Why Entrepreneurship May Not Be for You…

Entrepreneurship is glorified these days. Social media is flooded with stories of people turning passion projects into multi-million-dollar businesses. You’re bombarded with motivational quotes telling you to “be your own boss” and “follow your dreams.” But here’s the unfiltered truth: starting your own company or brand is not for everyone. In fact, for most people, it’s better not to attempt it.

“Entrepreneurship isn’t for the sane or well-adjusted; it’s for the crazy.”

I say this not to discourage you, but because I care. I’ve been there. I’ve taken the leap, endured the pain, and fought the lonely battles. And I’ve come to realise that unless you’re a bit of an extremist, someone who thrives on risk, pain, and failure – this path can destroy more than it builds.

The metaphor I use for explaining my entrepreneurial journey, is like the reactions I get when people hear I still play ice hockey and lacrosse. They cringe at the bruises, lost teeth, and broken bones, unable to fathom why I keep playing. The truth? I can’t stop. The pain and failure fuel me, and safety feels irrational.

Entrepreneurship is much the same, it’s about stepping into the chaos, taking hits, and finding drive in the struggle. But just like I’d never advise anyone to play ice hockey or stand in front of a lacrosse goal, I’d never recommend entrepreneurship unless you’re wired to embrace the pain, failure, and uncertainty as part of the journey. If that’s not you, there’s no shame in staying on the bench or in the crowd. For most, it’s the smarter choice.

that is my actual fractured leg from ice hockey.

My Journey: The Misfit Employee

Let me start with some context: I wasn’t a great employee. I had success in my roles, but I didn’t fit the mould. I always wanted to do things my way, which made me a terrible fit in organisations that valued conformity or hierarchy. I wanted to build according to my vision, not someone else’s.

This mindset eventually led me to entrepreneurship, where I could call the shots. But let me tell you, the freedom to work for yourself doesn’t come without a cost. The stakes are higher, the pain is real, and the journey is lonely. It’s a grind that strips you down to your core, forcing you to face your insecurities, failures, and fears daily.

Why This Isn’t for Most People

Here’s the thing: entrepreneurship is not the dream for competent, sane people. If you’re good at what you do, have a stable career, and enjoy collaborating in a structured environment, you’re likely far better off staying where you are. Building your own thing requires a level of obsession and tolerance for discomfort that borders on madness.

1. The Stakes Are High

When you’re running your own business, every mistake is magnified. Your income, reputation, and often your personal savings are on the line. The stakes are high, and there’s no safety net. If you’re not ready to shoulder that pressure, don’t do it.

2. The Pain Is Real

Entrepreneurship is pain, plain and simple. It’s late nights, early mornings, and an endless cycle of problems to solve. It’s putting everything on the line for something that might not work. If you’re not ok with repeated failures and setbacks, this isn’t for you.

3. The Journey Is Lonely

No one tells you how lonely entrepreneurship can be. You lose the camaraderie of coworkers. You’re often the only person who truly understands the stakes. You carry the burden of every decision, every failure, and every pivot. If you thrive on collaboration and support, you’ll struggle here.

Reserved for the Crazy

Entrepreneurship isn’t for the sane or well-adjusted; it’s for the crazy. It’s for the ones who see failure as an everyday occurrence and pain as the price of admission. It’s for people who are so driven by their vision that they’re willing to sacrifice stability, comfort, and often their mental health to make it happen.

If you’re not built for that—and there’s no shame if you’re not—stay away. You can still have a fulfilling career, make a great impact, and live a happy life without jumping into the chaos of starting your own business.

A Word of Caution

I write this not to gatekeep but to protect. I’ve seen too many people romanticise entrepreneurship without understanding the cost. They burn out, lose their savings, and lose sight of the very dream that inspired them in the first place.

If you’re reading this and still feel like entrepreneurship is your calling, ask yourself: Am I ready for the stakes, the pain, and the loneliness? If the answer is yes, then prepare yourself for the ride of your life. But if the answer is no, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Build a great career, save yourself the anguish, and know that you’re making the right choice.

Because sometimes, staying away is the smartest thing you can do.

But if you choose to take the leap… then you are my type of sicko and we should hang.