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Show mploy Classified advertising supplement produced by the Newspaper Agency Corporation Being Own Boss Is a Workin Progress Starting a new companyis not without its challenges prsThe Greshiogion Post is a commonfantasy that owning your own company means you get to do It whatever you want,andthatthis freedom is an unalloyed pleasure. But, as with most fantasies, things can turn out a little differently. Some aspects that office workers look forward to when they become entrepreneurs — no boss, no co-workers over the cubicle wall, no administrative assistants asking for timecards or expense reports — can be the very things many of them find they miss. Life at work when you're working for yourself turns outto be a whole new monster, Thomas S. Kim expected a challenge when he decided to launch Silver Method, a Web andsoftware development business. He had worked in the Clinton administration and had hoped for a job with President Gore — but weall know what happened there. Kim had always thought aboutstarting his own business, so this seemed like the perfect time. He got his idea for Silver Methed the summer before Gore lost the 2000 election. Kim was spending eveningsafter work at the local Barnes & Noble with his wife, Nancy, who was then studying for the bar exam andis now trial lawyer with the Justice Department. There, he picked up a book on Web design. The next night he brought his laptop with him.A few practicetests later, he was able to make elementary Web sites. A month or so after that, he told Nancy he might form a Web design company. Then, as his job cameto an end, he asked his wife if she would agree to support his idea. She thought hima little crazy, but she agreed. He gave himselfsix months. Silver Method has been in business now for almost two years. In his new home office, he was quickly eee by how aggravating and the mundane parts of running a business could be — like the day he spent six hours on the phone with a technician as he tried to set up a wireless network. ‘“You don’t realize a lotofthat stuff you take for granted. You have to assumethose roles whether youlikeit or not,’’ he said. Kim was used to life in politics, where he was often “‘minutes’’ from the first meeting, plus an agenda for surrounded by people with similar interests. Now the second, “It kept both of us very focused,’’ Mandellsaid. there was no boss and no colleagues. The 26-year-old To keep himself on task during the workday, Kim found himself sitting behind a huge desk on the bottom floorof his Fairfax, Va., townhouse — alone. made sure his office looked like an office. With a True, he could hear birds chirping on his deck, but he large desk, photographs that would look appropriate in anyoffice, and large had no idea how to do coffee table that works the smallest of tasks as a meeting area, it related to starting a doesn’t seem like a iness. room in a townhouse. So he took “People expectit to be continuing-education fun — set your own classes. He now disschedule, work in cusses his ideas with sweats,"’ he said, ‘‘But classmates and listens as that’s evolved.I... try to they describe their sitube in reasonable busiations. He talks through ness attire, get up early. work issues with his .. | never go upstairs professor instead of during the day. There relying on a manager to may be a cool guest on help him fix everything. Oprah,but no.”’ Healso decided to go A_ downside is that out and find mentors “when it’s your own and a board ofadvisers. business, you're not Kimstarted by joining able to divorce yourthe Executive Adviser self,”’ Kim said. To help Program in Fairfax maintain separation, County, Va., that pairs “mywife and I spend as new entrepreneurs with muchtimeupstairs or on longtime business leadthe deck as possible.’’ ers in the area, Kim was Kim says he probably matched with Steve A. alwayshad an interest in Mandell, a partnerat the business. His parents are Pepper Hamilton law immigrants from Korea firm in Tysons Corner, who started their own Va, business when he was Mandell, a wellyoung. He remembers known lawyer in the trying to explain busiWashington area, has Entrepreneurship can be both liberating and overness forms to them as started several of his whelming. Patience and endurance are needed. they started a string of own firms and regularly franchised cafes in the counsels clients on business issues. Washington area (which have been sold) and around Kim remembers reading Mandell’s bio after the Boston,selling breakfast and lunch items. two were assigned to each other. ‘‘I remember During high school summers, Kim did corporate thinking, ‘Oh, my gosh, he has accomplished so catering through his parents’ business.‘‘It was a neat much,’’’ Kim said, ‘I had lots of anxiety, thought wayfor me to see what was out there,’’ he said. this was beneath his experience. ... I was little As an entrepreneur, he gets the work, does the worried he’d be annoyed at the sophomoric work, and does the administration behind the work questions.” — all things that would be delegated in a larger But Kim impressed Mandell. Kim came to the business.