Reality Check: The True Story Behind Entrepreneurship

Social media makes entrepreneurship look glamorous, even effortless. But let’s be real, it’s anything but. Before you hand in your resignation and chase the dream of being your boss, understand this: Your 9-5 will likely turn into a 24/7. Those benefits you once enjoyed? Now they’re all on you. Every paperclip, office chair, and copy paper, yep, that’s all your responsibility. You’re not just the CEO; you’re the HR department, the accountant, the social media manager, the sales team, and every other role a business requires. It can be done, but it is important to plan accordingly. And use the company you work for as your classroom. Please pay attention to the company’s engines and focus on all the elements used to run it. These business fundamentals are required for every business, large or small whether you create candles or run a consulting company.

This isn’t to discourage you from building your dream. It’s about stripping away the romanticized version of entrepreneurship that’s often portrayed online and grounding it in reality. Awareness is the first step toward preventing burnout and overwhelm, a real and common struggle in this journey.

And then there’s the hustle culture. Social media might tell you that if you’re not putting in 20-hour days, you don’t want it. But here’s the truth: Hustling non-stop isn’t the only path to success. It’s okay to create a game plan, focus, and give it time to work. Streamlining your efforts and staying patient as you watch for progress is just as important.

I know the temptation of “shiny penny syndrome” all too well, where you chase the latest trend instead of following your instincts. The thing is, most people only show you the highlights online, not the full story. They might be selling a program they bought and replicated, and while that might work for some, you don’t want to be anyone’s beta test.

Passion is powerful, and building a business around it is fantastic. But before you dive in, consider creating a “bridge business.” Leverage what you already know to fund your ultimate passion project. For example, if you’re an HR manager, offer consulting services to startups. Love fashion? Use your skills to serve the fashion industry. If you’re a sales pro with a love for natural hair, create a sales program for that niche.

By marrying your expertise with your passion, you can strategically enter the industry you love. Quitting your job might seem like a bold move, but the smart move is building a bridge to your goal. Craft an escape plan, stay flexible, and most importantly, trust your inner voice over the noise of social media. That inner compass, your north star, will keep you on the path that’s truly yours—not someone else’s. Winning the race you’ve designed for yourself, that’s the real sexy.