Most people, when it comes time to find a career in life, choose the path of best fit for their interests and passions in life. You want to find an occupation that will lend at least some satisfaction and sense of accomplishment to your years while offering the time that you need to round your life out and make it complete. This is not entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship is different than simply finding a career that you can stomach for the next decade.
Entrepreneurs are born hungry
Entrepreneurship is a drive that starts deep within you. Many entrepreneurs say that they never really ‘decided’ to pursue entrepreneurship, but rather felt called to start a business and had the insatiable push to do so. They are driven by the desire to build, to create something that will last and is their own design and creation. They’re not fond of following the orders of others and prefer to find their own ways of doing things, which suits the entrepreneurial spirit perfectly.
Entrepreneurs aren’t in it for the glory
Entrepreneurship is more than just wanting the recognition of creating your own business; you’re not only there for the high points, but for the low ones as well. Since this is your business that you’ve created, it’s your responsibility to see it through the good times as well as the not-so-good. For the first few years you’re running your business, you might never cut yourself a paycheck, you might never get a day off, and you will almost certainly lose money before you start to make it. Entrepreneurs don’t commit to this life as a plan B in their lives; they’ve opted for entrepreneurship because their business is their plan A and they don’t have a plan B.
Entrepreneurs can’t balk easily
If you’re someone who hates confrontation, shies away from conflict, or prefers to be a part of the crowd than the one leading it, entrepreneurship is not the right option for you. If you want to open your business because you like the idea of being your own boss but won’t be able to commit to the rigorous schedule, long hours, and emotional drain that comes with being the person in charge, don’t become an entrepreneur. If you’re ready to do whatever it takes and work yourself to the bone to see your ideas come to fruition, that’s an entrepreneur.
Entrepreneurship is not for everyone, and that’s okay. Being a heart surgeon or a kindergarten teacher isn’t for everyone either. If you’re considering entrepreneurship but are uncomfortable with making your own decisions or devoting your life to your business, then it simply isn’t a career path for you. However, if you’re consumed by your ideas and your need to actualize them, no matter the cost, you just might have what it takes to be an entrepreneur.