I read "Confessions of Successful People."

It might be the most impressive book I've read recently.

I read it around the New Year, so I thought I'd jot down some notes before I forget.

This book discusses how work and family are actually closely connected.

Typically, only the glamorous aspects of entrepreneurs are highlighted, but this book vividly portrays the darker world behind them.

Prologue: Common Incidents

Being involved in major incidents at the peak of success, falling ill, or even sudden death.

While basking in the limelight and being celebrated by the media, family members face accidents or illnesses.

The moment a book is published as a successful person, the company's performance plummets.

The homes of charismatic business leaders fall apart. Separation and lovers everywhere.

Earning huge profits through speculation but dying young due to accidents or illnesses.

Honestly, after running a company for seven years, I can somewhat understand these situations.

Success leads to higher risks or loosened caution, increasing the likelihood of danger.

The breakdown of entrepreneurs' families is a story I often hear.

Neglecting the family is, in a way, inevitable. You're carrying the lives of as many employees on your shoulders...

Even the wife who initially supported me began to withdraw her support as the company started to take off, a phenomenon that happened in our case, which I found puzzling. However, it was interesting to learn that this is a common occurrence.

Perhaps there's a reluctance to harbor too much hope, fearing the fall from heightened expectations to rock bottom.

Balancing Entrepreneurship and Family

I started my business almost simultaneously with the birth of my second child.

People around me probably thought I was crazy, but for some reason, I had confidence it would work.

Though my wife had some objections, I managed to start the business under the condition that "I'll maintain my previous salary. If it doesn't work out, I'll quit."

I aimed not so much for great success but to make something I liked, earn a decent living, and live freely.

That's why I worked with a significant focus on lifestyle.

Though entrepreneurship often conjures images of endless work without sleep or meals, in our case, I made it a point to return home by 6 pm.

To maintain my previous salary, our burn rate was about twice that of a typical startup.

Naturally, such a style didn’t lead to success from the start. We nearly ran out of funds twice, but a combination of luck brought us to our current situation.

The pandemic led us to work fully remotely, which I believe allowed me to support my family significantly.

So, I'd like to think the level of resentment from my wife isn’t as high as it is with typical entrepreneurs... but I wonder.

It’s sad to think that even if one achieves success, not having a family to share it with can lead to spending money on others, further accelerating family breakdown.

What's the Purpose of Starting a Business?

I doubt many would say "for my family" because the path to great success is too long, and there are better ways to provide for a family.

The motivation is probably closer to "wanting a flexible lifestyle for my family" rather than "earning a fortune for my family."

This is similar to the motive for freelancing.

The Growth Process of Business and Changes in Family Environment

The book describes the following four stages:

1. Starting to take the first step towards success. Work is hard, but the family is harmonious.
2. Taking off towards success. Work is going well, but strains start to appear in the family. The weakest points, especially through children, begin to show.
3. A crossroads to the ultimate goal of success. Work is thriving, but personal relationships face problems. Families maintain balance by giving up on expecting anything from each other.
4. Restoring the balance between work and family. In work, shedding the skin to a mentorship role. In the family, progressing from power struggles to mutual dependence.

Stages 2 and 3 require caution for families, suggesting that keeping these in mind could avoid tragedy.

It's uncertain if being cautious is enough...

However, it's sad to think that success in work and family are mutually exclusive; I'd like to achieve both.