The Unromantic Truth of Entrepreneurship

More Than a 9-to-5 Alternative

This past weekend, I was invited to speak at a business and career event at the University of Suffolk, exploring what it means to start and scale a business in the UK today. The conversation got me thinking more deeply about entrepreneurship and the way it’s commonly portrayed. As beautiful and fulfilling as a 9-to-5 career can be, there’s also something valuable in considering entrepreneurial ventures, whether as a full-time pursuit or a side hustle. But here's the catch: entrepreneurship is often less about glamour and more about getting your hands dirty while solving real-world problems.

Photo by Garrhet Sampson on Unsplash

The Allure of Entrepreneurship vs. Reality

The world of entrepreneurship has been romanticised. If you scroll through social media, you’d think it’s all about sleek boardrooms, unlimited flexibility, and passive income while sipping cocktails on a beach. While there’s a place for optimism, this version glosses over the reality of what being an entrepreneur truly involves: long hours, navigating constant uncertainty, and the unglamorous hustle of building something from the ground up.

I’m not advocating for everyone to quit their day jobs and dive into the uncertain waters of entrepreneurship. A stable 9-to-5 job can be incredibly fulfilling, and many find deep satisfaction in it. I do. But there’s also value in looking at entrepreneurship not just as a way to escape the daily grind, but as an opportunity to solve problems—especially problems that matter deeply to us.

Entrepreneurship as Problem-Solving

At its core, entrepreneurship is about seeing gaps, finding pain points, and figuring out how to solve them. Think about it: every business, from the corner café to the latest tech startup, exists because someone noticed a need. Entrepreneurship is less about glamour and more about addressing real issues, whether in your community or globally.

Take any successful entrepreneur, and you'll find someone who wasn’t just passionate about their field, but about solving a problem. They weren’t fixated on the perks of being their own boss; they were obsessed with providing value. Entrepreneurship, in its truest form, is about offering solutions in exchange for value—often monetary, yes, but also in terms of impact.

I reflected on the different cultures and mentalities that influence whether people pursue entrepreneurship. In some cultures, running a business is second nature—a path that’s encouraged and respected. In others, it’s less so, with an emphasis placed more on established career paths. But regardless of the background, one thing remains true: the most successful ventures stem from a mentality of adding value, not chasing a quick win.

The Power of "And"—Not "Or"

Here’s where things get interesting. I don’t believe that you must choose between a 9-to-5 and entrepreneurship. In fact, there’s incredible value in finding ways to merge the two. Many successful entrepreneurs started by building their businesses on the side while working a full-time job. The discipline, structure, and financial stability that a traditional job provides can be a solid foundation for launching a side hustle, which might eventually evolve into something more.

It’s not about throwing yourself entirely into one path, but about recognising opportunities where you can diversify. You can do both. You can excel in your career while also pursuing a business idea that excites you.

Conclusion: Solving Problems, Creating Value

So, no, I’m not saying everyone should become an entrepreneur and quit their day jobs. But I am saying that, if you feel an itch to solve a problem or create something of value, entrepreneurship is a worthwhile avenue to explore—whether as a side hustle or a full-time pursuit.

We don’t have to idolise entrepreneurship, but we also shouldn’t shy away from it. It’s about recognising the potential to contribute something meaningful, to be part of the solution rather than waiting for others to fix things.

Ultimately, it’s not the glamorous Instagram version of entrepreneurship that should attract us. Instead, it’s the idea that we can all, in our own ways, be problem-solvers and creators of value. Whether you’re at a 9-to-5 or thinking about your own business, ask yourself: What problems do I care enough to solve? That’s where the real work—and the real fulfillment—begins.