Starting a Business and Leaving Aviation Pilot Industry: Building a New Career
As a former aviation enthusiast, I never thought I would leave the pilot industry and venture into the world of e-commerce. But the pandemic struck, and I realized that I needed to pivot my career and explore new opportunities.
Transitioning from being a pilot to starting a business was not easy. As pilots, we are trained to have a keen attention to detail, a strong sense of discipline, and a focus on safety. These skills, however, proved to be transferable in the e-commerce world.
When I started my business, I realized the importance of having a runway. Just like in aviation, having enough runway means you have enough time to get the business off the ground without revenue. I gave myself a timeline and budget to ensure that I would not run out of funds before the business could take off.
In the beginning, laying the bricks was slow and laborious. Every product I added to the business was a new brick, and it took time and patience to build a solid foundation. But slowly and surely, the castle began to take shape, and I was able to grow my business.
Having a supportive partner at the initial startup phase of a business can be crucial to its success, as they can help with tasks that you may not be as skilled in, offer advice and support, and provide emotional encouragement. However, if your partner leaves or you find yourself as a one-man business, it is important to seek out a community of fellow entrepreneurs who can offer support and guidance. By surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals, you can still benefit from the advantages of having a supportive partner, even if they are not there physically.
Building my business on another platform was like building on someone else's land. I knew that I needed to eventually divert customers to my own platform to establish a sense of ownership and to avoid any sudden changes in platform policy or fees.
Looking back, leaving the aviation industry was a tough decision, but I do not regret my choice. Starting my own business allowed me to pursue my passions and provided a new sense of purpose. The skills I developed as a pilot have proven to be valuable in my new career, and I am excited to see where this journey will take me.
In conclusion, if you are considering leaving your current career to start your own business, it can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It is important to have a clear timeline and budget, a supportive partner or community, and to establish your own platform to build a sense of ownership. With patience, hard work, and a willingness to take calculated risks, you can successfully transition to a new career and build a successful business.
“Aviation is proof that given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible.”
