Too scared to fail: Millennials aren't starting businesses

[Jamesdoesmith]

Great post. I'd also like to add: they don't like to "figure things out" on their own.

-Need to fill out a form? Call mom and dad.
-Need to set up your internet/computer/printer/cell phone? Call the Geek Squad.
-Need to change a flat tire or jump a car battery? Call AAA.

Nobody wants to just do things for themselves anymore, despite the fact that pretty much anything can be learned from Google. Nobody wants to accept responsibility; they'd rather just make it someone else's problem.

It took me a while to accept it, but I really just don't like most of the people my age. Not even just in terms of entrepreneurship/careers, but even basic values and approach to the world. I'm not one of those doomsday freaks that think this generation is the end of us. There were problems with boomers, and every generation before that. I just don't share the same interests with most people my age. I've never felt more alienated than when Jersey Shore was blowing up towards the end of high school/beginning of college.

I often feel this same way about the genration. Like an outsider. No depth. No cooth. No character.

 

Don't like ads? Remove them while supporting the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Contrarian]

I'm 29 and I find it difficult to relate to most people of my generation on much more than a surface level. You hardly ever see anyone under 35 on a motorbike, because "you'll kill yourself on one of those". Most do nothing but watch the clock until 5PM every day then go out and get drunk or sit on the couch and watch TV all night. Hedonism at every turn, but no purpose in sight. We are the lost generation; materially abundant but spiritually empty. Narcissism is our central value. Beneath it, an empty shell.

Our society makes mediocrity far too comfortable, and punishes success. Instant gratification is without a doubt a huge part of this. I love computer games. I grew up playing them. I have just learned to recognise it for the indulgence that it is and not something to treat as a matter-of-course activity.

The loss of the masculine virtues in our society surely plays a large part, as does the near-destruction of the family unit which used to bond people together and create purpose and future.

I can't picture me staying in the West long term, to be frank. I think the dominant culture of the day is sick, corrupted and remnant of the dying days of the Roman Empire. Kindred spirits here are to be found only in small groups, and with the wonders of the internet.

What I really find the most perplexing of all is this obsession with "equality" and "fairness" amongst some of the most self-obsessed yet self-loathing people in the world. Apparently sharing posts on Facebook and patting yourself on the back is the new making a difference in the world.

 

[IGSKnox]

Back when I was in school they had classes on business and ownership way back in middleschool and high school, but now days they dont, I think a high % of kids dont even think about owning a business, we are teaching them go to school, get job...earn paycheck...thats it!

 

[magnus2332]

I feel you. I've been dealing with this in the past year(minus the kids). It's been one of the hardest things I've had to do. A lot of it has to do with my mother. Her mentality is to play it safe plus she worries all the time. I adopted that same mind set growing up. It has held me back from doing and experiencing a lot things in the past. It still affects me today but it's not as much as it used to be.

 

Don't like ads? Remove them while supporting the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Brentnal]

If people are happy, or think different than you, that's no problem. Some people, like you, need to 'progress' and keep moving forward. Some people are truly happy just accepting and maintaining where they are in the world.

Good that you said this, because since i read books about enthrepeneurship i was starting to look down on sidewalkers/slowlaners.
But some people are just happy that way. Not everybody is the same.

 

[eekern]

If we learned fastline in our school system our economy would be so much stronger !

Help other people before you help yourself.

I want to share with you a very valuable concept that I think most "slowlaners" are people are missing.

Most people live in a "ME" world.

They care only about themselves.

Not only is this a shitty way to live, but most people go on their whole lives wondering why life happened to them.

Why don't they have more opportunities.

Why do other people make more money than them.

Why does everyone treat them unfairly.

Why do some people have perfect relationships with their spouse why they're in a crappy one.

It all comes down to how they view the world and other people.

I've always been a firm believer that the money is in the relationship.

I'm not just talking about business, I mean life.

The two most important decisions of your life will be:

1.) Starting a business

2.) The person you marry.



Now for the people who follow me that aren't entrepreneurs I guess you can replace that with what job you choose(I cringe).

Those two choices will be about 80% of your time on this earth.


You spend most of your time working and the other half around your family(person you end up with).


So they're huge decisions am I right?


From day one I've always entered every relationship and business relationship with I need to do more than the other person.


My first big break in this industry came down to me being a hustler.

