Chapter 1: The Changing Face of Entrepreneurship

In recent years, the allure of entrepreneurship has started to fade as more individuals become aware of its challenges.

Growing up, I didn't see entrepreneurship as a viable option. Graduating high school in 2012, the idea of owning a business seemed daunting and impractical. While some people owned businesses, they were often well-established with a proven track record. My friends and I had little interest in entrepreneurship; our focus was more on obtaining degrees for stable jobs in large corporations.

Upon graduation, the typical paths were clear:

1. Pursue higher education (90% of graduates)
2. Work in restaurants or retail for minimum wage (7%)
3. Join the military (3%)

It wasn't until around 2014 that entrepreneurship began to gain traction, especially while I was serving in the military and many peers were immersed in college life. Google Trends indicates a significant spike in interest around late 2015.

This period saw a surge in those eager to learn about starting their own businesses. The barriers that once hindered budding entrepreneurs began to crumble. Launching a decent website or running effective Facebook ads became accessible to many, aided by a plethora of online tools.

The dream of escaping the traditional 9-to-5 job became a common aspiration, evidenced by the rising number of small business applications.

From 2011 to 2014, the trend remained stable, but in 2015, there was a notable jump with an additional 150,000 applications. This number rose to 200,000 in 2016 and reached 300,000 in 2017. By 2021, the number of new business applications had more than doubled.

Chapter 2: The Coming Shift

However, I predict that in the next five years, we will see a reversal of this trend. Interest in entrepreneurship has already dwindled to about half of its peak in 2015.

As we move into the late 2020s and 2030s, entrepreneurship may revert to the niche status it held during my childhood. The glamor surrounding entrepreneurship has been fading, and I believe fewer individuals will seek to escape their conventional jobs.

This isn't inherently negative. While entrepreneurship will always have its place, many have viewed it through an overly romanticized lens. The reality is that the journey can be grueling. Social media often showcases the triumphs of entrepreneurs, but the struggles are frequently left unspoken.

A common sentiment I see expressed is:

"I expected starting a business to be tough, but not this tough."

The pressures of entrepreneurship can take a toll on mental health, and many so-called role models fail to exhibit a balanced lifestyle. Despite the motivational content circulating on platforms like LinkedIn, the odds of success are often stacked against new entrepreneurs.

As noted in a recent post:

"Is being an entrepreneur 'healthy'? I don't really think so."

There's a need to stop glorifying entrepreneurship, as it demands immense effort to navigate challenges such as economic downturns and mental health issues.

When I transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship in March 2020, I quickly realized the difficulties involved. By April 2021, I felt overwhelmed and found myself seeking stable employment. When my job offer fell through on my start date, I was left with no choice but to continue my entrepreneurial journey, driven by necessity.

Thus, it's important to understand that entrepreneurship isn't as glamorous as it appears.

If you're currently in a 9-to-5 job, remember that the grass may not be greener on the other side. While successful entrepreneurs often share their victories, they seldom discuss their challenges.

As the perception of entrepreneurship has shifted from "impossible" to "ideal," we now find ourselves moving back toward a balanced understanding of its realities.

Not everyone is suited for entrepreneurship. If you enjoy your job, there's no compelling reason to leave it. The truth is that pursuing entrepreneurship won't necessarily impress anyone, nor will it guarantee financial success.

If your current job is unsatisfactory, consider seeking new opportunities or negotiating better terms rather than jumping into the uncertain waters of business ownership.

Ultimately, while entrepreneurship can be rewarding, it also comes with significant risks and challenges.

Watch "Keep Your 9-5! The Honest Truth About Entrepreneurship That No One Talks About" to explore insights about the real challenges of entrepreneurship.

In "Want To Get Rich, Don't Start A Business (Do This Instead)," discover alternative paths to financial success beyond entrepreneurship.