Is Being an Entrepreneur Lonely?

Being an entrepreneur can be lonely. Without the support or understanding of their friends and family, entrepreneurs can feel isolated.

One thing that isn’t often talked about enough, however, is the loneliness experienced by entrepreneurs at each stage. Ask any entrepreneur and they’ll tell ya there’s a surprising level of loneliness in their journey.

In addition to long hours, financial stress from starting a business can make your family and partners feel stressed. Waiting months or even years for the business to become profitable can also cause loneliness.

It is not uncommon for entrepreneurs to have to deal with difficult realities. It can be lonely to serve as CEO. You are responsible for making the toughest decisions. It can also make it difficult to be a friend and colleague within the organization.

CEO groups such as YPO are created to help CEOs find a community of like-minded people who understand their unique challenges. It is not just long hours. The financial stress of starting your business, as well as waiting months, or even years, to become financially profitable, can also cause emotional distress for your spouse and family members which in turn makes you more vulnerable and lonely.

Owning a business can leave you feeling isolated

Owning a business can leave you feeling isolated. This is especially true if you are the only owner or the first one to venture out on your own. The pressures that come with business ownership can make you feel overwhelmed and alone. This can impact your personal life as well as your professional life. Harvard Business Review reports that half of CEO Snapshot Survey respondents reported feeling lonely.

Why some entrepreneurs go alone

There are several reasons why entrepreneurs go alone.

One reason is that it is easier to start your own business than to convince others to believe in your vision. This allows you to launch the company much faster than if someone was looking to’recruit’ you.

Another reason is that as the sole owner of the company, you have complete control over all aspects of the business. This includes making all of the decisions, setting the direction for the company, and being responsible for its success or failure.

Finally, going alone also allows you to keep a larger share of the profits generated by the business.

Many entrepreneurs are depressed

According to a recent study, nearly three-quarters of entrepreneurs report concerns about their mental well-being. Of those surveyed, 49 percent said they have had one or multiple mental health problems in their past. Entrepreneurs were 30% more likely than the general population to experience depression.

These findings underscore the importance of seeking help if you are struggling with your mental health as an entrepreneur. There are many resources available to help you get the support you need.

Being an entrepreneur is stressful

Being an entrepreneur is stressful. It can be exhausting, with everything from pitching to cash flow, through setbacks and deadlines, all the way to your home life, which can lead to a stressful lifestyle. Stress can be a problem for entrepreneurs because it can reduce creativity, energy, judgement, and even your ability to make decisions.

Conclusion

Entrepreneurship can be lonely. This is because you have to work late, long hours, weekends, take chances, believe in yourself, and sometimes skip social events or holidays to make it happen. However, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. When you see your business succeed, it will all be worth it.