What are your thoughts of military members who own their own businesses?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 08:29:40 -0500

What are your thoughts of military members who own their own businesses? Good or Bad?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2015 8:59 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 08:59:09 -0500

I think it is Great! If you can find the time and still do it there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

You are improving your life and giving yourself options outside the Military. Definitely a good thing.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2015 12:54 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 12:54:45 -0500

It's not like we make tons of money and at some point we need to be ready to get out of the military.
If you can pull it off, it doesn't interrupt your military work, for some reason I think your command needs to be aware of it ....if all of this is good Go For It!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2015 4:00 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 16:00:02 -0500

SGT,

I ran a small business for a little while. It took more away from my personal life , than from my military duty, because it was worked around my military schedule. Having the extra money around helped me take care of financial things post divorce that would have probably gotten me into trouble with command. And it gave me the extras I needed to make me feel good, especially since every other penny goes to the children. So long as SM doesn't mix the two and continues to perform to standard I think it is a good idea.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Jan 9 at 2015 8:15 PM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 20:15:51 -0500

I have a woodworking hobby that has turned into a profitable business. I specialize in turning old pallets into something nice and/or functional. Low overhead/great profit! I use the money to buy replacement products (glue, hardware, sanding discs, etc) or I buy new toys (tools) for my workshop. My unit has even commissioned items from me. I only ask that they pay me for cost of supplies, and my time is paid back through working at home during work hours (if mission permits).

Response by SMSgt Judy Hickman made Jan 9 at 2015 11:12 PM

SMSgt Judy Hickman — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 23:12:02 -0500

I think owning your own business as a military member is a great idea, but you have to remember that the military is your primary job and your secondary (self owned business) job is just that secondary.

I would think it would take a lot of dedication to work full time and then run a self owned business on your off time, but if its truly important and what you love to do ... then go for it.