To all next gens of their family business

Everybody talks about successful people who worked hard for themselves. Those who hustle for their own brand name. Oh, how proud others are. And I am too. But nobody talks about the 2nd generation or further in a family business, who hustle the same way and worked hard not for themselves but for their family. Not a lot of people are proud of them, but for sure, their parents are. So am I too. 

Yes, they are blessed to just follow and continue what has been established. Most people think there's not too much work anymore because a system is set, quality is known, clients exist already, and all they have to do is to maintain and sustain which are easy to do. I tell you, to fit into someone else's shoes is 10x harder than you think it is. Family pressure is unending. Not to mention leaving animosity between your family at work as you have family meals together is another challenge. It is easier to work with other people as there is a clear line between a professional relationship and personal relationship. As much as you want to have a peaceful relationship with the family, work can sometimes trigger conflict. No matter how much you try, if this happens, you will always have a heavy heart. 

I know they have dreams of their own. Something they envision themselves doing 10 years ago while they were still kids. Ideas that come from their own mind and heart. Starting something they are passionate about. All these, and they still chose to close their eyes forgetting all that and opening them to the reality that they are doing something else instead. While it sometimes hangs on their heads and asks themselves, "how would I be doing if I did that and not this." There is acceptance that hangs on their hearts too that this is their destiny, this is God's plan for them. Such a feeling is humbling, knowing that these people made a decision not for themselves but for others. It's not about comfort and security for they are much capable of surviving on their own. But rather, this is them, giving themselves to the family business to continue serving people who were blessings for them to eat every day, finish school, and live comfortably ever since the 1st generation started the business. This is them giving assurance to the people who started the business, "Thank you, you did so well in building this. I know how much you've been through for this to be a success. Take a rest now, let me take it from here." This is them promising to take care of their family's own empire, no matter how small. This is them giving back the favor to the originals. 

Guess what 2nd gens, the Lord is smiling, looking at you now. He is proud of your decision to be selfless and embrace your purpose. Do me a favor, and look into Matthew 25:14-30. You'll realize what the Lord's purpose has for you.

So go grow the business, reach out to more clients, and serve more people. It's not about money, it's about dedication to the family and preserving the legacy your parents or grandparents or even ancestors started and worked hard for. Make them proud, and be proud of yourself. I am... proud of you.