Business Owner Vs Employee: Bridging The Gap

As an entrepreneur, have you ever felt like your family and friends just don't "get" what you do? You're not alone. Many business owners find themselves feeling misunderstood by loved ones who have always been employed. In this blog post, we'll explore why this gap in understanding exists and how to bridge it.

Different Mindsets:
One of the primary reasons for the disconnect between business owners and their employed family and friends is the difference in mindset. Employees often have a fixed routine, set working hours, and a guaranteed steady pay check. Whilst, business owners operate in a world of uncertainty, where they must constantly innovate, take risks, and navigate challenges to keep their ventures afloat. This fundamental difference in mindset can make it difficult for employees to relate to the entrepreneurial experience.

Risk Tolerance:
Business owners are inherently risk-takers. They invest time, money, and effort into their ventures, knowing that success is not always guaranteed despite our best efforts. However, for many employed individuals, the idea of taking risks can be daunting or even incomprehensible. They may struggle to understand why anyone would willingly subject themselves to such uncertainty and stress - and sometimes even we wonder that too!

Time Commitment:
Running a business often requires a significant time commitment, especially in the early stages. Business owners may find themselves working long hours, sacrificing personal time, and missing out on social events to keep their ventures running smoothly. This level of dedication can be difficult for employed individuals to understand, particularly if they have never experienced the demands of entrepreneurship firsthand.

Running a business comes with a level of sacrifice when it comes to social events, though often it can be a huge asset, as you’re often able to be more flexible with your schedule.

Financial Pressure:
While employees receive a regular salary, business owners must generate income to sustain their businesses and support themselves and their families. Essentially if we don’t work, we don’t get paid. This financial pressure can be immense, leading to sleepless nights and constant worry about cash flow, profitability, and the future of the business. Loved ones who are accustomed to the security of a steady income may struggle to empathise with this aspect of the entrepreneurial journey.

Lack of Recognition:
Business owners often face challenges and make sacrifices behind the scenes, without receiving the recognition they deserve. While employees may receive praise and appreciation for their contributions within a traditional workplace, the efforts of entrepreneurs can go unnoticed by those who are not intimately familiar with the inner workings of their businesses. In most cases, we are not in it for the validation but sometimes it can feel encouraging to have a pat on the back for your efforts - which is why immersing yourself in a community of business owners is so important for your mental health.

So, what can be done to bridge the gap between business owners and their employed family and friends?

Communication:
Open and honest communication is key. Business owners should take the time to explain their experiences, challenges, and successes to their loved ones. Similarly, employed individuals should be encouraged to listen with empathy and understanding, even if they cannot fully relate to the struggles a business owner may face.

Empathy:
Employed individuals may not fully grasp the realities of running a business, but they can still offer empathy and support to their entrepreneurial loved ones. Acknowledging the challenges they face and offering words of encouragement can go a long way in strengthening the relationship. While it is also important that we as business owners don’t dismiss this attempt by shrugging it off because “they don’t understand”.

Education:
Both business owners and employed individuals can benefit from learning more about each other's experiences. Business owners can provide insights into the entrepreneurial journey, while employed individuals can share their perspectives from a different point of view. By having mutual understanding and respect, both parties can bridge the gap and strengthen their relationships.

Key Takeaways!

In conclusion, it's important to recognise that the experiences of business owners and employed individuals are inherently different and not one is more challenging than the other. You simply chose your hard.

However, by purposefully fostering open communication, empathy, and education, it is possible to bridge that gap and cultivate stronger relationships built on mutual understanding and support. After all, whether employed or entrepreneurial, we're all in this together, and we need both to make the world go round.