I think that the second best reason to go to Polytechnic.
Is to learn.
The first best reason to go to Polytechnic.
Is to be at Polytechnic.
(These days it’s ‘University’.
But you know what I mean).
Business.
And I think that the second best reason to start a business.
Is to make money.
The first best reason to start a business.
Is to be in business.
Mr. Rice.
One of my first dads.
Was Mr. Rice.
My art teacher.
My actual dad had fucked off when I was about 10.
Because it was cheaper for him to not see me and avoid maintenance.
Than to be my dad and pay.
So as a young teenager.
I chose Mr.Rice to be my dad.
(Even though Mr. Rice never knew he was my dad.
In my head.
He was).
University.
Mr. Rice knew my early teenage home life was crap.
I’m not sure how he knew.
But he knew.
So when Mr. Rice answered me in his soft, scouse drawl.
After I asked whether he thought I should go to Newcastle Polytechnic.
Or stay in Derby where the sad stuff was.
I listened.
Lad.
He said.
Leave Derby.
Go to Newcastle.
Not for the course.
Do whatever course you want.
Go to Poly.
To be at Poly.
And because Mr. Rice was my dad.
(Even though Mr. Rice never knew he was my dad).
Off I went.
Newcastle Polytechnic.
Newcastle Polytechnic was three wonderful years.
In a world of hundreds of wonderful clones.
Everyone young.
Everyone skint.
Everyone stupid.
Everyone scowled at by the Geordies for being a ‘fucking student’.
And everyone as sex-scared and sex-starved as each other.
It was great.
The First Best Reason.
And Mr. Rice is right, of course.
The first best reason for going to University.
Is to be at University.
And it’s the same for business.
The first best reason to start a business.
Is to be in business.
Business.
I’ve run businesses for 25 years.
I learn every day.
And the more I learn.
The more I learn there’s even more to learn.
I have fun each day.
At least, if I remember to allow myself to have fun each day I do.
I feel the highs and the lows.
I still find it hard to anticipate the highs and the lows.
But I certainly feel them.
Some days I am confident.
Some days I am on my knees.
Some years I have money.
Some years I don’t.
Some days I’m clear.
Some days I’m confused.
But whatever’s happening.
I still think that the first best reason to start a business.
Is to be in business.
And I also think anyone that has ever pondered doing it.
Even for a moment.
Should.
And with a bit of luck and loads of hard work.
Running a business might just make you feel whole.
And you never know.
It might just make you a little bit of money, too.
