My job almost killed me, an introduction

[kamakiri]

Hello everyone,
I didn't see a space for self introductions around, so I just picked the title and then posted where it seemed to fit best.

I am at a crossroads now. Back in 2001, I had planned on moving back to the US from Japan, but after 9/11, my wife's green card application (along with all others) was put on permanent hold. My last day with my old company was 9/21, that is my birthday, and I had quit my job as a present to myself. We put our plans on hold and moved back to Nagasaki, Japan, my wife's home town. I came over here to Japan at 15 as an exchange student and spent a year, and met my wife in high school 20 years ago if you want the history.

With our plans put on hold, I rented a small shop, bought some pizza ovens and put my name on the door. http://chrispizza.us . Long story short, I expanded to four shops too fast for my own good, and ended up closing 3 of the 4 shops you can see on my web site. As of Feb 2006 I was $1/4 million in debt with only a few used pizza ovens worth next to nothing to show for it.

With my last remaining shop, I managed to pay of and negotiate down that debt to a more manageable $80 by last June. Then while delivering some marketing data on one of my deliver scooters, I got hit from behind at a stop sign and spent two months in the hospital. While there my copy of the 4 Hour Work Week arrived by Amazon. I swear by their international shipping.

While in the hospital I had to close down my shop, and am now putting things together. Most of my suppliers are understanding, but a few of my bills went to collections. I am putting together a plan to take care of everything, but the more I work on this, the less I want to stand in a restaurant and work 70-80 hours a week again. I am tired of missing Christmas, serving 40 people I don't know turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, and weekends at the beach with my son.

While in the hospital, I realized many of the business mistakes I made, and know that I could go back to running a profitable restaurant as soon as the doctors give me the thumbs up, but I really don't want that life any more. I just wonder if I am going overboard by passing up the opportunity to walk back into my shop, open and 'have a job'.

My dad's usual craptacular advice was to go out and get a 9-5 job. First off, after working for myself for seven years, I can't even imagine working for someone else. It was hard enough being my own boss.

Basically I guess I am looking for some reassurance that this can be done, and some advice to take me along the way.

Thanks in advance
Chris

ps Tim - If you are reading this, I have a set of kendo bogu with your name on it if you come down and practice with me in Nagasaki. I got my shodan 19 years ago and have been practicing since.

[dankind]

Hi,

I've read your story and feel for you. I have a friend who spends his whole life working in his business as well.

You should really check out 'E-Myth' by Michael Gerber (ISBN: 0887307280). It explains how to free your time from your business in ways that compliment the tips Tim gives in his book.

Best of luck,

Dan

[kamakiri]

Thanks for the advice there Dan. I have read the E Myth a few times and love it. It really is a good book (for all those who haven't read it).

Now I have been out of the hospital for just over a month, and will probably go in for surgery again in a few weeks, but in the mean time, life has been great. I now have the time to work on all the things in my life that have sat on hold for the past ten years. Time flies like mad when you are working 70 hours a week.

My son is 6 and last week we had breakfast and dinner together more times than we did in all of 2006. That is what life is all about. Having this time, even though my shoulder and neck hurt all the time, has re-enforced my belief that life is not all about how many hours you work. I know the last thing I will say on my death bed is, "I wish I had worked more".

Give your friend a copy of the 4 hour work week. It might be the best present he has ever received. -Kama

[dankind]

Kama,

Glad to hear you're spending more time doing the things that are important to you =) I'd love to keep in touch and see where your endeavours end up taking you. Hope you have a quick recovery,

Dan

[TimW]

Chris

Howdy from a fellow Kenshi (or Kendoka, as you wish). If you're ever in Phoenix, look me up. I've not practiced in several years (running my own business...amazing how that takes you from everything...), and I THINK I can still fit into my hakama and do. :)

I certainly empathize with your plight. My business (www.practicaltactical.net, an internet retailer of military and police gear) does OK but not spectacular. Nature of the industry. But enough about me.

One of my best (american) friends had an Italian place in Osaka when he lived there. To say that it was a trying time is an understatement, especially when it was owned by someone who was clueless about the industry and just thought it would be cool to be the owner of an Italian restaurant...but not led Dan (my friend) do what was needed to increase / grow the business.

You appear to have years of experience running a restaurant, albeit from the "what not to do" side of things.

Why not capitalize on that? Can you not write a book or e-book on the experience, putting into words that which you would actually do differently?

What about consulting for new restaurants? What about consulting for gaikokujin who want to open a restaurant in Japan, like my friend Dan (who actually ran restaurants here before going there, but you get my point).

I think this offers a great opportunity if done well.

What do you think?


TimW
Phoenix