Gambler to Entrepreneur

Growing up as impressionable adolescent I was constantly surrounded by card games or some type of venturing. I developed a gamblers mindset. At the age of five, I’ve learned how to play a popular Vietnamese card game, Tien Len also known as 13, for quarters. There are numerous types of gamblers but we have a common purpose; risk as little as possible in exchange for maximum gain but that is not always the case. We also chase an unexplainable rush; a thrill that only another chancer would comprehend. Growing up in the discourse of gambling is something that I considered to be a good thing minus the losing money part. Gambling showed me how to maximize the odds as much as possible towards my advantage, but at times you have to just pray for dumb luck. I consider the discourse of gambling swell because it helped played a hand in guiding me to be more business minded and to one day open my own business.

Being a “gambler” may be one of the first steps to being an entrepreneur. The term entrepreneurial is a synonym for gambler in my opinion; describing those who are willing to be risk takers. According to Webster dictionary, entrepreneurial is the willing to take risks in order to make a profit; gambling is to take a risk in the hope of gaining an advantage or benefit.  

How did gambling lead me to wanting my own business? It’s simple; I’m a risk-taker who is willing to take a chance when the opportunity is there. Being a gambler doesn’t entirely mean that you are an entrepreneurial. There is more to opening a business than just taking gamble on something. The exposure and experience of gambling taught aspects of business, such as to observe and evaluate “chances” from every angel before taking the initial risk.

During my second semester of college, I was reflecting what I wanted to do after earning my degree. I decided, I wanted to be a professional card player but that dream quickly went down the drain, thanks Dad… I was on a mission to find a new career path. I assessed myself, and I prefer to work for myself and enjoy working along with others but I dislike taking commands that I feel is unethical. I decided I would like to operate my own business. Transitioning from one form of risk taking to another.

The reason why most individuals like myself wants to open our own business may differ from person to person. Regardless of the reason a person opens a business there are plenty of advantages to open a business. Becoming your own boss is a reason that ranks pretty high in my list of reasons; you can make your own decisions and assessment without having to answer to “The Boss”. Another advantage of having your own business is that expenses for the company are deductible. Deducting expense is a great perk for example, office supplies and equipment for the business may be written off or depreciated. A few more advantages are: potential higher earnings, financial freedom, job security, and much more. Beside the possible advantages that are gain from opening a business there are multiple resources that aide starting and small business. For example, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) help advises on “how-to” run a business and value-added benefits.

 With all the advantages, benefits, and resources for a business it would be reckless to not gamble on opening a business when the opportunity comes.