The Third Trimester is indeed the toughest

When we( M and I) started our businesses together, we knew the journey would be tough. It wasn't going to be an easy job or a pleasurable one to start with. Unlike an ordinary pregnancy where at least the conception is pleasurable ;) the startup pregnancy has been a challenge from the word go. I don't know how many admit to the same. Most would boast about being their own bosses and being very happy to be on their own timings but what no one shares with you is what I will share.

The first trimester is somewhat similar to an ordinary pregnancy is. You have conceived your thoughts, your research is done, the people are ready, the resources are there. You are sure of getting into this. You are excited, you are pumped up because the good news is that your start up baby is coming.

The second trimester is full of mixed feelings. At the face of the things, you are happy that your baby has grown a bit. You are happy that there are orders. You are happy that customers are coming in. You are happy that processes are being set. You are happy that you are busy. But at the back of the mind, there is a crossword of thoughts- 'Why the hell did I leave my cushioned job?' 'It would've been so much easier not to have this responsibility!' et al.

But it is the third trimester which is the toughest. Its been more than 6 months! The company size has grown. The expenses have inflated. The interest of the customers has grown exponentially. But .....But.....But....

There are butterflies in the stomach. There are tremendous mood swings. There are numerous highs and lows. There are that 'I am giving it up' moment at least once a day. There are those quiet moments when M and I simply stare at the company excel without talking to each other. Both of us having the same thoughts. Both of us not saying it out aloud. Both of us unsure of all of this...BUT....BUT...BUT...

Within 2 minutes of this, one of us snaps out of the daze and jumps up gleefully. Assuring the other that we have achieved 200% growth in the past 3 months. Telling the other that we are at break even levels. Maintaining the fact that we need that one last push and the baby will be out. :) And everything will be brighter like the sun and prettier than the red roses we sell multiple times a day(Thanks to India-gift.in)

Nuff said! What did we gain out of the 9 months of struggle-
1. Enough composure to feel responsible for our staff and their families.
2. Enough perseverance to value the hard work of others.
3. Enough insight to appreciate the best things in life.
4. Enough respect for my spouse/business partner/partner in crime
5. Enough gratitude for the smallest blessing of life.
6. Enough smiles & hugs from the two little girls who've turned one room of the office into a play pen.


It isn't easy to succeed, it takes months(read years) of sacrifice. Sacrifice of buying that extra bag, sacrifice of the free time with the husband, sacrifice of that foreign holiday, sacrifice of the umpteen materialistic things. But ....But....But...

All of this is definitely made up by the happiness of creating the baby that is supposed to arrive soon. The happiness of setting something up with our own hard work. The happiness of togetherness. The happiness of finding an alternate way of romance! The happiness of accomplishment!

For all those still thinking of taking the plunge, go START IT UP Now! The journey is tough but surely fruitful!