Edition 160 – TwentySomethings

There’s a lot of talk at the moment around millennials. How “they’re different”. How they don’t stick at anything for too long. How they’re busy planning the next trip or festival rather than establishing the foundations for their life ahead.

Except, don’t believe everything you read or hear in the media. Here’s why.

Most mornings, I’m up early. It’s usually time to open the blinds around 6am as I wait for the kettle to boil for a cup of tea.

6am is around the time my neighbour over the road is getting going himself. He has a truck, all kitted out with his tools and materials, and 3 utes. One or two employees turn up early and head off with him for the day. He’s in the building industry, so has been working long hours and big weeks the past couple of years. So, here’s a guy who’s taken a punt, is employing young people and helping them build a life for themselves. The age of this entrepreneurial neighbour – 21.

When I head into Camden to my favourite coffee place and bar, I sometimes run into the new owner. We have a quick chat about how business is travelling after his recent purchase of this icon, an establishment that he has worked in for a while. The business trades 6 days, mostly from around 9am until late at night. This new owner would have the responsibility of around 40 employees on his shoulders. He’s keen. He’s energetic and he’s clearly inspirational, such has been the feedback about him that I’ve heard from his staff. His age – 22.

Some weeks ago, I met someone who has a business in the building and construction industry. He works incredibly hard. He employs 4 people and has some rough plans around where he wants to take his business. He’s purchased the equipment he needs to get the job done – not flash gear, just the type of stuff you need to look, act and be the part. He’s paying off his first home and building a future for himself. He’s been in business for 3 years and is the ripe old age of 28.

My guess is there are plenty more examples of twentysomethings, like these three, out there in our world. We just don’t hear enough about them.

We can all be inspired by watching the young take on an endeavour in business. I have a strong belief that everyone (yes, everyone) should have a go at being in business at least once in their life. 

Being in business changes your outlook on a wide range of matters, whether or not they are business related.

Being in business gives you the opportunity to actually build the type of life that most people only dream of.

Unfortunately, we don’t do enough in Australia, in my opinion, to encourage entrepreneurial spirit, particularly amongst the young. It’s only through the ideas and innovation that entrepreneurialism generates that we can continue to live in a prosperous country, in a rapidly changing world.

When you come across a young business owner, take the time to talk with them about what they’re doing and why they’re doing it. It’s amazing how exciting and motivating some of these stories can be.