The 2 Main Hurdles and Challenges I Faced on My Journey to Becoming an Entrepreneur and how I mastered it.
Have you ever dreamed of being your own boss? The idea of having the freedom to set your schedule and earn the income you desire is a powerful motivator. Many of us yearn for that kind of independence, but the road to achieving it is often filled with huge challenges. In this post, I want to share a bit of my journey to inspire you to pursue your dreams of freedom and financial independence. Through the highs and lows, I’ve learned valuable lessons that I believe can help you too.
Introducing Myself: A Journey of Growth and Learning
As I take you through my story, my hope is that you find inspiration in my experiences, as well as practical takeaways you can use in your own life. From learning to balance my career, motherhood, and personal development, I’ve encountered both personal and professional challenges that have shaped who I am today.
My journey is one of growth—both as a woman and as a human being—and my aim is to offer value through every piece of advice, story, or lesson that I share with you.
For me, every step along this journey has been about learning, adapting, and most importantly, pushing through difficulties. In each post, my goal is to help you face your own challenges, offering insights that can aid you in navigating your day-to-day life, whether it’s in your career or personal endeavors.
The 9-5 Routine: Early Days of Stability and Struggles
My professional journey started with a traditional 9-5 job. I worked for several years as a dental administrator or manager, managing operations in different offices. This job provided me with financial stability—enough to support myself and cover my living expenses. The steady paycheck and routine were comforting, and for a time, I felt secure. But, as many of you might relate, there was a growing sense that something was missing.
While my job as a dental administrator allowed me to earn enough to live comfortably, it also came with limitations. I was constantly bound to a set schedule, answering to employers, and dealing with the daily grind that many of us face in conventional work environments. I had deadlines to cover and financial goals to reach, that were not for my own benefit nor the patient’s but purely for the business. This sense of responsibility to the practice instead of the patient, made me so uncomfortable as I felt dentistry was rapidly becoming transactional and not healthcare.
Over time, I realized that my potential for growth in this role was limited as well. I mean, how far could I go after reaching management? Anyone on top of that was the owner. That’s when something inside me said, you “have to go” as there was no more room for my personal growth and development.
The Challenges of Working for Employers: The Limits of a 9-5 Job
One of the biggest lessons I learned was that working for an employer, while secure, often doesn’t offer the kind of growth or freedom I wanted. The structure of a 9-5 job can make you feel like a slave to your schedule. You’re bound by someone else’s rules, and there’s limited room for growth unless you’re in a very specific type of career.
For me, the demand and pressure of working for someone else, day in and day out, was stifling. There were times when I felt that I was sacrificing my time with my daughter, missing out on important moments of her childhood. The rigid structure of the 9-5 grind didn’t leave me much room to live life on my terms. And I began to realize that if I continued down this path, I would never have the personal freedom I so desperately desired.
Sales and Commission Base Income
Exploring Commission-Based Work: Stepping Into the Unknown
After spending years in a salaried position, I made a bold decision to step outside of my comfort zone and explore a new opportunity. I entered the world of sales, working as a life insurance agent and financial planner for a large U.S.-based company. This role was very different from my previous job, as it was commission-based.
The idea of earning based on performance intrigued me. In theory, the harder I worked, the more I could earn. The reality, however, came with its own set of challenges. In commission-based work, there are no guarantees. Every sale, every contract, and every client is the result of your effort, your skills, and sometimes, a bit of luck.
Despite the freedom this role offered, the instability and uncertainty of earning a commission were daunting. You could have weeks where you earned a significant income, and others where you made very little or nothing at all. There were times that despite my efforts, clients would cancel or the insurance would decline them and I had to take the hit. ( This particular insurance would take back the advances given to me, and leave me in a negative account).
It was a rollercoaster of emotions, to say the least, from the highs of closing a deal to the lows of facing rejection and declinations. Yet, this experience taught me valuable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and the importance of believing in your abilities.
Starting My Own Business: A New Chapter Full of Challenges
The next major shift in my career came when I decided to take the plunge and start my own business. I knew I wanted the freedom and flexibility that came with being my own boss, but starting a business was no easy feat. In fact, it was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. It still is!
