The Entrepreneurial Itch: Why I Still Want to Build Something

Change is not something we naturally crave—at least, not the kind that requires stepping into a new routine, lifestyle, or philosophy. But why is that? I’ve been at the same job for over ten years now, and that surprises me. Throughout my professional career, I never stayed at a job for more than three or four years. So how did this happen?

There’s some truth to the idea that people avoid change as they grow older. But in my case, change that involves new experiences and challenges has always been welcome. One thing is certain: staying at the same job for this long has given me the ability to pursue other experiences and challenges, like living in different cities and working from anywhere.

Work is valuable, not just financially, but because it gives us a purpose, something to strive for. If it also involves working alongside people smarter than you and tackling interesting challenges, then you’re very lucky. I’ve been very lucky. But work isn’t limited to employment; entrepreneurship is a path many take. While many fail, they still gain valuable skills in the process.

For years, I’ve wanted to build something of my own. I’ve dabbled here and there, but the truth is, in over a decade, none of it has been serious. My last real attempt was a website called The Tech Map, which connected people with startups. The website itself was a success, but the business never found a market fit. Still, it was an interesting idea and an invaluable experience. After that, I focused on my job and haven’t seriously pursued entrepreneurship since.

Even after a decade in the same job, the urge to create something of my own hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s stronger than ever. I don’t just want another side project, I want to take on something that challenges me, something I can pour my energy into and see grow. It’s not about chasing success in the traditional sense but about building something meaningful, something that solves a real problem and brings value to others.

Challenging problems keep you sharp, and if approached the right way, you might even learn and make money from them. That’s what I’m after. I don’t know exactly what yet, but I want to try something. This time, it’s not about building a large or even a widely known company. It’s about creating something sustainable and meaningful, something that provides both purpose and satisfaction.

So what am I getting into? Let’s see. I asked ChatGPT for some statistics on entrepreneurship in North America, and this is what I found:

Entrepreneurial Landscape in North America

To put this into perspective, consider the current entrepreneurial climate in North America:
• Business Formation: In 2023, Americans filed nearly 5.5 million new business applications, averaging about 16.3 applications per 1,000 residents.
• Survival Rates: Approximately 23.2% of new businesses in the U.S. fail within their first year. Over a ten-year period, about 65% of businesses close, meaning only 35% survive beyond a decade.
• Entrepreneurial Activity: The Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rate in the U.S. increased to 16.5% in the past year, reflecting a growing number of individuals engaging in entrepreneurial pursuits.

These statistics highlight both the challenges and opportunities within the entrepreneurial landscape. While a significant number of new businesses are launched every year, sustaining them remains a considerable hurdle.

Are you working on a new business? Do you want to share how it’s going or what led you to start? Feel free to share below. Maybe we can help each other along this lonely road of entrepreneurship and business-building.

Online Resources

• Startup Stash: A curated directory of tools and resources covering various aspects of startup development, from idea generation to marketing and finance.
• Founder Institute’s Startup Resource Lists: Provides sequential resources for every stage of the startup journey, helping entrepreneurs navigate from inception to growth.
• Google for Startups: Offers a variety of programs, tools, and best practices to help startups grow and scale, including mentorship and networking opportunities.
• HubSpot’s Free Startup Resources: Includes templates, guides, and educational content to assist with business planning, marketing strategies, and scaling operations.
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Provides comprehensive information on starting and managing a business, including funding programs, training, and federal contracting opportunities.

Networking and Mentorship

• Techstars: A global platform offering accelerator programs, mentorship, and investment opportunities for startups across various industries.
• Developer Stash: is a curated collection of resources and tools aimed at assisting developers in various aspects of their work. The platform organizes these resources into categories, each containing a list of relevant tools, descriptions, websites, and associated social media accounts.
• Communities Rise: Offers legal and business support services to small businesses, focusing on underserved communities to ensure equitable access to resources.

Have an excellent weekend.