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He Doesn't Want His Son To Be An Entrepreneur

 

"Why Don't Your Kids Want to Be Entrepreneurs?" (Speaking Out, September) glosses over a complex and difficult issue. Several decades ago, operating a small business awarded the enterpreneur a certain sense of satisfaction, maybe some joy, occasionally even a little fun. Today, many small business owners dread the arrival of the next day, fearing the trauma that will surely materialize.

I would not want my son to have to experience what I have. During active duty in two wars I never faced mortal danger, but running my small, construction-related business in Maryland, I have had guns pointed at me on numerous occasions. I have suffered brutality and vandalism to jobs, construction equipment, and buildings.

The author refers to "gutsy, risk taking, entrepreneurial parents, watching with pride as the kids go off to prestigious schools and subsequent careers on the corporate ladder." Why shouldn't they? I realize the American entrepreneur helped make this country great, but I am also happy my son works for a fine, well-established corporation.