Entrepreneurial Loneliness: Finding Your Own Tribe

Entrepreneurs are a unique breed. They see the world through the lens of opportunities, spot challenges where others see obstacles, and take on projects that might seem crazy to most. Yet, paradoxically, loneliness is a frequent companion.

Entrepreneurs are a unique breed. They see the world through the lens of opportunities, spot challenges where others see obstacles, and take on projects that might seem crazy to most. Yet, paradoxically, loneliness is a frequent companion.

When you’re just starting out, it feels like there are plenty of like-minded enthusiasts, ready to move forward with you. These gatherings inspire you, spark ideas, and offer support. But over time, you realize that finding true kindred spirits is much rarer than it seemed.

The difference in the scale of challenges is the key to this loneliness. Small business and large enterprises are like comparing cucumbers at a market to stocks on NASDAQ. Someone is figuring out how to make an extra $10,000, while someone else is working to sustain a billion-dollar turnover. At this point, a gap emerges that not every relationship can bridge.

My fiancée, who runs a small business, often shares her struggles with me. Her stories make me smile. I look at her the way an elephant might look at a puppy—with understanding and affection, but sometimes with a touch of disconnect. This doesn’t stop us from being a great couple, as life is about more than just solving problems together; it’s about simply being there for each other.

I remember my first meetings with successful businesspeople: billionaires and owners of international companies. They shared their experiences, and I eagerly absorbed their insights. But to them, I was like my fiancée’s puppy to me. We lived in different worlds.

Entrepreneurship is about constant growth, and with growth comes a shift in your social circle. Those who don’t grow alongside you inevitably remain in the past, like outgrown clothes. They are replaced by new people—partners with whom you scale your business or philosophers who understand your level of challenges on an intellectual level.

Loneliness isn’t a punishment; it’s a sign of progress. The higher you climb, the more important quality over quantity becomes in your interactions. Finding those who truly get you isn’t just about sharing success; it’s about looking into the future together.