 8, 2006, 10:21 PM

Originally Posted by macforray

I turned in my formal resignation at work today. I've done it before, but it still is one of those life moments that is both sad and glad.

This time I am starting a whole new adventure. Instead of doing the "9 to 5" working for the "man" (which I have done for 25 years), I am going to own a business. I am stepping into an already established coffee / bagel / sandwich shop. Totally independent and not a franchise.

I'm excited and aprehensive at the same time. It is totally "out of my box". My family and friends are totally puzzled by this move. Maybe its my mid life crisis. Instead of chasing younger women (my wife would cut my you know what off!) and buying a red sports car, it just might be that I want to do something different.

Anyone else gone or going through this? Want to share your stories and experiences?

If nothing else, wish me luck.

I won't wish you luck. Instead, I'll wish you success!

cjrivera · Mar 8, 2006, 10:31 PM

Originally Posted by macforray

Instead of chasing younger women (my wife would cut my you know what off!)

...your allowance?

Chips G · Mar 8, 2006, 10:36 PM

I wish you much success in your new career!

SirCastor · Mar 8, 2006, 10:36 PM

Wow, Congrats. That's a huge step. I commend you for it. I worked in a Bagel shop for a year. It was really great. Best I can offer (I've never owned a business, nor operated it wholly on my own.) is to always treat every person like they're the best thing that's ever happened to your store. Sometimes it'll be hard, sometimes they'll be hard, but people remember kindness like nothing else, regardless of their situation.

Best of luck and success to you!

rickey939 · Mar 8, 2006, 10:44 PM

Damn, good for you man....best of luck and success.

SSharon · Mar 8, 2006, 11:04 PM

Post the address of the place here (or PM it to me) and I will be sure to drop by if it's close to the office.

Corpse of Chewbacca · Mar 9, 2006, 02:36 PM

pay your employees well.

RAILhead · Mar 9, 2006, 02:47 PM

So what's the store name?

I Bent My Wookiee · Mar 9, 2006, 02:54 PM

Good for you, working 9 - 5 sucks.

Good luck!

Mastrap · Mar 9, 2006, 03:01 PM

Post some pictures. And congratulations.

wdlove · Mar 9, 2006, 03:11 PM

Congratulations, sounds like a great adventure. I wish you all the best with your new business. Just take it one step at a time.

turtle777 · Mar 9, 2006, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by I Bent My Wookiee

Good for you, working 9 - 5 sucks.

Yeah, that's why I do 9-7. Much gooder

-t

d4nth3m4n · Mar 9, 2006, 03:25 PM

where in central NY? i might have to make a visit.

euphras · Mar 9, 2006, 04:43 PM

Congrats! All the best for you

dillerX · Mar 9, 2006, 04:47 PM

Most definitely the way to go.

D'Espice · Mar 9, 2006, 05:00 PM

Congratulations and good luck!
I thought about going independent at some point in my life but then again I realized that there was practically no clientele for what I had in mind so I told myself screw it and am still working for the (wo)man

I wish you all the best and hope it all goes well. And don't forget to post some pics

macforray · Mar 10, 2006, 12:28 AM

Originally Posted by d4nth3m4n

where in central NY? i might have to make a visit.

The Land of OZ.

I will keep you all posted.

Gamoe · Mar 10, 2006, 03:25 AM

Originally Posted by macforray

The Land of OZ.

I will keep you all posted.

The Land of OZ.... And quite an intriguing name, too! Good luck and prosperity to you!

Chuckit · Mar 10, 2006, 03:56 AM

As businesses go, a coffee/bagel shop in New York is probably a good way to go. Best of luck.

DCapple · Mar 10, 2006, 04:13 AM

dont be scared...me, im planning to put up a bussiness too cause i dont want to be tied up with having a boss...i wanna be a boss too!! lol...anyway Good luck!! hey how old are you? i just want to see if what is a mature age if im going to pursue that business...

meelk · Mar 10, 2006, 04:16 AM

make sure you only sell the TOPS of the muffins.

