I bet you just can't wait to get back to the office

Do you remember that Sunday evening feeling? You know, the one when you realize that tomorrow morning you will be trudging back to the office. Do you eagerly await the return of that feeling? I suppose the Monday morning ritual of asking “how was your weekend” is pretty enticing, huh? Or perhaps not. Maybe you’ve gotten used to - even enamored by - the whole working from home thing. Just maybe the over-used and often scoffed at term “work-life balance” has suddenly crystallized into a meaningful concept for you. Home for dinner is a nice thing. Home for breakfast is even better. So is taking a few minutes to get the kids on - or off - the school bus. Best of all, not explaining to anybody why you are late or need to leave early.

So… maybe you shouldn’t go back to the office. Instead, maybe you should get down to business. Your own business. As tragic and devastating as the pandemic has been, it leaves in its wake great opportunity. Business ownership is one of them. In fact, it just may well have created a perfect environment to start a business.

Here’s why:

Extra Bucks: Many people who remained employed but did so from home have actuated prospered and increased their savings. Without commutation costs, buying lunch, buying and cleaning clothes, etc., people have saved hundred if not thousands of dollars each month. PLUS, there was no place to spend your money such as movies, dining out or taking vacation.

Cheap Money: Interest rates, to be blunt, are silly cheap. Capital to buy or start a business can be had at historically low rates.

Landlords are Desperate: The real estate business (save houses in the suburbs) has not been a happy place. Even where tenant business survived, landlords have been forced to give discounts or adjustments. Now is the time.

Pent Up Demand: See point one (Extra Bucks) and flip it around. People have cash and would like to spend some. We have already seen huge spikes in demand for home improvement/services (try calling a pool installer and see how long you wait to hear back.) People want to go on vacation, eat in a restaurant, enroll their kids in after school programs and hit the gym. Want do you want to do when we are given the all-clear signal? So do your neighbors!

Less Competition: This is a sad truth. A lot of businesses have not, or will not, survive the pandemic. We all know about restaurants, but what about fitness centers, dry cleaners, even auto repair centers? When that pent-up demand comes roaring into town, they will no longer be there to meet it. Sad, but that creates opportunity.

So, are you still excited to get back to the office? Is your backpack filled and waiting by the door? Have you ironed some of those nice clothes that have been hanging in the closet for a year now? Or are you ready to see what’s out there?

No, the world won’t “change this time.” But some people will. The question is: Will it be you?