10 Things You Need To Understand Before Dating An Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs are a hard breed to handle. It is important that you understand the lifestyle of an entrepreneur before you begin dating one. The lifestyle is not for everyone. Knowing what you are getting yourself into from the start can save you a lot of heartache, arguments, stress, and frustration.
Entrepreneurs are the most hard-working, dedicated, and driven individuals. They are go-getters and will stop at nothing to accomplish their dreams. They will also not let anything get in the way. There is always going to be something greater than they are working towards because money and success drive them. No matter how successful they are, they are always going to strive to become more successful. They are confident in their ideas and do not doubt their ability to accomplish anything.
My Story
I am an entrepreneur and have dated entrepreneurs. Let me tell you, it is HARD AS HELL being an Entrepreneur and being in a relationship. Even that is an understatement. My boyfriend is a Forex Trader and Entrepreneur. Both very high-stress jobs. On top of that, his mind works on overtime. He literally does not have a shut-off button. He always has to be working or he starts getting anxious and feels unproductive. I am an Entrepreneur and sometimes I cannot even keep up with him. We spend more time apart than we spend together because work consumes a majority of his time. We have had to make several sacrifices where important events get missed such as birthdays and holidays because work interferes. But although it is not easy, I love his ambition. I love how driven he is. I love that he has confidence in reaching his dreams. Through his mentality, it has helped me grow and have more confidence in my own ability.
I work on my computer and can do it from anywhere which is awesome and I absolutely love. But it is not as easy as it sounds. In order for my blog and business to be successful, they require a lot of time and attention dedicated to my phone and computer. Sometimes I have to be one of those people who are on their phone constantly when you are with them. It is not because I am trying to be rude or disconnected. It is simply because that is my job! It requires a lot of hard work and dedication which just so happens to be online hence I need my technology. But most people do not understand that. They automatically assume I am up to no good scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed to find the latest drama. NOT THE CASE AT ALL! Although I can work from anywhere I still have to be in the right environment and mindset to be able to accomplish my work. If I am surrounded by tons of distractions, I do not have the ability to be productive.
*Sidenote: As a matter of fact, while we are on the topic of Facebook let me quickly mention to you how awesome and beneficial Facebook groups are for your business! I have received soo many helpful tips, wisdom, advice, and inspiration from Facebook Groups. They also helped me boost my blog traffic immensely! You can read more about that here. So I do spend time on Facebook (not to keep up with the latest drama) but to build my own community of fellow female Entrepreneurs and Bloggers. My Facebook group is called Bo$$ Babe$ Hu$tling. It is a place where you can seek support, encouragement, inspiration, relationships, ability to promote your business, etc. It is an amazing growing community that you should totally join if you are a FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR/BLOGGER. I would love to have you! You can join by clicking the tab in my top bar menu that says Join Boss Babes Hustling or you can click the link below to join!
Join Bo$$ Babe$ Hu$tling Now!
Anyway, back on topic…There are more times than not when negativity creeps its way into my mind and life. The more time that I spend apart than with my boyfriend loneliness starts to settle in. Other people’s thoughts and input will start to get to my head. I hear it all… he is probably cheating, are you sure he is really working, he doesn’t respect you, you deserve better, if he truly loved you he would be here, he is up to no good, and the list just goes on. Although people mean well and are just looking out, it does not come off that way. It knocks me down when I am already down but tryinf to remain strong. I know what my boyfriend is doing. I am not stupid. But at the same time, I can’t help but listen and take into consideration “what if they are right?” But the truth is, my boyfriend’s actions prove to me what he is doing. Other people simply do not understand the Entrepreneur lifestyle therefore, I cannot let them get to my head. Being an entrepreneur is incredibly stressful. I am already the type of person who over analyzes everything. So when I am under stress and have negative thoughts start creeping in, doubts begin flooding my mind. Which is the worst thing that you can do when you are an Entrepreneur or dating an Entrepreneur.
The most important aspect to keep your relationship healthy while being an Entrepreneur is your MINDSET. Mindset is everything! You have to remain positive and keep your mind focused on the end goal. For example, instead of being sad and frustrated when my boyfriend is gone all of the time, I change my mindset and think of him being gone in a positive aspect. It gives me more time to go all in and be completely productive with my blog and business without the distraction of wanting to spend time with him. All that matters is that you and your significant other are on the same page. It is okay if other people do not understand and doubt you. Let them. They are not living your life. Let the doubts and negativity serve as that extra motivation to succeed. Prove everyone wrong!
When people, doubts, negativity, loneliness, stress, and depression start kicking in I have to immediately re-center myself and my mindset. I have to do things that bring me back to my calm state and refocus. This is crucial for me and anyone who is an entrepreneur or dating one. For some tips on how to recenter and refocus read my article on some things that have worked for me here.