‘‘It’s really rewarding because you learn so meeting with questions in hand: How should he much more about your strengths and weaknesses,”’ prepare a financial statement? Should he get insur- hesaid, ance? Should he become an LLC — limitedAndthat, he said,is the reason he’s goingto stick liability corporation? (He did.) with this entrepreneurial workplace for now. ‘‘That Kim came to the second meeting armed with whole big corporate thing will alwaysbe there.”’ Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service Q: I wasrecently hired bya local hotel to work at the front desk. After completing all the paperwork, and a full eight-hour shift that wentwell, I was told to return at the same time the following afternoon, But whenI arrived, the manageron duty told methat they had hired someone else! No explanation was given. Can they do that? A: Unfortunately, they probably can. While state laws vary, the generalrule is that employers can hire andfire at will. You may have someprotection if you're a union member,orifyou can proveracial, religious or sexual discrimination. But in most cases, managers can legally fire anyone they want without warning. If you received an employee manual on yourfirst day, read it carefully. If there’s a company policy requiring your boss to give you written warning before letting you go, you can call the human resources manager to complain. However, new employees are often on probation for the first couple of months, so you may not be covered. Asa first step, we'd advise you to call the person whohired you and find out what went wrong. This may be a simple case of communications error — two managers hiring two different pene for the same job, You ma' ve been caught in a turf war.If that’s the case, your manager may be able to usehis clout to get your job back,orto put on the short list for the next opening. meee ment Jpportunities Centered in the heart atthe Salt LakeValley, St. Hesplial servos patients from the entire Wasatch front and throughout the nation. St. Mark's Hospital has received multiple 5-star ratings and awards andis known for centers of excellence in Cardiology, Women's Health Services, Ortl Oncology ai more. With 299 licensed bedi ‘a complete list of opportunities and requirements, please visit our Website or Jobline. These opportunities include: RNCLINICAL COORDINATOR— MED/SURG We need three full-time RN Clinical Coordinators for the Med/Surg area. These positions will be for five 8-hour shifts « week for either days, evenings, or nights, They will be responsible for patient care, staffing, scheduling, and payroll. To qualify, you must be an RN with atleast 2 years ofMed/Surg mirsingexpe1e. Charge nurse experience is preited. Jobsueriag tos poses, PHARMACIST Sills Wisepactonie Thisfull-time, boachus-aligibla position phartasey dagive ood’ be stats ph macylicense-eligible, Hospital experience preferred We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Join our team of professionals by forwarding your reume, attention Haman Resources, by mail, fax or e-mail. Call ouJobline at 801) 268-7127,or vist our Web site for a complete listing of our opportunitics and requirements. Target Is excited to offer the following leadership opportunities at our Target Distribution Center located in PUEBLO, CO! DISTRIBUTION/WAREHOUSE/LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT Target is looking for experienced professionals to fill leadership positions in Distribution Operations,at our PUEBLO, CO distribution facility. These executive level positions ensure that product moves the distribution center timely and efficiently as well as maintain positive team member relations through the use of behavior-based feedback. Qualified candidates must have previous management experience. In addition,excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational as well as analytical skills are required. Prior experience in a distribution environment a plus! If this describes you, you don’t want to pass it up! We have immediate opportunities available. Target currently operates over 1000 stores and 16 distribution centers in 45 states with plans to open over 90 new stores and distribution centers next year! Benefits include medical and dental insurance, life and long-term disability insurance,retail's best 401K program, tuition reimbursement and an employee discount at all Target, Mervyn's and Marshall Field's stores. For consideration, please apply on-line at www.target.com.Click on Careers Please include “Pueblo”in the body of your online resume. "We also have leadership opportunities available at our Mervyns Distribution Centerin Salt Lake City!** (©2002 Target Stores. The Bulleeye Design is a arabiasieen, ea ‘Target is an equal opportunity employer by choice and ts committed to a ‘smoke-free/drug-tree workplace. 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