Is Entrepreneurship a Selfish Pursuit? My Journey as a Solo Entrepreneur
I’ve been grappling with a question lately: Is entrepreneurship a selfish pursuit? When I started my business, it wasn’t for financial gain — it was to help people with their romantic lives. Helping others find meaningful connections has always been my passion, and that’s what drives me. But as the business grows, I find myself wondering whether I’ve given up too much of myself, my health, and my relationships along the way. This journey has been full of conflicting emotions, making me question where the line between personal ambition and selflessness really lies.
The Weight of Isolation
One challenge I didn’t fully anticipate was the sense of isolation that comes with being a solo entrepreneur. I don’t see myself as a victim — this is the path I chose, and I understand the responsibility it carries. Still, running a business alone means constantly pushing forward, making decisions that no one else can help with, and that can sometimes feel lonely. It’s hard when others don’t understand why I’m often MIA or have to cancel plans at the last minute. But that’s part of the trade-off I’ve accepted to pursue something meaningful.
There’s a certain empowerment in knowing I’m creating something of my own, but at the same time, the responsibility can feel overwhelming. I’ve learned to live with the strain it places on my personal relationships, though it’s something I continually question. Am I giving too much of myself to my work at the expense of my connections with others? That’s something I’m still figuring out.
The Toll on Health and Mental Well-Being
Entrepreneurship has not only consumed my time and energy but has also affected my mental well-being. Anxiety has become a constant companion, always in the background. Some days, it’s more manageable, and other days, it grows into something much heavier. I’ve relied on medications — antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, and stimulants — to keep myself going. I don’t share this lightly, but it’s part of the reality of maintaining this business. These medications allow me to function, and without them, I’m not sure I could keep everything afloat.
It’s a delicate balance, and sometimes I wonder if it’s sustainable. There’s an internal battle between my determination to succeed and the strain it puts on my mental health. I don’t question whether I’m doing this for the right reasons — I’m confident in my purpose. But I do question whether I’m truly helping the people who decide to hire me. Are the sacrifices I’m making leading to the impact I hope for, or am I falling short?
The Conflicting Emotions
One of the strangest parts of entrepreneurship is the mix of emotions that comes with it. Every success brings a brief high — a moment of joy that makes everything feel worth it. When I see the impact I’ve had on someone’s life, it’s an incredible feeling. But that joy is always fleeting. In entrepreneurship, success is never permanent. Each new day means starting from scratch, creating new wins through my own effort.
That constant need to create and maintain momentum can be exhausting. I feel proud of what I’ve built, but I also feel weighed down by the fact that my business only exists because of my continuous input. There’s no rest. Every victory is followed by the pressure of what’s next, and that leads me to wonder: Am I truly making the difference I set out to make? I believe in my work, but there’s always that lingering question — am I doing enough to help those who put their trust in me?
The Need for Balance
People often talk about the importance of balance, and while I understand why, it feels almost impossible in the early stages of building a business. Right now, my life is consumed by work. I’ve come to accept that balance isn’t something I have — except when my body forces me to stop. Exhaustion or burnout will hit, and only then do I step away. It’s not an ideal way to operate, and I know it’s not sustainable. But for now, it’s the reality of keeping my business alive.
What weighs on me the most is this lingering question: Am I permanently damaging my relationships with the people I care about? Am I risking my reputation by being too absorbed in my work? These thoughts are always there, and while I don’t have clear answers yet, I can’t afford to ignore them. Finding a healthier balance isn’t just a personal necessity — it’s crucial for preserving the relationships and reputation that matter in both my personal and professional life.
Moving Forward
This entrepreneurial journey has taught me so much — not just about building a business, but about myself. It’s about resilience, self-discovery, and navigating the tension between ambition and well-being. I don’t doubt the purpose of what I’m doing, but I still wrestle with whether I’m making the lasting impact I strive for. It’s a conflict I’m learning to live with, even as I move forward, hoping that the work I do continues to help those who trust me with their romantic lives.
Empathy for Fellow Entrepreneurs
This journey has also given me a newfound empathy for other entrepreneurs. I now understand the struggles, the constant pressure, and the inner conflict they face. Building something from the ground up requires sacrifices, but the question of whether it’s all worth it is one I think we all ask ourselves. I have so much respect for those who push forward, despite the challenges, because I know firsthand how much it takes.
To anyone out there who’s feeling the weight of this journey, know that you’re not alone. We’re all navigating this path, figuring out what success really means, one step at a time.
