Job or Business: Which is best for Reflectors?

Work makes up a big chunk of our lives, not only from day to day but across decades as well. For most of us, we'll spend more time working each day than we do sleeping.

So, when it comes to the thing that takes up a third of your waking hours, which route is better for Human Design Reflectors: job or business?

We're breaking down the pros and cons below!

Job

This category includes any form of work where you don't own the company. Even if you're the CEO of an organization, if you're not the owner, you're in a job.

The good stuff...

Tons of options: The sky is the limit on the type of jobs available these days. Many are in industries that didn't even exist a decade ago. If you love being on site you can work around other people. More introverted? Go for a remote job where you get to be in your own space. 

Have as many as you'd like: You can have one full-time job, two part-time jobs, or any combination in between. They don't even have to be in the same field. When I was early in my career as an Urban Planner, I also worked at a wine shop. I loved the variety of things I got to learn about between the two. Plus, one was an office job (sitting all day) and the other was retail (on my feet).

Frees up decision space: One of the big pain points for Reflectors is getting caught up in all our curiosities, to the point where it can be tough taking action in any direction. When you have a job someone else sets the priorities. I find this so liberating because decision fatigue can really take a toll on us Reflectors. Working in a job is much more straightforward from a 'knowing what needs to get done' point of view.

The annoying side...

Lack of security: I bet you thought I'd say a job was the secure route to go, right? Well, for anyone who had a job during COVID you know that things can change in an instant. Long gone are the days of working for one company throughout the span of an entire career. If the market changes, if leadership changes, if the industry changes…you will feel the effects.

Someone else calls the shots: Imagine putting months of effort into a project that gets cancelled, or worse, gets submitted but never put into action. I've been in this spot before and wow, does it ever sting! If you're ok to ebb and flow with your company's priorities, you'll do well in a job. Otherwise, attachment to your work can cause serious disappointment.

Business

Is it your name on the corporation docs? Did you start it or buy it from someone else? Yep, that's a business.

The good stuff...

You call all the shots: If you've got a vision for a product or service you know will add value to the world, then having a business is a great fit. Business can mean just about anything, as long as there's an exchange of money for service. Teach the world how to do cool handstands or how to play beach volleyball. Anything goes! And yes, I've seen both of these examples as actual businesses.

Low barrier of entry: Not so long ago starting and running a business meant huge amounts of overhead. Rent, inventory, staff. Now? All you need is a website and you're in business. And yet I still hear people complain about paying $150 for their web platform! I run my business using a platform called Kajabi, and it has everything I need from email to this blog, landing pages, and hosting my programs. Can you tell I'm a fan?

Scale at your own pace: Looking for a few hundred dollars extra in your pocket each month? A business can get you there. Want to build an empire you can pass on to your kids? That's an option too. In online business and digital products, scaling has never been easier. The trick is to know what you want to put into your business, and what you want to get out of it. It's a great way to manage your ever-changing Reflector energy as well, since you're the boss.

Great creative outlet: Content creation is part of the game in online business, so if you love writing, speaking, or making videos, you're in luck. You don't need to do ALL the things. Pick the one that best aligns with your creative interests. For me, it's writing! That's why I have a blog, not a podcast or a YouTube channel. There are benefits and drawbacks to each, but that's a topic for another time.

The annoying side...

You're the whole business (at least at first): When you're starting out with your big vision, you'll probably also be the one posting on social, creating your programs, building the website, and on and on it goes. For business to be a great option for you as a Reflector, the whole 'do it all yourself' model is not sustainable. Hire a virtual assistant ASAP and find someone you trust to make sure your website is doing what it's supposed to.

It gets boring: Sure you've got a revolutionary idea but once you get into the routine of executing your plan, you'll see a LOT of the same stuff everyday. That's actually a good thing and it can be a sign of momentum. The problem starts when you're looking at your business expecting it to always be exciting. Getting good at knowing the difference between fulfilling and exciting will save you a lot of effort, especially if you get the itch to burn your business to the ground and start something new.

So, which one is right for Reflectors?

Ok, it's a trick question. There is no rule saying Reflectors are better off in a job or a business but what you have to remember for both options is that as a Reflector, you operate differently than 99% of the world. Does your job give you some amount of time and energy freedom? Would a business let you stay flexible in how your interests change over time?

I truly believe that to have the most autonomy over income-earning abilities, Reflectors should all have their own businesses. And depending on your family and life situation right now, maybe having a job is also right for you.

When it comes to decision-making, Reflectors are encouraged to go through a 28-day lunar cycle for big life changes. I usually advise that if it's a major decision, like moving into an entirely new work industry, you give yourself the benefit of time to see if it's a go or not.

But here's a slightly controversial opinion. Changing jobs or starting a business doesn't have to be full lunar cycle decisions. Especially if the outcome is reversable (giving your peace of mind) or you're simply adding to what you already have. For example, I have a traditional 9-5 career in addition to the Reflector By Design business. When I started the business I kept my job, and because I was adding rather than changing, there was no need for a lunar cycle. Similarly, when I recently changed jobs but stayed within the same industry, I made the decision in about 3 days.