The challenges of starting my own business were numerous. First, there was the uncertainty of what exactly to offer. I had many ideas, but narrowing down my services to something that people actually needed was difficult. I mean, what could I possibly offer them? Even more challenging was figuring out how to attract clients. How do I get my first customer? How do I sell myself when I am just starting out? What do I even charge?
On top of these practical challenges, I faced something called the “imposter syndrome.” I often questioned whether I was qualified to start my own business, whether people would trust me, and whether I could succeed. The emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship can be draining, and it’s easy to feel like you’re in over your head. But, despite all of these challenges, I kept moving forward because I knew that the potential for growth and success was far greater than any temporary setback.
(Want to know what Imposter Syndrome is? Click HERE)
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Entrepreneurship: A Steady Mind is Key
The emotional side of starting a business was something I hadn’t fully anticipated. There are moments when everything seems to be going well—clients are coming in, deals are closing, and you feel on top of the world. But then, there are the inevitable setbacks. A client cancels, a deal falls through, or you make a mistake that costs you time and money. The ups and downs can be overwhelming, especially when you’re doing everything on your own.
I quickly realized that handling the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship was as important as handling the practical ones. Learning to manage my emotions and staying grounded during tough times was essential. I had to accept that failure was a part of the process, not an endpoint. Every failure was a lesson that brought me one step closer to where I wanted to be.
The Process and Lessons Learned: Growth Comes with Time and Effort
The process of starting my business wasn’t easy, but it taught me invaluable lessons. The first lesson was the importance of quickly learning the specifics of my business and becoming an expert. Whether you’re starting a digital marketing agency, a fitness business, or any other venture, it’s crucial to understand your field inside and out. I focused on educating myself as much as possible and becoming proficient in my business. I didn’t have time to lose!
Another important lesson was managing my emotions. The fear of failure is a constant companion when you’re starting something new, but I had to learn to acknowledge those feelings and keep moving forward. Every entrepreneur faces self-doubt, but the key is to persist and push through those feelings.
Believing in yourself is essential, especially during challenging moments. I had to remind myself that setbacks didn’t mean failure; they were simply part of the learning process. I also found it incredibly helpful to connect with other entrepreneurs who were going through similar experiences. Sharing struggles and triumphs with others helped me stay motivated and gave me a sense of community.
Networking and Building a Brand: Putting Yourself Out There
One of the most important things I did to grow my business was to network. Connecting with others in my industry, attending events, and putting myself out there were critical steps in building my brand. The more people I met, the more opportunities opened up. Through networking, I was able to spread the word about my business, showcase my services, and build relationships that would later turn into clients.
As my business grew, I realized that it was essential to continuously expose my brand and my services to new audiences. Whether through social media, networking events, or partnerships, getting my name out there was key to success. The more people who knew about me, the more opportunities I had to grow and expand.
What Steps Should You Take?
If you’re thinking about starting your own business or making a career change, here are a few steps to consider.
First, ask yourself whether you have something to offer that others need. Whether it’s a skill, a product, or a service, identifying what you can provide is the first step.
If you’re not sure what that is yet, look into your hobbies or personal interests. Sometimes the best business ideas come from things you already love doing. And don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different things, fail, learn, and keep iterating. Each mistake will bring you closer to the right path.
Above all, ask yourself: What is your “why?” Why are you doing this? Is it for financial freedom, for the flexibility to spend time with your loved ones, or for the sense of fulfilment that comes from building something of your own? Understanding your “why” is the most important step you can take. It will give you the motivation to keep going, even when things get tough.
Conclusion: Embrace the Challenges and Keep Moving Forward
The challenges of building a business or pursuing your dreams are real. But every challenge is an opportunity to grow and learn. Whether it’s navigating the emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship, managing the uncertainties of commission-based work, or breaking free from the constraints of a 9-5 job, each step brings you closer to the freedom and success you desire.
As you embark on your own journey, remember that success is not a straight line. It’s a series of challenges, learning moments, and growth. But with perseverance, self-belief, and the willingness to learn from your failures, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