I didn't have money to bring to the table, I didn't have marketing knowledge to bring to the table and I wasn't established.

Instead of whining and complaining and thinking life isn't fair I replaced my lack of with elbow grease and persistence.

I reached out to someone who I purchased their product and said look I want to do business with you.

Here's what I can do for you, I will do 90% of the work, but I just want to learn from you.

(Now imagine that approach from all the BS messages I get of people just messaging me trying to get me to pitch their crappy product to my following who trust me.)

I approached this person saying how can I help you and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make you money.

People are not used to hearing things like this because most people just care about themselves.

I wasn't worried about my time or making the money, I wanted the relationship.

That relationship and advice I got from this person led me to where I'm at today.



Starting adding more value to everyones life you come across and it will improve every aspect of your own life.

More money, more quality relationships, more energy to get out of bed and make shit happen daily and you just naturally feel good.

A much better alternative to pretending you're happy around other people when you know truly you're not.

Do something nice for someone else and you will feel a hell of a lot better yourself.

It seems like the millennials today only care about getting large founds to create the next facebook/instagram/twitter/snapchat their focus is to create a billion dollar business, instead just simple helping people If helping was the force of drive NO ONE would fear failure because you CAN`T FAIL.

 

[Johnsonysu]

As a late millennial, this problem originates from the fact that we are constantly distracted. We are always on some form of device, always speculating on others, and it has all culminated into one terrible habit of life. I'm constantly battling this problem and throughout the day I have to CONSTANTLY remind myself that "today is going to be the best day of my life" in order to get the engine cranking for more output.

Why start a business when you can watch shark tank?
Why sky dive when you can watch a GoPro POV on Youtube?
Why find a girl when there's Pornhub?
Why explore life when there's Witcher 3 and Skyrim and all these great RPGs on Steam?

Instant gratification and mental masturbation can easily be recognised as the problem but the real problem is that there doesn't seem to be an effective solution to counter this negative spiral of self indulgence. All we want is to consume, and consume.

We grew up with these things in our lives for most part of our lives. It's just not easy to break these habits even if we recognise that this is a big problem. Much akin to smokers trying to quit smoking. We are addicted to the dopamine induced virtual lives but unlike smokers, we don't recognise the damage until its been done.

Drop the phone and computer for a week. Easier said than done.

 

Don't like ads? Remove them while supporting the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Fatal Jay]

The post above me nailed it. It's too many distractions for the youngsters. From what celebs are up too, social media, sex, television, sex and did I mention sex?

I'm not sure if the elite men who run most of the country designed it like this but it is indeed working. People truly believe that one day money will fall out the sky or their goals will fall out the sky. No one wants to work for it

I blame this on things such as government assistance, food stamps, college financial aid etc. It's to the point with what I just listed people believe those things don't destroy them in the long run. People actually see debt as a normal thing these days.

 

[MakeMoreMoves]

Hey, I'm a millennial. I am working a typical 40hr workweek and on the side I am working to see if starting a niche restaurant in a college town is feasible. I'm just really hesitant on starting something now because I am in my 20's which are young years you never get back. If the business fails then I just wasted years of my 20's when I could have been hanging out with friends. Also, working at my first real slowlane job is brainwashing me. I am starting to forget a lot of MJ's concepts.

 

[Joseph Wilson]

As a millennial I think the problem with my group (or maybe it's just me) is that we were raised to be delusional. We were lead to believe that the world owes us something by our parents. In their eagerness to 'give my kids the life I never had' they told us all to go to college so we could get a good job and then we would live the good life with an emphasis being on getting the piece of paper instead on becoming valuable or on learning valuable skills. 'just get a degree' not to get a degree in something useful, but to get a degree.

We were told to feel bad about winning because of how the losers must feel and we all got trophies, even the losers. To be humble and compassionate instead of proud. And when we lost they always said 'you'll get them next time' but forgot to say 'you didn't train hard enough'

And we weren't told to walk it off, or to quit being a pussy etc...

As if they believed that it's possible to live life without ever experiencing pain and suffering or experiencing negative emotions. Like they didn't know that growth usually comes from pain and suffering and negative emotions.

or that wealth comes from trade. which of course can't be done without having something to trade.

cause and effect has been replaced with positive thinking and the law of attraction.

