Busting three common myths about entrepreneurship and ‘mid-week lunches’

A social media narrative around the Great Resignation has re-emerged. Perhaps it kicked back in thanks to the 19-year-old graduate and her viral video a while back, but we’re again [or still?] experiencing a rebellion against the traditional 9-5 grind. This is particularly championed by the younger generations, gen Z and millennials, who are crying out that the traditional work hours are simply getting in the way of their potential to have a life. As entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners, it’s crucial to critically examine this narrative and dispel three common misconceptions that have surfaced, all in the name of eyes-wide-open for anyone thinking of taking the leap into entrepreneurship.

The dangerous illusion of better alternatives

Just try to open your social media feed and not be hit with an expert telling you how to achieve a massive income on less work. Go on, I’ll wait. Then there’s the simple Instagram story or reel of a mid-week lunch with friends by business owners and bam! The seed is planted. 9-5 sucks. 

These seemingly easy self-employed lifestyles present alternative employment as inherently superior to the 9-5 routine. Even if there are some mythical superheroes who have sold millions of dollars worth of digital products or drop shipping products with little to no work, and even if there are the occasional benefits to running your own tightly squeezed schedule, the portrayal of it has created a prominent misconception that by simply choosing a business and executing on it, you’ll soon be kicking back poolside watching the Shopify notifications role in. 

The truth is, regardless of the business you choose, these alternatives are not inherently better; they are simply different. The allure of flexible schedules, remote work, and entrepreneurial pursuits can be enticing, but they come with their own set of challenges and uncertainties. Challenges like working public holidays, nights, and weekends, when you’re sick and tired. All of this happens while you’re not actually getting paid. 

Entrepreneurship is not a shortcut to an easier life; it’s a different path with its unique hurdles. 

Autonomy over laziness

Now, back to the crying 19-year-old and her comment section supporters. Unsurprisingly, the response to anyone who dares challenge the century-old traditional work structure, regardless of what’s driving the challenge, is that they simply don’t appreciate the value of a hard day’s work, or don’t have what it takes to get ahead, or that these younger generations are simply lazy. 

This oversimplification fails to recognise the genuine yearning for autonomy that I believe is the underlying current of the workforce revolution. 

In a world where external influences constantly shape our opinions and actions, the desire to forge an independent path is not rooted in idleness but in a quest for self-reliance. 

After interviewing over 100 small business owners, solopreneurs, and startup founders, this is the recurring theme that’s emerged – the pursuit of autonomy. The need to escape the monotony of being told what to do and think has become a powerful driving force. It’s a call for more critical thinking and action without external influence, a rare commodity in a world saturated with information.  

Valuable values

Boozy Christmas parties and days off for your birthday are no longer an acceptable trade-off for buying into a purpose no deeper than to make the company you work for more money than last year. 

If we have to work, which in this economically driven world all generations know is a necessity, we want it to be valuable. 

Yes, this value may be in part to achieve some semblance of control over our financial future and lifestyle structures that can be achieved through the path of self-employment, but often it’s from a desire to do better and make a positive impact in our own sphere of influence. To leave a legacy we can be proud of. 

The heart of entrepreneurship: Autonomy and meaningful work

The real motivation behind leaving the security of a 9-5 job or embarking on an entrepreneurial journey is the desire to engage in more meaningful work. Many of us have spent years dedicating our time and energy to corporate goals that, in the grand scheme, may not contribute significantly, well, anywhere. Entrepreneurs are driven by a vision to make a meaningful impact, not just on their own lives but on the world around them. 

The essence of this transition lies in the pursuit of work that aligns with personal values and contributes positively to society.

Ali Killaly, founder of the career counselling business, Workpants, understands this from both sides:

“Many people we work with are excited about the possibility of starting their own venture. They’re not drawn to this entrepreneurial path because they’re looking for an easy way out, they’re really searching for more agency, meaning and alignment in their career. And it actually comes through very hard work — but on their terms.”

Embracing the reality: You leave one job and take on 7, at least

Contrary to the belief that entrepreneurship provides an escape from the rigidity of a 9-5, the reality is that it introduces a different set of challenges. Entrepreneurs find themselves juggling all the roles we can think of – sometimes, all at once.

When seeking advice on making the leap from stable employment to entrepreneurship, the message should be clear: strap in for a ride that will be entirely different from your expectations. 

Aspiring entrepreneurs must discern between inspiration and misinformation in our over-connected, focus-distracting digital world. The entrepreneurial journey isn’t a guaranteed path to wealth, simplicity or time. Anyone selling you that dream is simply seeking your business to fund theirs. Instead, it’s a demanding expedition that requires resilience, adaptability, and a genuine passion for the work.

The journey demands not only a commitment to the business but also a dedication to personal growth. The process of creating and sustaining a business quickly becomes a profound learning experience, shaping both the entrepreneur and the venture.

Kim Kerton is the creator and host of the small business podcast, Unemployed & Afraid.