Between a rock and a hard place...

[jch216]

Hey guys,

Just wanted a few opinions on a situation that I have regarding very close friends and a career opportunity.

Ok, I am a part time karate instructor here in georgia. My instructor has not been like a dad to me... more of an uncle I guess. He has always helped me when I needed help and even trained me for free. His son and I have had plans to own a school together for years. Well it seems that the time has come for those plans to go forward, but it isn't happening quite like we had planned it.

There is a big line of karate schools ("The Dojo") that is hiring full time instructors at a very attractive pay rate. My instructors son is gung-ho for the job and wants me to be the other owner at one of the new schools like we had planned, but I don't want to hurt anyones feelings.

I just got awarded Instructor of the year at our current karate school. And I am supposed to be a shootfighting instructor in a couple years for the current school. The school makes around $5000/month compared to the dojo's $31,000/month. I know it would be a blessing to own such a successful school, but I'm not sure it is the right choice to make.

[Martoch]

Well, IMHO, a true friend will understand your pursuit of success and happiness...a lot of goals change as time goes on, surely he can see that. I was supposed to go to college, get my degree, move out into the country and live happily ever after. After my drinking/dope-smoking days of chasing women and partying, I joined the military!


My point is...be honest with him...tell him that it pains you to make such a decision. Heck, let him read this post! The mere fact that you are seeking advice shows that you do, in fact, care about your relationship with him and that you don't want to hurt his feelings, or his dad's for that matter.

Live life to the fullest...your way...don't sell yourself short if you can achieve greater success.

[Chuckiechan]

The real question is this: Do you want to be an employee or an owner?

If you can deal with the headaches that partnerships can create, I would be inclined to suggest you go for it!

$ 5000 a month is not enough to run a partnership on, when you take out the overhead. You'd be lucky to draw $ 1500 a month (each). So you either need a plan to increase enrollment, like only taking advanced students*, and charge more. You could find yourself being a little guy competing mega-chain.
The mega chain will probably morph into adolecent child care, and the good ones will look else where.

Tough call, but it is always about money. You don't have to be rich, you just have to have enough.

* This is to differentiate your schools as a "college" or sorts, only for the students with the most promise.

[Bovon]

I went in business when I was too young (and too immature) I had done my time in the military..was gung ho and all that crap..and I fell flat on my face. Took every thing I had saved up plus some cash from my parents...I liked to have starved to death!!.

My opinion is, wait until you have mastered the work relationships...look into the different aspects of the field of choice. Think about those that don't do good vs those that do great. ask why...once you can do all this (plus much more) you are ready to begin considering owning a business. Its tough..and if you don't already have the answers, you will fail.

[jch216]

That's the key though. If I went with the larger school I would be molded by them into what they want in an owner. I wouldn't just go "own" a school right away. If I had to classify the difference in schools... the small one is more like family and the larger one (went and watched classes there tonight) is super structured and very professional. I was impressed, but I still haven't decided. I am scheduled to assist with a class next wednesday. Then I'll probably be asked to teach a class the following week while being graded.

I'm going to go along with it for a little while to see exactly what they are willing to do for me.

[pickel]

Remember the old saying " He who hesitates is lost " Go for whatever is in your heart and stick to it. If I had given up when I lost my wife's phone number and didn't go back to the place I met her, we wouldn't have just celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversery. Follow your dreams and life will do the rest.

[smokin1]

If you truly have learned karate...you would know exactly what to do...go to your Sensei..talk honestly..and then decide

2c

[jch216]

I'll talk when the time is right. I haven't officially been offered a position yet.