America: Better off and worse off

Rasheed Kazmi

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The last seven years of my life have changed exponentially. I graduated from college and started my own business. As time neared graduation I decided to go into business against most friends' advice.

After doing research I came across a gas station for sale which I knew had potential for growth, so I went for it and invested all of my savings and even borrowed money. Soon after I took over, gas prices hit $3-plus per gallon, and I was in financial difficulty. I worked 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, for nearly 2 years and didn't have any free time.

I graduated college with a B.S. in Business and it's been three and a half years since I got my gas station. Although business is slow I have made much needed improvements to make my business successful. I work less and hired more help and have more time to spend with my friends and family.

I didn't buy a sports car or a nice condo. I am fortunate to say I still live with my parents. I'm happy to say that I paid back all of my borrowed money, recovered my investment and I'm on track to save money for my next business venture.

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