After 4+ years as an entrepreneur, here's the truth: it's not the easy solution most people think. The real upsides, downsides, and who should actually do this.
Really great points all around. Lately, I’ve been reminiscing about the 9-5 hours of my previous life with great fondness. But I wouldn’t have been able to sail the world with that setup. This is the only way I can live the life I want, so that’s a big reason why I do it. However, I refuse to trade my 9-5 for a 24/7/365, which is the reality of lots of entrepreneurs I know. So maybe there’s a cap to how much revenue I will hit or it could further extend my timeline for growth. So grateful that I don’t need to support a lifestyle in a major western city, though. I only need ~$1500/month to thrive out here :)
Thanks Cory. I did think about you a little when writing this actually considering our private exchanges.
I love your boundaries. Yes, entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be “always more”… we all have an “that’s enough money” if we are mindful of our lifestyle… and that’s when the magic happens, when we finally find this sweet spot between work and life… and can afford to chill and enjoy life without feeling guilty of not doing enough with work.
This is very well put, and I relate a lot to this. Started my own company a couple of years ago, preceded by some "magical thinking" of what entrepreneurship would look like.. reality was so hard! The financial instability I felt (I left my corporate job to pursue this) and the constant anxiety really hit me. Your article will help people put things more into perspective sure.
Solid breakdown of what most poeple don't get about going solo. The point about spending 80% of your time on things that aren't the craft itself is spot-on, I learned that the hard way too when I thought id just be building and creating. Most days are just figuring out how to get people to notice the thingyou built.
Exactly, especially your last sentence, that’s the reality! The best entrepreneurs are not the ones creating the best products… they’re the ones who are great at getting eyeballs on their products.
Really great points all around. Lately, I’ve been reminiscing about the 9-5 hours of my previous life with great fondness. But I wouldn’t have been able to sail the world with that setup. This is the only way I can live the life I want, so that’s a big reason why I do it. However, I refuse to trade my 9-5 for a 24/7/365, which is the reality of lots of entrepreneurs I know. So maybe there’s a cap to how much revenue I will hit or it could further extend my timeline for growth. So grateful that I don’t need to support a lifestyle in a major western city, though. I only need ~$1500/month to thrive out here :)
Thanks Cory. I did think about you a little when writing this actually considering our private exchanges.
I love your boundaries. Yes, entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be “always more”… we all have an “that’s enough money” if we are mindful of our lifestyle… and that’s when the magic happens, when we finally find this sweet spot between work and life… and can afford to chill and enjoy life without feeling guilty of not doing enough with work.
Hope we both get there soon 🙏
This is very well put, and I relate a lot to this. Started my own company a couple of years ago, preceded by some "magical thinking" of what entrepreneurship would look like.. reality was so hard! The financial instability I felt (I left my corporate job to pursue this) and the constant anxiety really hit me. Your article will help people put things more into perspective sure.
Thank you Nathalie for sharing your perspective on this.
How did things evolve for you since you started a couple of years ago? Are you more “stable” now, more balanced?
Solid breakdown of what most poeple don't get about going solo. The point about spending 80% of your time on things that aren't the craft itself is spot-on, I learned that the hard way too when I thought id just be building and creating. Most days are just figuring out how to get people to notice the thingyou built.
Exactly, especially your last sentence, that’s the reality! The best entrepreneurs are not the ones creating the best products… they’re the ones who are great at getting eyeballs on their products.