The winners from my group are the ones who have learned that nothing is for free, nobody owes us anything that they haven't agreed to trade for, and that all good things come from becoming more valuable or from finding arbitrage.

Anyways... just my 2 cents.

 

Don't like ads? Remove them while supporting the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Joseph Wilson]

Hey, I'm a millennial. I am working a typical 40hr workweek and on the side I am working to see if starting a niche restaurant in a college town is feasible. I'm just really hesitant on starting something now because I am in my 20's which are young years you never get back. If the business fails then I just wasted years of my 20's when I could have been hanging out with friends. Also, working at my first real slowlane job is brainwashing me. I am starting to forget a lot of MJ's concepts.

If you miss out on your twenties in exchange for getting rich in your thirties or forties just move to scottsdale where there is no shortage of pretty young girls to get drunk with. They're the same age every year in old town scottsdale...

The hottest 20 year old girls are banging older guys anyways. they know what they're worth lol.

 

[Digamma]

Hey, I'm a millennial. I am working a typical 40hr workweek and on the side I am working to see if starting a niche restaurant in a college town is feasible. I'm just really hesitant on starting something now because I am in my 20's which are young years you never get back. If the business fails then I just wasted years of my 20's when I could have been hanging out with friends. Also, working at my first real slowlane job is brainwashing me. I am starting to forget a lot of MJ's concepts.

This is one of the dumbest post I ever read. Your twenties is when you have the energy to burn shit to the ground. You will never have this energy again. If you don't it now, you'll never will - if you do it, the upside is limitless.

 

[blackhat]

Hey, I'm a millennial. I am working a typical 40hr workweek and on the side I am working to see if starting a niche restaurant in a college town is feasible. I'm just really hesitant on starting something now because I am in my 20's which are young years you never get back. If the business fails then I just wasted years of my 20's when I could have been hanging out with friends. Also, working at my first real slowlane job is brainwashing me. I am starting to forget a lot of MJ's concepts.

You're right. You are not getting your 20's back. You're not getting any time back at any age, actually. So why follow the path that requires you to trade your time for money? Especially if you feel doing so is brainwashing you.

 

Don't like ads? Remove them while supporting the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[happybhoy]

Great post. I'd also like to add: they don't like to "figure things out" on their own.

-Need to fill out a form? Call mom and dad.
-Need to set up your internet/computer/printer/cell phone? Call the Geek Squad.
-Need to change a flat tire or jump a car battery? Call AAA.

Nobody wants to just do things for themselves anymore, despite the fact that pretty much anything can be learned from Google. Nobody wants to accept responsibility; they'd rather just make it someone else's problem.

It took me a while to accept it, but I really just don't like most of the people my age. Not even just in terms of entrepreneurship/careers, but even basic values and approach to the world. I'm not one of those doomsday freaks that think this generation is the end of us. There were problems with boomers, and every generation before that. I just don't share the same interests with most people my age. I've never felt more alienated than when Jersey Shore was blowing up towards the end of high school/beginning of college.

What a time to be an entrepreneur!

 

[Sovereign]

I'm not sure whether this thread is good or getting weird… It started out good, but took a detour with all the complaining.

Recently there was a thread, here on TFF, from a young guy whose parents want him to be a doctor… Badly!
He would probably be the first (ok, the second, as i would be the first) to attest that in a society (and especially with parents) of which the highest law is ''Dare not fail!'', it is more sensible to suffer the 9-5 and mediocrity for your entire life, than suffer failure – any failure.

Why?

Because failure is stigmatized to the point at which our crock brain treat it as a mortal threat (check why people are so afraid of public speaking), thus we avoid it at any cost.


For all those who rant over millennials and point fingers at others read this: http://www.chicagonow.com/lists-tha...aby-boomers-are-the-worst-generation/#image/1
And before you start flaming me, think of the following phrase: ‘Truth is a three-edged sword’.

I used to rant over my pears a lot, but eventually realized that it’s a senseless and vain activity. So if I may, I’d propose that we stop pointing fingers at others and take care of our own decisions. We can help others, but blaming them helps no one.


Ultimately I think this entire thread doesn’t really revolve around discrepancies between generations, it’s more of a camouflage for the mutual longing for the long lost culture of character and the despise for the current culture of personality.

 

[guru]

The fact that relying too much on someone else ( in this case - the parents ) is never a good ideal for anyone at anytime and any place. It destroys our natural ability to stand up for ourself and moving on with our own life.

