The untold loneliness of entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship in Bangladesh is having a moment. Youths nowadays are inclined towards entrepreneurial life although it doesn't represent the majority but the growing glamour of doing something interesting and meaningful is luring a lot of them. With Dhaka emerging as a hub for startups and investors and media taking notice, this scene feels like a spotlight. From ride-hailing apps to making innovations in the food scene, the number of entrepreneurs is growing at a good pace. Everyone seems to be talking about the next big idea.

However, behind the headlines lies a quieter and grim reality that entrepreneurship is a lonely journey. And many will hesitate to discuss this issue, and some also fail to acknowledge it.

The isolation beneath the hustle: The image of a successful entrepreneur often evokes someone surrounded by a team, investors, and enthusiastic supporters. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Founders frequently find themselves making high-stakes decisions in isolation. They regularly battle self-doubt and have to work relentless hours while watching their personal lives go through turbulence. They also put up with the fear of failure, rejection and countless sleepless nights.

When asked about life in general by an f-commerce entrepreneur, Rafiqul Islam, a Dhaka-based entrepreneur who launched a promising food product-based e-commerce company left the job that paid him around almost Tk 100,000 (0.1 million) per month. By the time he made his operational break-even, his friends and family barely recognised him. "Everyone thought that I was making a lot of money but sales often don't result in profit, and much of my money gets stuck in inventory, product testing, research etc.," he says. "I hired a team that didn't appreciate my efforts, worked from a small office and commuted via bus or just walked to save money, I had no one who really understood what I was going through."

This phenomenon isn't unique to Bangladesh. Globally, research shows that entrepreneurs face higher rates of anxiety and depression than the general population. The emotional toll of carrying a vision and the livelihoods of employees on one's shoulders is immense.

Why entrepreneurship is very lonely: Entrepreneurs are often surrounded by people who cheer for their success but fail to grasp the depth of their struggles. Friends might see the freedom side, media coverage or a high-profile pitch but not the sleepless nights spent troubleshooting a tech bug or negotiating with a tough investor or managing team on a day to day basis.

In the initial years, the work never really ends. Freedom is a myth in entrepreneurship. If you are an entrepreneur, you need to prepare to work 24/7. Founders often feel they can't switch off, especially when the stakes are high. This creates a perpetual cycle of stress, leaving little room for meaningful human connection. The world rewards confidence and decisiveness. Admitting to feelings of loneliness or burnout is often seen as a weakness which is a risk few are willing to take.

Coping with the loneliness: Entrepreneurship's lonely nature doesn't mean founders must suffer in silence. This is how you can tackle this challenge.

Having a network of people who understand the entrepreneurial journey is invaluable. Similar peer groups like the entrepreneur's alliance offer a safe space to share struggles, exchange advice, and gain perspective. Regular meetups, even virtual ones, can remind founders they're not alone.

Work-life balance might sound like a corporate buzzword, but for entrepreneurs, it's survival. Learning to say "no" to non-critical tasks and carving out personal time can be not just helpful but indispensable. Even scheduling a weekly dinner with family or a regular walk in the park can create anchors in an otherwise chaotic life.

Changing the narrative around vulnerability is crucial. Sharing challenges, not just successes, humanises the entrepreneurial journey. Also, entrepreneurs can try and post more on social media to connect with their friends and family. This will create visibility and connection. They can also inspire others to do the same.

Entrepreneurship is something to celebrate. But we shouldn't only cheer for unicorns and groundbreaking innovation the media applauds. Let's not forget the humans behind the ideas and also the ideas that lead to just a steady business venture. Not every entrepreneur will make an innovative app to raise funding from abroad, some might just create ten new jobs while pursuing their dreams and we need to cheer for that too. Entrepreneurship is tough, and acknowledging its lonely journey is the first step toward creating a more supportive ecosystem.

If you're an entrepreneur feeling isolated, remember you're not alone in your loneliness. Seek out connections, care for your mental health, and don't hesitate to ask for help. In the end, resilience isn't built in isolation-it's built in community.

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