Career and studies

Should I start a business?

Go all in, start on the side or keep looking: eight questions about your idea and your nerve.

Should I start a business? The quiz

Work choices touch money, pride and who we are, so it is normal for this one to weigh on you. Your answers stay on your device; nobody else sees them.

1Has someone already paid you, or promised to pay, for this?
2Can you explain who the customer is in one sentence?
3Do you have 6 to 12 months of living costs saved?
4Are you comfortable selling, every day?
5Could you start it on evenings and weekends first?
6Is the idea mostly about not having a boss?
7Do you know the people or industry you would sell to?
8Would your family support you through a lean year?
8 questions

Sell first, build later

The most common mistake is building for months and then looking for customers. Do it the other way round: describe the offer, ask people to pay, and build only when they do. A business is customers, not a logo.

Questions people ask

How much money do I need to start a business?

Many service businesses start with almost nothing. What you need most is living costs while it grows: aim for 6 to 12 months, or keep your job and start on the side.

How do I know if my business idea is good?

If strangers pay for it. Friends saying "great idea" is not proof; a deposit is.

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TheHardChoices gives general life guidance, not professional advice. It is not a substitute for medical, mental health, legal or financial help. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, contact local emergency services or a crisis line now. Full disclaimer