That's actually really interesting, your line about not being "one of us." If you read my response to another comment below, that urge was never there for me. Going out on my own was a reasoned decision based on false assumptions and incomplete evidence about what would give me satisfaction. It wasn't a passion. It wasn't a drive. It wasn't a hunger or the thrill of the hunt.
I just didn't like my job.
My opinion is that none of my assumptions were uncommon ones and that the evidence I had at the time is also pretty typical, so my situation is a relatively common one (or will be as more people come to where I am now).
I think you've hit on something important about it being hardwired into your personality. That might be a good reality check for people just starting out. Have you been entrepreneurial your whole life? Do you have the necessary drive? What are your priorities? etc.
Instead, it often gets framed around intelligence, willpower, courage, and a lot of other stuff that no self-respecting person would readily admit not having. It almost shames you into sticking with it.
It would have been helpful early on if I'd encountered more warnings along the way that were genuine in encouraging me to consider quitting. I know that some commenters just fired up their caps-lock at the mere mention of quitting, but hear me out.
Some people think this stuff is for them, but it's not really. Getting smart and clear about where that distinction can be made and helping people figure it out sooner is good for everyone. It gives the bad-fit types (like me) a good clue to look elsewhere, and it gives the good-fit types (like you) a renewed sense of confidence despite discouragements and failure.
I just didn't like my job.
My opinion is that none of my assumptions were uncommon ones and that the evidence I had at the time is also pretty typical, so my situation is a relatively common one (or will be as more people come to where I am now).
I think you've hit on something important about it being hardwired into your personality. That might be a good reality check for people just starting out. Have you been entrepreneurial your whole life? Do you have the necessary drive? What are your priorities? etc.
Instead, it often gets framed around intelligence, willpower, courage, and a lot of other stuff that no self-respecting person would readily admit not having. It almost shames you into sticking with it.
It would have been helpful early on if I'd encountered more warnings along the way that were genuine in encouraging me to consider quitting. I know that some commenters just fired up their caps-lock at the mere mention of quitting, but hear me out.
Some people think this stuff is for them, but it's not really. Getting smart and clear about where that distinction can be made and helping people figure it out sooner is good for everyone. It gives the bad-fit types (like me) a good clue to look elsewhere, and it gives the good-fit types (like you) a renewed sense of confidence despite discouragements and failure.