Thoughts on the Dangers of Entrepreneurship
By: Jaqui Mccarthy
Tags: Founder Stories, Startup, Entrepreneurship, Startup Life, Technology

Yesterday, before it was noon, I saw three very different entrepreneurs in three different parts of the world make post on their social media channels about the dangers of entrepreneurship.

Since my computer was updating, I thought I’d take the time to share my thoughts on subject. As I frequently do, this has been written on my iPhone, please forgive the grammatical errors below.

***Thoughts***

Though the world of tech and entrepreneurship look glamorous and fun, and don’t get me wrong, it’s an incredible thing to experience, the struggle that comes with it is very real.

WiGo Trips at TechCrunch Disrupt. The fun side of being a startup entrepreneur.

To name a few: depression, stress, very public and always on lives, regular weight gain and loss, technical founders suffering from computer related health issues (migraines, bad posture, dry and tired eyes), and fatigue, the list goes on.

To take a concept, an idea, and make it come to life is not for the faint of heart. Not only do you have to be obsessive about your idea to turn it into a reality, you have to recruit others along the way to create a collective construct and give that idea real value… and you have to do it better and faster than anyone else.

The evolution of our app… from concept to prototype, MVP, to today.

When you win though and you get to see the product of all your hard work come to life… there’s nothing quite like that high, and it’s incredible. However, due to our very nature’s it’s often short lived and followed by a severe low. Let’s not forget the struggle, when you’re in it there’s no words to describes the pit in your stomach, heart is beating fast, cloudy thought sensation you experience. It literally feels like hell on earth, and you emotionally go through the process alone all while trying to hold company, employees, family, and sanity together almost entirely alone. Simply put the highs are the high and the lows are low.

Let’s touch on family and friends for a bit. They don’t always understand what you’re building or why you would go through so much when you can have a steady career that pays a descent salary. They aren’t wired like you, and it’s hard for them to understand your nature… who you are at your core. Even more so, they aren’t able to see the world you’re trying to create the way you, your team, supporters, and customers see it. If you’re one of the lucky ones though, they’ll support you regardless in whichever way they can. If you’re not so lucky, you will go through intense feelings of isolation leading to depression. My heart goes out to you. For those that are in relationships and marriages it’s the same, and maybe even more difficult. I’ve been single, or as I like to call it “goal focused” for the last five years, but I can imagine it would be extremely hard to date someone like us… always moving, dreaming bigger, and obsessive about our work.

For those with children, it’s a little different, and let me take a moment to share why. You see, children haven’t really yet been exposed to the “Real world”, the dogma, and societal constructs that exist in it. Because of this, they are sill able to dream and wonder, so they are able to visualize the world you’re trying to create and they tend to understand your motivations for it more than other adults. For this, they love you even more and are you’re biggest cheerleaders. When you’re feeling down, remember you’re creating a beautiful path for them to follow.

I have been blessed to have such amazing and wonderful children who have stood by my side as we built our company. ✨💖✨

For those with friends who criticize you, it’s time to end those relationships and fill those spots with supporters. Don’t waste another moment listening to toxic feedback. A new tribe of other entrepreneurs are out there waiting to receive you with open arms. Go find them them! Don’t know where to start? Google search “startup events” in your cities and don’t be afraid to go to them… there was a first time for all of us. We know what it’s like and we are happy to help and get you connected… all you have to do is ask.

SF bossbabe tribe. Learn more about Kay Lam and Lauren Voulper on their Facebook Group: San Francisco Female (Founders Bi Weekly Meetup)

With so much to bear all at once, it’s important for entrepreneurs to support one another. Keep those healthy relationships with others who get you thriving… and remember to check in with each other regularly.

***End of thoughts***

✨💖✨