Entrepreneurialism is a psychological affliction

You really have to be quite crazy to leave the cushy and plush working environment of an established corporate or government department to become an entrepreneur.

To go against conventional wisdom and advice to start something with no certainty of a future – let alone income potential to sustain you; where people actively and to your face wonder about your sanity. “How can such a promising person be so stupid” or “How can you be so foolish” or many other similar statements.

When I took the leap, I was well on my way to rising within the Department of Science and Technology in Pretoria. They had offered me the position of Assistant Director (No idea, about the title) at the tender age of 26. I still have the letter to decline this offer – I must admit over the years when things got more than I can bare, I sometimes wondered about that letter and how life could have been had I not sent it and just reported to my new designation.

With only FAITH as your north star and a dream as your guiding light – the affliction pushes you.  Never having been motivated by money, these negative thoughts were few and far between. Looking back and analysing reasons for leaving a plush job with guarantees of growth, income and annual increases – it all boils down to, making a meaning contribution to the world.

All I have ever wanted to do is positively influence the world, make things better and improve Africa. And of course make money while living out this dream.

Like all journeys in life, it has not been an easy task – all those who have walked their individual journey before me will also attest the same. Then why persist when so many will tell you it is a hard and arduous journey full of perilous obstacles and prospect for failure.

The simple answer to it is - cause you cannot do otherwise. No amount of pain is worse than not trying, not living your dream, not going for it. This is truly a craziness.