I remember the day my parent cut me off from financial supports. It was painful but i'm thankful that they did !

 

Don't like ads? Remove them while supporting the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Waspy]

As a millienial, this article offends me. Excuse me while I retreat to my safe place*



* and continue working on my business that I wasn't scared to start.

 

[Summer Adams]

They think they are victims. They think their lives are any harder than someone who grew up in the dark ages or during WW2.

I don't feel sorry for them. You can't help people who want to be victims and whose very solution to their problem is an ebook or google search away.

 

[DifficultTruth]

Some things I have learned as a Millennial:

1. Every generation thinks they are the best generation, and wants to talk about how great they are and talk badly about the others.
2. There are winners and losers from every generation.
3. There always has been and always will be sidewalkers, slowlaners, and fastlaners in every generation. None of these choices/lifestyles is right or wrong, if someone is happy with their life, who cares.
4. Most people are lazy, regardless of what generation they are from. Work hard and you will be rewarded.
5. Be grateful for what you have. Work for what you want.

 

Don't like ads? Remove them while supporting the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[jon.a]

Some things I have learned as a Millennial:

1. Every generation thinks they are the best generation, and wants to talk about how great they are and talk badly about the others.

I must be odd. I'm a boomer and I think the greatest generation (our parents) was the greatest generation.

 

[rpeck90]

I must be odd. I'm a boomer and I think the greatest generation (our parents) was the greatest generation.

I would agree.

But I think the next gen (gen Z) has a shot, too.

 

[Mattie]

I must be odd. I'm a boomer and I think the greatest generation (our parents) was the greatest generation.

I agree my grandfathers generation was the one before boomers. I say that from being a nurse aide for several years, listening to their wisdom, their hardships, their triumphs, successes, and failures. They were from all three social classes, and even some were Entrepreneurs and wealthy. They seen life completely differently than any of the following generations, and I know they weren't happy with where the world was going. Although perhaps the world needs to go where it's going for people to get they're creating massive destruction in many different ways. History repeats itself in time. And if you look through the centuries, people forget where we've been because they have a limited point of view. They see the surface and face value, and neglect to dig deeper in the past.

Millennials kind of have a death wish, turn things upside down, and get caught up in the emotional dynamics. I would agree every generation has it's greats and no gooders. There millennial entrepreneurs I see usually in the entertainment world of music, art, literature, and gaming. They are quite a fascinating group, but they don't like playing by the rules, they're more rebellious, and I think that gets them in trouble. I believe some of them do know how to network well that are entrepreneurs, but then the side walk and slow lane, they tend too want everyone to meet their needs. They're more self-absorbed, and seem to be stuck on getting attention. I've read some of their blogs, and really it just seems focused on themselves. They have the Give Zero F*cks attitude. I don't believe all of them are afraid to be Entrepreneurs. Some of them are totally fearless, and end up getting themselves in more trouble than its worth. Some of this is their age, and needing to mature. At least that's what I've observed. It's kind of on their terms, which other generations feel they're not that special as they believe they are.

I suppose they will find out as they go along, the world isn't going to always adapt to them, and they will either be angry people and rant and rave about how all unfair it is, or decide they may have to adapt and adjust to the world and accept it for what it is, not what they would like it to be.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hER0Qp6QJNU

 

Don't like ads? Remove them while supporting the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Eli Cohen]

I'm a millennial.

I started a business in 2016 and it was f'in rocking until shit hit the fan and i learned just how hard it can really be.

In 2017 I'm relaunching and pivoting completely with how I go about conducting business on a fundamental level.

The truth is most millennials are too afraid of what others around them think to start and actually follow through with an idea even if you might land flat on your face like i did.

Doesn't mean we can't try again, I'd rather fail 100 times then accept a mediocre life.

This is real btw, some proof for others out there.

 

[TonyStark]

 

[FeaRxUnLeAsHeD]

"Why millennials are joining corporate America over starting businesses" - recently read this one on Forbes. Check it out.

I'll give my own input..

- It's true, you need some $$ to start businesses that are going to grow successfully in this day and age - but don't let that be an excuse to stop you from taking action. There are definitely ways to get started now with little capital, it's just harder.
- Loans etc definitely make it harder and give you cash flow issues - if you have to worry about paying rent, you aren't going to have time and creativity focus on improving your business.