*Related: How to maintain a healthy lifestyle as an entrepreneur
Okay, so now that you have a little idea of my story lets dive into the 10 things that you need to understand before dating an Entrepreneur.
*Note: I am in no way trying to scare you from being an Entrepreneur or dating one. It is just extremely important to understand what you are getting yourself into. The lifestyle is not for everyone.
The 10 Things You Need To Understand Before Dating an Entrepreneur
1. They are workaholics
Every second of every day is a constant grind. There is not much downtime. Those rare moments when they take a break they become anxious and stressed because their mind never shuts down. Time is money for entrepreneurs. When they take time off of work they feel like they are not being productive and missing out on crucial opportunities. Which in many situations is the case.
2. Work is going to come before your relationship and family time
Most of the time Entrepreneurs do not understand the concept of balance or they struggle with implementing it. This is an area that they can surely work on but it is important to understand that work is going to consume a lot of their time and always be a priority for them. Do not make them choose. Give them the time and space that they need to focus. Do not add extra stress to them than they already have or it will not work in your favor. You, your family, and work are all extremely important to your significant other. Be the support system that they need and they will appreciate it more than you will ever know.
3. They will make a lot of money, but that does not mean it is profit money
Entrepreneurs can make a lot of money. In fact, you will probably see dollar signs come through that you have never seen before. But you have to understand, just because there is money available does not mean that it is money to spend for leisure. In order to make a business flourish and continue to improve, you have to continuously invest in it. Understand that when your significant other tells you that they do not have money to spend it is not because they are trying to be selfish with their money. It is simply because in their minds and in the reality of improving their business that money “does not exist” because it needs to be reinvested back into the business.
4. They are going to be stressed more times than not
Every day is a rollercoaster of emotions with an entrepreneur. One second they may be okay, the next they are stressed about work. Then the next second there will be another stressor. Sometimes the stress will get the best of them. You need to be careful about how you approach them during times of high-stress because the wrong delivery of a message is not going to get you a positive outcome. It is only going to stress them out more and cause distance. Delivery is extremely important. I have stated this previously, but I am going to say it again… Do not be a stressor. Instead, be their support system.
5. They are going to take crazy risks
Living on edge is sort of the lifestyle of an entrepreneur. You never know what their next big move is and usually it’s a crazy and risky one. They go all in without fear of failure. They invest 110% and hope for the best. To most, you would think this is crazy behavior. But to an Entrepreneur they understand with great reward comes great risks!
6. Failure is not an option
They may try, and fail, try and fail. But they will never stop trying. Failure is not an option for them no matter how hard the journey to success is. Reaching ultimate success is what is most important to them and they will stop at nothing to get there. They live fearlessly so their life is limitless. The top is where they are heading.
7. They do not think about the present, they think about the future
Many times you will find that an entrepreneur lives for the future. They generally do not focus on the present because of the present in temporary in their minds. In order to have a successful future, you have to put in endless hard work to get there. Therefore, that is where their focus remains. Unfortunately, this means missing out on special moments and memories in the present because they are busy working hard that they are unable to always be present.
8. They are always going to be on their phone or computer
It is important to understand their phone will be in their hands almost always. But know that it is not because they are wasting time scrolling through Facebook trying to keep up with the latest drama. They are working. They need to stay on top of their business/businesses in order to maintain success and keep their customers/clients/readers or whatever they may be happy. They are not trying to be disconnected but duty calls.
9. There is no security
There is no job, benefits, or income security. The entrepreneur lifestyle is an everyday hustle. If they are not constantly putting in time, effort, and hard work into their business it will eventually crumble. The competition will overcome them. At any given moment all of their hard work could come crashing down. Therefore, they have to hustle on a daily basis to maintain their business, lifestyle, and income. They are going to have their hands in numerous pots because they need backup plans to try and maintain some sort of security.
10. Negativity is not an option
Entrepreneurs have to eliminate negativity or anything that interferes with their success. You have to be their #1 support system and not the #1 stressor. If you are bringing negativity and bad vibes to them, you are going to be removed from their life. It sounds harsh, but that is just how it is. They have enough stress on their shoulders. Being in a relationship is hard enough. If they feel like you are adding unnecessary stress they will not allow it. Unfortunately, in most situations, they will choose work over you.
Being an entrepreneur or dating an entrepreneur is by no means easy for either person. It takes a lot of work to maintain a healthy lifestyle and relationships. If you understand the work that it takes to be an entrepreneur and or be in a relationship with an entrepreneur check out my related posts to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
