Is Starting Your Own Business the Right Career Move for You?

Let’s be real—starting your own business sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? No boss breathing down your neck, setting your own hours, building something you care about. But before you jump in, there’s a tough question you’ve got to ask yourself: Is it really the right move for you? Because while it’s exciting, it’s also not all sunsets and six-figure months. Let’s break it down and figure this out together.

So, why do you want to do this? Seriously, why? Is it because you’re sick of your job? That’s a reason, sure, but it’s not enough. What happens when the going gets tough—and trust me, it will? You need something deeper to hold onto. Maybe it’s the joy of creating, solving a problem you care about, or proving to yourself that you can build something from scratch. Whatever it is, make sure it’s solid. Passion is what keeps you working at 10 p.m. when Netflix is calling your name.

Here’s the thing: When you run your own business, there’s no guarantee of a steady paycheck. Some months might be amazing; others, not so much. You’ve got to be okay with that rollercoaster—or at least willing to strap in. If you’re the kind of person who breaks out in hives at the thought of unpredictable income, you might want to rethink this whole thing. Or start small, maybe as a side hustle, while you keep that steady job to pay the bills.

Starting a business means you’ll be wearing all the hats. Today, you’re the marketing team. Tomorrow, you’re customer service. Next week? Accountant. If you don’t know how to do something, you’ve got two options: learn it or outsource it.And guess what? Learning new skills has never been easier. Between YouTube tutorials and online learning platforms, there’s no excuse not to upskill. So, figure out what you’re good at and what you need help with. The gaps aren’t dealbreakers—they’re just opportunities to grow.

No one tells you this, but owning a business is basically signing up to make 100 decisions a day, big and small. What’s your pricing? Should you launch now or wait? Is this logo good enough? Some days, you’ll nail it. On other days, you’ll second-guess everything. And that’s okay. The trick is learning to trust yourself, even when you don’t have all the answers. Spoiler: You’ll never have all the answers. You just make the best call you can and move on.

Money talk: Do you have enough saved up to ride out the slow months? Because they’re coming, especially at the start. Maybe you’ve got six months of savings. Maybe you’ve lined up funding or investors. Or maybe you’re starting tiny with low costs until things pick up. However you do it, make sure you’re ready. Stressing about money 24/7 is no way to live—or run a business. And while we’re at it, make peace with the idea that your dream might take longer to pay off than you hoped.

Starting a business can be lonely. Like, really lonely. Your friends with 9-to-5s won’t always get it, and that’s fine—it’s not their journey. But you’ll need someone in your corner. Maybe it’s a mentor who’s been there and done that. Maybe it’s a partner who believes in you when you’re doubting yourself. Or maybe it’s just a friend who’s great at listening while you vent. Whoever they are, lean on them. You don’t have to do this alone.

This part’s hard. We live in a world of instant gratification—next-day shipping, same-day groceries. But businesses don’t work that way. Success takes time. Years, even. If you’re looking for quick wins, you’ll burn out fast. The good news? Every little step counts. Every sale, every new client, every piece of progress. Celebrate the small wins—they’re what keeps you going when the big goals feel far away.

Not to kill the vibe, but even the best ideas can flop if there’s no market for them. Do people actually need what you’re selling? And just as importantly, are they willing to pay for it? It’s not enough to think your idea is great—you’ve got to test it. Talk to potential customers. Run a small pilot. Get feedback. If they love it, you’re onto something. If not, tweak it until they do.

Let’s talk about sales. Even if it makes you cringe a little, you’re going to have to sell. Your product. Your service. Yourself. The good news is that selling doesn’t have to feel gross or pushy. At the end of the day, it’s about helping people solve a problem or improve their lives. Focus on that, and the sales part gets way easier. Oh, and don’t forget—you’re also selling to yourself. You’ve got to believe in what you’re offering, or no one else will.

Finally, and maybe most importantly, What does success look like for you? Is it earning a certain amount? Having more free time? Making a difference in your community? Knowing this upfront matters. It’s what’ll keep you grounded and remind you why you started in the first place. Success isn’t one-size-fits-all—so don’t let anyone else define it for you.

Alright, let’s talk about the big, scary “F” word—failure. It’s part of the deal when you’re running your own show. And here’s the kicker: you’re gonna mess up. Maybe you’ll price something too low. Maybe a launch will flop. Maybe you’ll order 1,000 units of something no one wants. It happens. The question is, can you roll with it? Can you dust yourself off, learn the lesson, and try again?

If this all feels a little overwhelming, that’s normal. Starting your own business is a big deal. But it’s also an adventure—one that could change your life in the best way.