Doesn't hurt to get a high-skilled, high-paying corporate job and hone-in on a skill and build up a network and then go all out entrepreneurship when you've got some capital and plans in the works to get going.. I think that's the most practical advice I can give.

If you're a 20-something and want to start a business but have little cash, no ideas where to start, and maybe even student debt, go join a company. Learn about what they solve. Get good at a skill. Network. Learn to adjust your brain to be receptive to finding and solving problems. When you've got cash and start building a foundation you can pull the trigger.

 

Don't like ads? Remove them while supporting the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[mroberte]

I'm a millennial and starting my second business. The second will be started while I'm working a FT position to fund it all too. I'm moving very slowly as to make as little mistakes, esp financially, as possible.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[FeaRxUnLeAsHeD]

I'm a millennial and starting my second business. The second will be started while I'm working a FT position to fund it all too. I'm moving very slowly as to make as little mistakes, esp financially, as possible.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Don't 'move slow to make as little mistakes as possible'

Go fail and fail fast. Take STRATEGIC risks with your financial capital, and don't put any into a business that you can't afford to lose. Learn the lessons and learn them quickly. That's my 2 cents..

 

[mroberte]

Don't 'move slow to make as little mistakes as possible'

Go fail and fail fast. Take STRATEGIC risks with your financial capital, and don't put any into a business that you can't afford to lose. Learn the lessons and learn them quickly. That's my 2 cents..

The capital is not there to move as fast as I want. I don't want to repeat patterns I see from previous personal and prior working environmental mistakes. Plus I'm not in a huge rush to get this new business to 100% tomorrow. Goal is 1 year beta, then public release. Its a little too complex (legal, regional laws, user participation) to go quickly.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

Don't like ads? Remove them while supporting the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[luniac]

You know seeing this thread brought up some personal thoughts about the subject.

Maybe millennial are too scared to fail because other millennial are just ITCHING for an opportunity to shit on them whether publicly or some Shadenfreude type of shit.
Both cases are sense of insecurity, the millennial too scared and the millennial who brings you down afterwards.

Based on my 26 years on this planet and my ok historical knowledge and extensive movie viewing experience lol, I think previous generations had much stronger sense of self esteem, and i think a lot of that had to do with good upbringing and social support for each other. Maybe even a sense of community played a part.

I mean if i lived in a tightly knit neighborhood where everyone supported each other and i wanted to start some business, i honestly would have more balls to call people get info etc etc because i feel like my neighborhood got my back.

Nowadays(and i know this is bad mentality) i have the feeling that if i F*ck up something and look stupid someone somewhere gonna laugh at me, even in my own home.

I feel like part of the reason i do apps is because since i make them myself, at least it limits how much shit someone can talk since it's still impressive that i personally created and released an app.

I'm going deep here lol... whatever

 

[_Kaiser_]

You know seeing this thread brought up some personal thoughts about the subject.

Maybe millennial are too scared to fail because other millennial are just ITCHING for an opportunity to shit on them whether publicly or some Shadenfreude type of shit.
Both cases are sense of insecurity, the millennial too scared and the millennial who brings you down afterwards.

Based on my 26 years on this planet and my ok historical knowledge and extensive movie viewing experience lol, I think previous generations had much stronger sense of self esteem, and i think a lot of that had to do with good upbringing and social support for each other. Maybe even a sense of community played a part.

I mean if i lived in a tightly knit neighborhood where everyone supported each other and i wanted to start some business, i honestly would have more balls to call people get info etc etc because i feel like my neighborhood got my back.

Nowadays(and i know this is bad mentality) i have the feeling that if i F*ck up something and look stupid someone somewhere gonna laugh at me, even in my own home.

I feel like part of the reason i do apps is because since i make them myself, at least it limits how much shit someone can talk since it's still impressive that i personally created and released an app.

I'm going deep here lol... whatever

And yet mockery and humiliation can be a powerful motivator if channeled correctly. A guy I used to go to school with started DJ'ing in high school.

At first he was laughed at for being an unpopular geeky kid making a few beats on Fruity Loops. 'you will never be a real DJ, you suck, etc' they said. But he stuck at it. Starting by playing at school balls, then later local bars and so on.

Soon he was playing gigs regularly across the country. And just last year he signed with the local branch of an international record label company to record an album.