You know how kids lament, “I can’t wait until I grow up, so I can do what I want”? This echoes a similar sentiment sometimes voiced by employees who aspire to become their own bosses someday.  People crave entrepreneurship for a myriad of reasons such as having complete autonomy and not having to engage in office politics. As a serial entrepreneur who’s been in the game for almost a decade, I know that sometimes you have to keep your cool even when you want to scream from the top of your lungs. 

I’ve counted to 10 before, then counted backward. “Deep slow breathes, Alex,” I’ve counseled to myself numerous times. People will take you there--take you out of character. And next thing you know, an exchange with a customer, client, or vendor goes viral. Then you’re being labeled a bitch without people knowing the true nature of the initial conversation.