If I fail, can I accept returning to being an employee?

Christa B.Eng.
Christa B.Eng.
Young tech entrepreneur, recently launched an AI-powered SaaS.

Absolutely, and it's not a failure in the slightest.

Many people see entrepreneurship as a one-way street: either you succeed, or you 'fall off a cliff.' In reality, it's more like an intense 'dungeon raid.' You, alone or with a few teammates, challenge a 'BOSS' far beyond your current 'level.' Win, and you reap huge rewards; lose, and it's actually quite normal – most people don't win.

The crucial point is that during this 'raid,' you learn far more than you would 'grinding small mobs' in a corporate job.

You might have learned how to 'negotiate' with clients, interpret financial statements, manage a small team, handle immense pressure when funds are low, and effectively do the work of three people... These experiences are glittering assets in the eyes of any company. An engineer with entrepreneurial background won't just focus on code; they'll think about product, market, and cost. What employer wouldn't want someone like that?

So, returning to being an 'employee' is by no means a step backward. You can view it as:

  1. Strategic Recuperation: Entrepreneurship is exhausting, both mentally and physically. Getting a job, earning a stable salary, getting your life back on track, and catching your breath is absolutely essential. It's like returning to town to resupply after defeating a BOSS in a game.
  2. Leveraging Experience: You bring the 'dragon-slaying skills' acquired during your entrepreneurial journey back to the workplace. This will make you an even more valuable 'employee,' potentially leading to faster promotions and salary increases. You are no longer the same person you were before.
  3. Building Momentum: Many successful figures only achieve their breakthroughs after multiple entrepreneurial ventures. Your first 'failure' is merely paving the way for your next success. Work for a few years, save some capital, build your network, observe new opportunities, and when the time is ripe, you can launch again whenever you're ready.

Remember, the value of life isn't defined by whether you're a 'boss' or an 'employee,' but by whether you're continuously growing and striving towards your goals. This experience is your invaluable asset, not a 'failure' label to be endured. Go into interviews with your head held high, tell your story, and you'll find that many people will hold you in higher regard because of it.