Though it’s true that stress can be found in every type of job, there are sources of stress particular to those working as entrepreneurs. We’re marketers, CEO’s, social media managers, public relations, and workplace wellbeing all rolled into one. It’s a lot to take on.
With that in mind, here are 5 sources of stress for entrepreneurs – and why, in fact, they might not be such a bad thing after all…
1. Growth and expansion
Being an entrepreneur is about more than having a business idea and going after it. There’s a whole lot of mindset work that goes into becoming a successful entrepreneur!
In order to reach greater levels of income and remain confident in your business and what you’re putting out into the world, you will have to overcome hurdles known as limiting beliefs.
Limiting beliefs are the beliefs that tell us we’re not good enough, that we don’t know enough, and that others are better than us. Coming face to face with as well as working through these limiting beliefs can be incredibly stressful. But once you’re out the other side, the feeling is incredible. Entrepreneurship takes personal development to a whole new level!
2. Being accountable
As an entrepreneur, it’s often you, yourself, and you working towards business goals and making sure that deadlines are kept to, goals are achieved, and that the business keeps moving forwards.
Unless you hire a team of staff, there’s nobody to help you out and it is completely down to you to stay accountable and hold every aspect of the business. Knowing that you have to face the big decisions alone is a great source of stress for many entrepreneurs. This is why it’s so important to find a supportive community of like-minded people who understand how you feel and can support you.
3. Financial stress
Having the freedom to create your ideal income is one of the best things about being an entrepreneur. The flip side is that you might not have a steady salary to rely on every month. It’s down to you to manage your finances, bring in enough to support you (and, potentially, your family) every month, and ensure that your business is thriving.
4. Finding balance
As an entrepreneur, you get to choose your working hours. You can start after lunch and work into the evening, or you can start when the sun rises and be finished before lunch! Having this kind of freedom also means that you have to be pretty good at finding a work-life balance that works for you to avoid burnout and make sure that you spend at least some time every day away from your laptop.
5. Feeling alone
Being an entrepreneur can sometimes feel a bit like suffering the consequences of a pandemic alone, but without the daily connection of Zoom calls. Entrepreneurs are often the only employee of their business and therefore miss out on the daily conversation with colleagues that employment offers.
The benefit of this, of course, is that you don’t have to partake in small talk or have conversations with people you’d rather not… In the end, you may even be able to hire your own team of like-minded people who you love connecting with every day!
The takeaway
Although there are many sources of stress for entrepreneurs, the same goes for any kind of job. The difference with being an entrepreneur is that you are free to create your routine, income, and connections in a way that serves your highest needs and desires.
And really, nothing can beat that.
