If you’ve ever dreamed of being your own boss, making your own hours, or turning your skills into a full-time gig, starting a business might sound like the perfect plan.

But before you dive into entrepreneurship, it’s important to take a step back and ask yourself…

Do you really want to start a business?

In this blog post, I’m not going to hype you up with “build it and they will come” clichés.

Instead, I want to share some honest insights and lessons I’ve learned through my own unexpected journey into business ownership.

If you’re on the fence about launching your own venture or feeling unsure about what it really takes, this one’s for you.

My Accidental Start in Business

I didn’t set out to start a business. I responded to a Craigslist ad that said, “Need someone to clean up our accounting records. One-month gig.” Perfect, I thought, just enough to fill the gap between two jobs.

But then the job I was waiting on fell through. Suddenly, I had a client, some income, and a decision to make: find another job or turn this into something real.

I chose to lean in. I got a business license. I figured out the paperwork. I kept working. And 13 years later, here I am, still self-employed and still figuring things out every day.

Why Are You Thinking About Starting a Business?

Before you create a logo or buy a domain, stop and ask:

What’s driving me to start a business?

• Are you hoping to earn more money?
• Do you want more flexibility in your schedule?
• Are you tired of working for someone else?
• Do you just want to try something new?

Here’s the hard truth: all of these reasons are valid, but none of them make the process easy.

Getting a side job or freelance gig can scratch that same itch without the full weight of business ownership.

Starting a business is a much bigger commitment.

It means creating systems, finding clients, managing software, setting your own deadlines, and doing everything else.

You don’t have to talk yourself out of it, but you should go in with eyes wide open.

The Freedom (and Weight) of Being the Boss

One of the biggest perks of starting a business is being your own boss.

You get to make the decisions. You set the pace. You decide what success looks like.

But that also means: you are the decision-maker for everything.

Some days, I wish someone else could just tell me what to do.

But when I look back on tough decisions or celebrate big wins, I’m proud to say, “I made that happen.”

Even though I make the decisions, I’m not alone.

I have a virtual assistant, a podcast editor, a video editor, and a graphic designer.

I have bookkeeping friends I brainstorm with.

So yes, the responsibility is mine, but I’m surrounded by people who support the journey.

If you choose to start a business, build that support system.

You don’t need a big team. You just need people you trust to talk things through.

What You Might Not Expect

Starting a business sounds exciting, and it is! But there are also challenges most people don’t talk about:

1. It’s Lonely

Even when you work with clients, you might feel isolated. No coworkers to chat with, no office banter, no one to bounce ideas off of in real time. Zoom helps, but it’s not the same.

2. Boundaries Are Blurry

Without a 9-to-5, it’s hard to “clock out.” Early on, I worked weekends, took my laptop on vacation, and answered emails during dinner. It felt like the hustle was required, but looking back, I wish I had drawn some lines.

3. Your Income May Be Unpredictable

You may think, “If I work more, I’ll earn more.” But clients don’t always show up when you expect them to. Building a steady income takes time, effort, and more trial and error than you might think.

4. It Might Not Work the Way You Planned

You can build the website, design the logo, get the business cards, and still not get clients right away. That doesn’t mean you failed. It just means it’s normal.

Know Why You’re Doing It

If you’re clear about what you want, it’s easier to make good decisions along the way.

Maybe you want:

• To stay home with your kids and work part-time.

• To leave a toxic job and do things on your own terms.

• To grow something that you can one day sell or pass on.

All of these are good reasons. But they come with different expectations, time commitments, and financial realities.

Starting a business doesn’t always mean building an empire. Sometimes, it’s about doing work you enjoy in a way that works for your life.

Reality Check: “If You Build It…”

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “If you build it, they will come.” But business doesn’t work like that.

You can create a beautiful website and still struggle to find clients. You can offer a much-needed service and still get crickets.

The trick isn’t just to build, it’s to connect, to experiment, and to keep trying.

When I started, I had no idea how to market myself or where to find clients. I had to learn everything from scratch. Some of it was trial and error. Some of it was luck. Most of it was showing up again and again.

If You Do Start Your Business…

If you decide that this path is for you, here’s what I recommend:

• Get clear on what success looks like for you. Is it money? Flexibility? Creative freedom?

• Figure out how much money you need to survive. How many clients and how much do you need to charge to reach that? Make sure you have a nest egg to cover the time it’ll take to get there.

• Set boundaries early. Decide how many hours you’ll work and when you’ll stop.

• Find your support people. You’ll need them.

• Be prepared for slow starts. It doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

• Celebrate the wins. Even the tiny ones.

My Final Thoughts

I never set out to be a business owner. I didn’t dream about it, plan for it, or feel especially confident when I started. But I’m still here.

If you’re wondering whether this path is right for you, I can’t give you a definitive answer. But I can share what I’ve learned and offer encouragement from someone who’s been in your shoes.

If my story helps you figure out your own path, whether that’s starting a business or taking a different route, then I’m glad I shared it.

SCORE Can Help

If you DO decide to start your own business, I strongly suggest checking out the resources at SCORE.org.

They have lots of free/paid information on starting and growing a business.

You can also get a SCORE mentor who can help you brainstorm, plan, and set goals.