Should You Start a Business?

By the BestAppsMade editorial team · Published 2023-10-30

Separating the romantic idea of entrepreneurship from the daily reality.

Entrepreneurship has been deeply romanticized. Social media portrays it as the ultimate path to freedom, wealth, and self-actualization. But starting a business is not for everyone, and deciding not to be an entrepreneur is a completely valid, healthy choice.

The Reality of Being the Boss When you start a business, especially in the early days, you don't just get to do the work you love. You also have to do the marketing, the accounting, the customer service, and the troubleshooting. You are trading a single boss for dozens of bosses—your clients.

Entrepreneurship can offer meaningful control, but it can also bring long hours, uncertainty, and responsibility when things go wrong. That tradeoff is worth testing on a small scale before making a major commitment.

Employee vs. Entrepreneur There is massive value in being an employee. You get to leave your work at the office. You get a predictable income. You get to specialize in what you are good at, rather than having to be adequate at everything.

If you are considering starting a business, test the waters first. Freelance on the side. Build a small product over the weekend. See if you actually enjoy the mechanics of running a business, not just the fantasy of the results.

Practical Prompt List three parts of running a business that you know you would hate doing (e.g., chasing late invoices, selling yourself, managing servers). Are you willing to do those things consistently for the next two years to get the business off the ground?

Editorial note: This article offers general reflection and educational information, not individualized professional advice.