Why Entrepreneurs Experience Context Switching and Loneliness

When you are juggling multiple commitments, are constantly being pulled in different directions, yet always want to be on your A-game, it may be difficult to find people who empathize. Don’t forget to crowdsource your health.

The idea of being of entrepreneur revolves around the fact that you want to be outstanding; to shine differently — have a unique selling point, differentiated product, and be recognized for that.

If you have set out to start your own brand or business, you have probably come across the feeling of loneliness along the way (whether you are aware of it or not).

When on this path, you quickly realize that you can’t share this journey with most. Yes, you may have loved ones, friends, even a significant other to confide in about your struggles, successes, journey, but do they truly understand it from your perspective? More often than not, the best they can do is to offer a listening ear, and words of encouragement. I started a travel company during a pandemic (I wrote about it here), and despite support from friends, many still thought that I had absolutely lost my mind.

At the end of the day, you’re the one going through the unique grind. Entrepreneurship generally comes from a product or idea that sprouts from your head, and so the company and experience is uniquely yours, and will be an extension of you. So then, how do we tackle the loneliness?

Let us first understand why entrepreneurs have a higher tendency of feeling isolated.

1. They are passionate, motivated risk-takers — they want to chase their dreams, even if it is the path less traveled
2. They want a unique narrative — they are trying to fill gaps in the market, service an unmet need in the market, and
3. They are hungry to learn, open to opportunities, and want to achieve — they are often on the lookout to network, ideate, and dabble in a variety of experiences or opportunities for growth.
4. A tendency to become a ‘yes man’ — saying yes to…