Summary

The article discusses the importance of self-reflection to determine whether entrepreneurship is truly one's desired path or if it's simply a response to societal trends, emphasizing personal happiness and fulfillment in one's career choices.

Abstract

The text delves into the common aspiration of becoming an entrepreneur, driven by the allure of autonomy and flexible work schedules. It acknowledges that while entrepreneurship is a valid and rewarding path for some, it is not universally suitable. The narrative of a friend who struggled with entrepreneurship before finding satisfaction in a conventional job serves as a case study. The article encourages readers to introspect by asking three critical questions: why they are not happy in their current situation, what would bring them happiness, and how they can achieve it. By answering these questions, individuals can discern whether their true desire is to be an entrepreneur or to find contentment in their professional lives through other means.

Opinions

Entrepreneurship is often idealized, but it is not the right fit for everyone.
Personal fulfillment and job satisfaction are more important than following trends.
Individuals should identify their unique strengths and passions to find the right career path.
Changing jobs or careers can be a viable solution for those who are unhappy in their current roles.
Continuous learning and skill development can increase job satisfaction and open up new opportunities.
Happiness at work is not solely tied to the freedom associated with entrepreneurship; it can also be found within traditional employment structures.
Self-reflection is key to understanding one's true career aspirations and taking action towards a more fulfilling professional life.

FINDING THE MEANING

Maybe It’s Not Entrepreneurship That You’re Truly After

Ask yourself these 3 questions in times of doubt

It seems like everyone wants to be an entrepreneur (or a solo-preneur) these days because the promise of being your own boss, working on your own terms, and at your own timing is something that sounds amazing.

And honestly, that’s fine if that’s what you really want to do in life.

So, the question is, is being an entrepreneur what you really want to be in life or do you feel like you want to be one because everyone seems to be one these days and you just want to follow the trend?

The thing is, not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur — and that’s ok.

We’re all gifted in certain areas where we’ll probably thrive more compared to others.

That’s why some succeed in being an entrepreneur and some don’t — like how some people are great at being leaders and managing others, while some are not.

I have a friend who, for the longest time, thought he wanted to be an entrepreneur.

He wasn’t happy at his job and he wanted to have the freedom to do what he wanted, when he wanted.

The only problem was, he just didn’t have what it took to be an entrepreneur.

Everything he started, he either didn’t finish or they never took off.

After a while, he just gave up and went about believing he was destined to be in a miserable job his entire career — until he realised what he really wanted.

It wasn’t that he wanted to be an entrepreneur, he just wasn’t in the right job, that’s all.

He signed up for a few courses in areas that he was interested in, gained a few more skills, and started looking around for jobs that he actually wanted to do.

And he finally found one.

He’s been there for over 6 years now and couldn’t be happier.

Still working a full-time job, with no flexibility in terms of working hours, not just doing whatever the hell he wants to do, whenever the hell he wants to do it.

But he’s happy.

And maybe that’s you too.

Maybe you’re not looking to be an entrepreneur.

Maybe you’re just stuck in a situation that doesn’t suit you and you need a change of scenery.

And you can easily find out by asking yourself these 3 questions — questions my friend asked himself before realising what it was that he really wanted to do.

Why am I not happy?

There are many reasons why one would be unhappy at work and you have to find the answer to this as this will lead you to finding the solution to it.

Is it the tasks that you’re doing daily?

It is the people that you work with?

Or maybe it’s the culture and environment of the entire company that you’re working in?

For my friend, it was all of the above.

He didn’t enjoy what he was doing, his colleagues were very toxic to him, and he just didn’t like the culture or environment that he was in. He knew he had to leave.

But sometimes, it may just be one or the other.

I have a colleague who used to be in a different department but moved to my department because she just wasn’t happy with her previous one.

Since moving though, she’s been happy and enjoying herself.

Still within the same company but the problem is solved.

What will make me happy?

Just like my friend, you gotta then ask yourself what will make you happy once you know the reason(s) why you’re not happy.

When he dug deep into his feelings, he found his answers.

He knew that he wouldn’t be able to do that at his old company, so the only choice he had was to look for another company to work for.

How can I make it happen?

Although he knew that he had to look for a new job at a new company, he also knew that he wasn’t as qualified yet.

That’s why he signed up for courses and learned new skills so that when he applied for jobs, he would have a higher chance of getting hired.

He knew what he had to do and he did them.

Once you know what you want to do, you have to figure out how to do it. Then, you just gotta go ahead and do it.

Make it happen.

There are so many people out there who are just like my friend, people who think they want one thing, only to realise they want something else, something totally different.

And many times, that thing they think they want, is to be an entrepreneur — but what they really want is to be happy doing what they do.

So, maybe it’s not entrepreneurship that you’re truly after.

Or maybe it still is.

Either way, you will have to find out for sure if you’re currently in a situation where you may not be happy at work.

Ask yourself those 3 questions, find out for sure, and take the necessary actions so that you’re truly doing what you want to do.