"Unlocking the Real Freedom in Entrepreneurship: What You Need to Know"

When I hear someone say, "I want to start a business," My first thought is, "Why"?  

And what do they think entrepreneurship is? The better questions are: What can entrepreneurship do for you? 

What can entrepreneurship give you that you don't already have?

And would entrepreneurship enable you to accomplish the thing you haven't been able to without it?  

And what is your level of commitment?

Below are some of the most popular reasons people want to enter entrepreneurship. 

Freedom And Autonomy 

The most common reason people want to enter entrepreneurship is that they believe it can provide freedom and autonomy. This sounds good in theory and looks good on Instagram, but is it real? Nevermind that!

What matters is your idea of freedom. What is your concept of autonomy, and how do you think entrepreneurship can facilitate that? Because you may have the right idea but the wrong strategy. 

From my perspective, the real joy of the "freedom" of entrepreneurship is making my own schedule, creating a work environment that aligns with my values and needs, making my own decisions, and using my creative powers to accomplish my goals and vision.

Some people look to entrepreneurship as a way out of working or making enough money to not work. However, most entrepreneurs always stay in the game. If they do get out, they usually retire into investing, venture capital, board roles, etc. You can sell the business and cash out, then live the rest of your life seeing and doing everything you always dreamed of, but entrepreneurship has a way of keeping you in.  

Okay, enough dreaming. Let's get back on topic. Whatever venture you plan on starting or joining, the major key to reaching your concept of freedom and autonomy is understanding what systems need to be in place first to make the business seamless, what expansion can look like, and what your exit strategy needs to be. Understanding this part of the game will allow you some of that freedom and autonomy along the way you have defined for yourself.

Side Note: You also have to think - if it doesn't give you the level of freedom or autonomy you may want or need in the expected time frame, how will you handle that? What strategy do you have to close the gap between your freedom and living someone else's dream?