The hard truths of being a Solopreneur

I’ve been a Solopreneur for 15 years now. Started with Ideaware in 2010, which I still own and run, and many other companies I’ve built, sold and failed at during that time.

You see the highlights of everyone’s life and journey in social media, buy hardly anyone talks and posts about how hard it is to be a solo founder.

It is by far the hardest thing I’ve done in my life. And it doesn’t become easier, there is no “end game” or a rainbow at the end of the road. Just hills, you ride up and down.

I’m posting this because I want to vent, riding a down hill at the moment.

As a solopreneur you are responsible for everything on your own.

Your company.

Your employees.

Sales.

Marketing.

Your family.

Your future.

It is a lot of pressure, like carrying 10tons on your shoulders everywhere you go.

If you’re lucky, like me, you have a support system, a loving family and friends. But it is still lonely up in your head.

You have to be accountable to yourself.

You have to be accountable to your team.

No bouncing around ideas with cofounders or investors.

No funding to back you up.

The grind is real.

Still, it is the most satisfying thing I’ve ever done.

I embarked on this journey because I value my time. I wanted to work on the things that bring me joy and make a living off of it, and for the most part, that has been the truth for 15 years.

Jumping on a car or a plane whenever you want. Having time to play with your kids, to watch a movie, go have dinner with your spouse. There is no price tag on that, and that makes it all worth it.

This is why I do it.

Not for clout, not for fame.

Because life is meant to be lived.

Not to be spent in an office or endless zoom meetings.

Just a friendly reminder to never stop chasing your dreams, who you are. Nobody can tell you that, nobody can build that life for you.

It is always only you.