Why starting a company is like having a child

10 uncomfortable truths about starting a company (or a family).

Say what?

Yes, starting a company is a lot like starting a family.

(Read on if you don’t believe me. I’ve done both more than once.)

What’s more, the realities often challenge accepted norms, expectations and taboos.

Here are 10 controversial truths that apply to both entrepreneurship and parenthood, some of which many people might hesitate to admit:

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01. Doing your job well doesn’t guarantee a happy outcome. —— Good parents don’t always = good kids. Good founders often fail.

02. Have a partner? You may feel you do more than your share. —— As true at home as it can be in business.

03. It brings joy, but can also cause crippling fear and anxiety. —— My mother warned me that the first time you truly understand fear is the day you have your first child. She was right, but you get used to it (in business too).

04. It requires total commitment and life-changing sacrifice. —— I remember fondly spending time and money however I wanted.

05. It’s not just a new phase of life. —— In fact your old life ends and a new, unrecognisable one begins.

06. Evenings and weekends are no longer yours. —— I’m typing this at 8pm on a Friday, after cooking the children dinner and before I put them to bed.

07. It puts huge pressure on your personal relationships. —— A true test for any marriage (my wife has the patience of a saint!).

08. Achieving success takes decades. —— I’m 48 and I’m not even halfway.

09. You don’t have just one job. —— You must simultaneously become a provider, listener, leader, motivator, problem-solver, cheerleader, peace-maker and teacher.

10. It’s exhausting and not fulfilling all the time (maybe even most of the time). —— Nobody tells you this. It’s definitely worth it, but it’s far from plain sailing.

Luckily, there’s a shiny side too…

11. It provides purpose and meaning that far exceed personal enrichment.

12. You never stop learning. Ever.

13. Your days are filled with surprise and opportunity.

14. There’s no doubt, it makes you a better version of yourself.

15. Get it right and it will reward you beyond imagination for the rest of your life.

Just don’t forget…

16. The longer you leave it, the more help you’re likely to need. 🤓

Makes you wonder…

…Why on earth do so many of us start a family at the same time as starting our business?!