I was thinking about this during my workout and thought I would post here to see what other Fastlaners think about this topic.
An Entrepreneur, by it's very definition, is someone who goes against the grain and takes risks. People are naturally risk adverse and generally follow the path of least resistance. As such, the life of an Entrepreneur can quickly lead to feeling alone. As "normal" people simply won't be able to understand your risk-seeking lifestyle and your "abnormal" view on the world.
When one truly takes up an entrepreneurial lifestyle and changes their life to start working toward their financial dreams, it's not uncommon to find yourself drifting away from friends and acquaintances whose slowlane mentality doesn't match your changing lifestyle. This can quickly lead to social isolation, loneliness and depression.
Have you experienced this?
How has it affected you?
How have you handled it?
I have a lot of pent up rage on the subject. I don't like to complain (pointless) but I'll take this opportunity to let off some steam.
I don't think entrepreneurs are risk seeking people. I think entrepreneurs are risk averse.
To me, it's risky to rely on a job. To me, it's risky to have fun now... and cross your fingers for the future. For me, the stock market and traditional investments are too risky due to the inherent lack of control.
I think that's the loneliest part. The people around me don't see their lifestyle as risky... and I do. They tell me MY lifestyle is insane.. it's like they're blind to the way things so apparently REALLY work.
I only have one friend, my girlfriend of 4 years... she's working her a$$ off just like me to make our dreams come true.
My previous best friend would rather drink and compain than move towards a goal. I've drifted away from him. My college friends are a bit closer because they're all also trying to build something... but they're 'waiting' on grants, donations, etc instead of making their own money... so we frequently get into arguments.
I see all my old friends as LOSERS who keep themselves from working too hard because "what's the point". They're all clinging to their jobs because they're not very hard. Meanwhile, they call ME lazy for not having a job! I do more work in a week than they've done their entire life. I don't take breaks unless I'm rewarding myself for results. I don't watch TV unless it's while I'm doing a menial thoughtless work related task.
Of course it becomes lonely.