Starting a business is not the easiest thing in the world. I know, because like so many of us, I’ve toyed with the idea of ditching the predictable nine-to-five for the thrilling, terrifying, sleep-depriving world of entrepreneurship. But the fantasy of working in a cozy coffee shop with a latte in one hand and a MacBook in the other doesn’t exactly align with the reality of spreadsheets, invoices, and the gnawing fear that this whole endeavor could crash and burn.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. If you’re considering starting a business—whether that’s turning your blog into a legitimate source of income, launching an Etsy shop, or developing a full-fledged company—you probably already know it’s hard. What you might not realize is just how many things you need to juggle and how much uncertainty you’ll have to embrace. So let’s talk about it: the real, messy, sometimes exhilarating, often exhausting process of building something from scratch.
Every Business Has Its Own Unique Struggles
The first thing you should know is that every type of business comes with its own set of challenges. The assumption that some businesses are just “easier” than others is misleading. Sure, starting a blog might not require as much upfront capital as opening a boutique fitness studio, but it does require relentless content creation, the ability to navigate the ever-changing whims of Google’s search algorithm, and the patience to build an audience that actually sticks around. For many, owning their blog becomes a business over time, requiring them to treat it like one—investing in branding, monetization strategies, and a structured content plan to sustain growth.
A friend of mine started a cleaning business, assuming that since people always need their homes cleaned, it would be a steady, simple business. What she didn’t count on was the logistics of scheduling, the difficulty of hiring reliable workers, and the emotional labor of managing client expectations (because, surprise, people can be really particular about the way their floors get vacuumed).
So if you’re diving in, just know: there is no “easy” option. There’s just the option that makes sense for you, your skill set, and your tolerance for risk.
The Many, Many Things You’ll Need
Here’s where things get overwhelming. To start a business, you’ll need more than just an idea and a dream. You’ll need:
- Tech and software – You might think you can get by with just a laptop and a WiFi connection, but even the most bare-bones businesses require some level of investment in technology. Accounting software for cleaning business, a website, an invoicing system, social media tools—these things add up quickly.
- A solid business plan – Even if you’re not seeking investors, having a roadmap will help you make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
- A website and online presence – Because if you don’t exist on the internet, do you really exist at all?
- A team (eventually) – You might be able to handle everything solo in the beginning, but at some point, you’re going to need help. And learning how to hire the right people is a skill in and of itself.
- Products or services – Obvious, but crucial. You need something to sell, whether that’s physical goods, digital products, or a service people are willing to pay for.
And then there are the little things you don’t think about: business licenses, taxes (oh, the taxes), liability insurance, customer service policies. Each one is its own rabbit hole of decisions, paperwork, and unexpected expenses.
At this point, you might be wondering: Why does anyone put themselves through this?
Finding the Time When There Is No Time
The answer, for many, is because they don’t feel like they have a choice. The allure of working for yourself, setting your own schedule, and building something meaningful is powerful. But let’s be real: If you have a family, a full-time job, or any semblance of a personal life, carving out time to start a business feels almost impossible.
The truth is, you’re going to have to make sacrifices and will need to find the time somewhere or else its not going to work. Maybe that means waking up at 5 a.m. to get a few hours of work in before the kids wake up. Maybe it means cutting back on Netflix binges or weekend outings. And even then, it will never feel like you have enough time. There will be days (weeks, months) where you question everything. You will wonder if you’re putting in all this effort just to fail. You will feel exhausted and stretched too thin. And yet, somehow, you will keep going.
Because there will also be moments of pure exhilaration—the first time you make a sale, the first time a stranger compliments your work, the first time you realize you are building something real. Those moments will carry you through.
The Road to Success (or at Least, Not Immediate Failure)
So, how do you actually make a business work? There’s no magic formula, but there are a few things that can help:
- Start before you’re ready – You’ll never feel fully prepared, and waiting for the perfect time is just an excuse. The best way to learn is by doing.
- Embrace imperfection – Your first product, your first website, your first marketing attempt—it’s all going to be a little rough. That’s okay. Just keep refining.
- Find a support system – Whether it’s a mentor, a mastermind group, or just a few friends who believe in you, having people to cheer you on (and talk you off the ledge) is invaluable.
- Be flexible – Your original business idea will probably evolve. Maybe your audience wants something different than what you initially envisioned. Maybe market trends shift. Adaptability is key.
- Celebrate small wins – It’s easy to focus on everything you haven’t accomplished yet, but acknowledging progress (even tiny steps) can help keep you motivated.
At the end of the day, starting a business isn’t just about making money or being your own boss—it’s about creating something that matters to you. It’s about having control over your time, your work, and your future. And while the road is rarely smooth, for many, it’s worth every bump along the way.
So, if you’re on the fence about starting something new, consider this your permission slip to go for it. It won’t be easy, but if you’re willing to put in the work, it just might be one of the most rewarding things you ever do.
Image: Source Credit – CC0 License
