|
Kids often follow their own paths, and are happier for it. I stayed with my dad and his business for almost 10 years before I helped him to retire. The world was changing, and the business and the economy were different then when he started his business. We sold everything, and he has been retired for 34 years, and very happy.
I went my own way, and now I see the world changing again. I don't think you can always drag kids along with you, or even expect your business to outlast you. What you can do is raise your kids right, and see them prepared for a future of their own choosing. Even then, it is really up to them what they make of it.
I have friends who work in family businesses that are going strong, yet so many of the vital businesses of my youth have dried up and gone away. It is really hard for me to look at the future and say what automotive repair is going to be like in 30 years. I know however that a person has to have a real affinity for their work, and a desire to be their own boss to make it as an independent. That is something that is in a person, or it isn't.
Some kids need the pressure of being out on their own to find the drive to be successful, and some kids look at what we do and want to do something else entirely. You couldn't stop me from following my passion when I was younger, and as I look back, it was pretty clear that I was going to go my own way from the time I was about three or so. I worked in the corporate world for a while, and all I really learned was that the best laid plans frequently get dropped and all the planning in the world won't prepare you as much as being flexible will.
If you raise your kids, and go about your business, things will work out. If you are a happy and successful person who sees things through, chances are your kids will carry those qualities into the future, even if they don't follow your career path.
|