Salty · Mar 10, 2006, 04:23 AM

Hire Christian kids they steal less

. Actually make sure to treat your employees well. There is no better way to screw yourself over than to have employees that hate their job. Well OK lighting the place on fire... maybe... though unhappy employees might do that too.
Remember it's OK to smile at them. And if they're happy they will treat your customers well, and if they do that your customers will come back. If you have anyone who can't be nice to customers.... don't hate them.

Lateralus · Mar 10, 2006, 04:42 AM

Originally Posted by Salty

Hire Christian kids they steal less

...wrong.

Nicko · Mar 10, 2006, 05:53 AM

Does it have free wifi? That would bring in the customers.

QuadG5Man · Mar 10, 2006, 06:30 AM

The Oz theme could make for some very fun and interesting decor! I picture a yellow brick road to the counter

Mastrap · Mar 10, 2006, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by Salty

Hire Christian kids they steal less

.

So people who aren't Christian are prone to be thieves. You really can be an idiot at time Salty. Engage your brain, if you have one, before spouting insulting rubbish like this.

Big Mac · Mar 10, 2006, 07:40 AM

I think it was a joke.

Hope things work out well for you, macforray.

production_coordinator · Mar 10, 2006, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by macforray

The Land of OZ.

I will keep you all posted.

Kansas?

Anyway, I think you have a wonderful idea. IMHO, you just took on a job that can be VERY rewarding... but take up nearly 3X as much time. You need to be the marketing team, the sales team, accounting, inventory, etc. etc.

You can do it... with a lot of drive, a little luck, and you being able to balance everything, you could have a successful business. Considering so many of us here work in the creative industry, you have a great built in Q/A for such topics.

Good Luck!

Doofy · Mar 10, 2006, 10:13 AM

Congratulations on the career move - you won't regret it. Be prepared for some hard work and occasional hair-pulling but be content by the fact that you're no longer working "for the man"!

osiris · Mar 10, 2006, 10:32 AM

Congrats! I wish you tons of success.

Are you going to make traditional water bagels?

Nicko · Mar 10, 2006, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by Salty

If you have anyone who can't be nice to customers.... don't hate them.

uh yea, just fire their asses.

macforray · Mar 10, 2006, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by Gabriel Morales

The Land of OZ.... And quite an intriguing name, too! Good luck and prosperity to you!

Sorry to mislead. The Land of OZ is the "location", and no, it is not in Kansas. L.Frank Baum was born here. The name is Java Joe's Cafe. We're still waiting for the ink to dry on all of the legal stuff. Hope to have at least a "soft" opening in a couple of weeks.

Thanks for all of the support. Yes, I do expect to put a lot of hours in. My backround is engineering, quality, business and management. I have worn many hats over the years. I know all about the frustrations of business. I was in manufacturing for the last 25 years. Certain sectors of manufacuring can be brutal on you. Always trying to do more with less, sometimes successfully, often not.

I put my notice in on Wednesday and have felt a huge burden lifted off my shoulders. I must be more valuable than I thought, as the HR director asked me yesterday if I would have time to consult. Very doubtful, especially during the first few months.

Oh well. Their loss, my gain.

Stradlater · Mar 10, 2006, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by Salty

Hire Christian kids they steal less

. Actually make sure to treat your employees well. There is no better way to screw yourself over than to have employees that hate their job. Well OK lighting the place on fire... maybe... though unhappy employees might do that too.
Remember it's OK to smile at them. And if they're happy they will treat your customers well, and if they do that your customers will come back. If you have anyone who can't be nice to customers.... don't hate them.

God you're a dick.

To the OP: best of luck!

d4nth3m4n · Mar 10, 2006, 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by macforray

The Land of OZ.

I will keep you all posted.

well, that's not vague at all.

Chuckit · Mar 10, 2006, 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by Big Mac

I think it was a joke.

I figured it was flamebait.

macforray · Mar 10, 2006, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by d4nth3m4n

well, that's not vague at all.

Just testing to see if anyone knew where L. Frank Baum was born. Chittenango, NY. Iroquois for "where the water runs north".