50 Signs You Need to Start Your Own Business An entrepreneurial type reads the signals and suddenly realizes it's time to make the leap and ready a launch.
By John Rampton Edited by Dan Bova
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
If you're sitting at your desk, daydreaming about starting your own business, this is the article for you.
You already know that launching a company can be an intimidating process requiring tons of hard work. But the question has been lingering with you day and night. Maybe you're just unhappy with your current position. Perhaps you've always dreamed of opening your own shop or consulting firm. Or maybe you just need a drastic change in your life.
Regardless of the exact scenario, here are 50 signs that you may be seriously ready to start your own business:
The lightbulb went off
Lately many are debating whether entrepreneurs are born or made. No matter which side you agree with, perhaps you've been aware that you exhibit some classic entrepreneurial traits. Maybe you're ready to take the leap and start a business?
Even if you weren't born that way, you may have later developed some of these traits, such as a driving passion. So if you begin to notice the signs, perhaps you could launch that business of your own.
Related: Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made?
You're always thinking
Entrepreneurs never stop cogitating. It's a blessing and a curse. Should you exhibit this behavior, maybe it's time to move on from the daily rat race and do something to put your thoughts in motion. And there's no better outlet than starting your own business.
Related: Need a Business Idea? Here Are 55
You’re passionate
If there's one business concept that stays with you that you've completely fallen in love with, perhaps you could turn it into a reality. Entrepreneurs and business owners are truly passionate about what they do and will do everything possible to turn their vision into a product or service for the rest of the world to enjoy.
Related: What Part Does Passion Play in Your Success as an Entrepreneur?
You’re independent
This doesn't mean that you're socially awkward or don't know how to ask for help. It means that you're a problem solver who will try to figure out most problems on your own. Now may be the moment that you feel independent enough to build an enterprise.
Related: Independent Workers Are Essential and Deserve a Fair Deal
You’re motivated
You don't always need something or someone to get you moving. You wake up every morning and do what's needed. This sense of self-motivation might steer to initiate and carry out a business launch.
Related: 10 Ways to Stay Motivated as an Entrepreneur
You’re organized
Running a business requires plenty of organizational skills. At some point you may want or need to hire some experts, such as accountants or lawyers, but in the beginning you'll probably rely on yourself to track finances, delegate responsibilities and present ideas to investors. You can't do any of that without being organized.
Related: How Giving Could Become Your Default Weapon of Choice
You feel a need to help people
Should you feel a strong desire to aid others by providing a product or service, consider it one telltale sign you're primed for starting a business. This desire to help people enhance their lives can keep you going during the highs and lows of running an operation. I've found over the years that the strongest companies emerge from a wish to help the world solve a problem.
Related: Zig Ziglar and the Importance of Helping Others
You're certain that you can build a better company.
Maybe it's your confidence or egotistical side coming out, but you're realizing that you can build a better company than the one you're working for.
Related: Why a Big Ego Isn't Always Bad
You feel stuck at your job.
If you dread waking up every morning, then you're probably unfulfilled. A promotion or another job might abate the problem, but deep within you the prospect of an ordinary 9-to-5 gig just doesn't excite you. Figure out whether you need to be your own boss or if you just need to do something different.
Related: 3 Essential Questions to Consider Before Taking the Leap
You feel a need to prove your vision.
Let's say you have an idea but everyone is telling you it can't be done. What are you going to do about this situation? This experience might be motivation enough for you to try to one-up the naysayers.
Related: 7 Tips for Turning Your Vision Into Reality, Starting With Thinking Big
You want to make a name for yourself.
Several of the greatest entrepreneurs and business owners realized that they wanted something more from life. Steve Jobs knew he was special. If you feel that way, too, then big things could come out of it.
Related: How Steve Jobs Saved Apple
You have always wanted to be your own boss.
Whether you're a control freak or just don't like being ordered around, you have determined you have always wanted to be the boss.
The hiring of independent workers is on the rise.
The Harvard Business Review reports, according to MBO Partners, the number of independent workers (freelancers, contractors or business owners) is on the rise. It's expected to increase from about 17 million in 2013 to 23 million by 2017. And Mavenlink's 2012 infographic, "The New Independent Workforce," projected that the number of independent workers to become 40 percent of the American workforce by 2020.
Related: 10 of the Highest-Paying Gig Economy Jobs of 2019
Your field lacks jobs.
The economy hasn't totally rebounded and your industry sector has a hiring freeze. Instead of waiting around or taking a job requiring fewer skills than you have, you are considering setting up your own business.
Related: Risk Is the Admission Fee of Entrepreneurship
You aren't afraid to take risks.
If you're single or without young children, you probably don't have to worry about supporting others. Take advantage of this time in your life when you have the chance to be a little adventurous.
Related: The Best Time to Take Action Is Now
The daily commute is unbearable.
If you sit in traffic every day muttering expletive after expletive, maybe you should set up your own business at home. After all, successful businesses have even launched from garages.
Related: 10 U.S. Cities With the Longest Commute Times
You have a strong work ethic.
If you don't mind putting in 12-hour days multiple times a week (as people do when starting a business), then why not put that to work for something you're really enthused about?
Related: A Strong Work Ethic Distilled to Its 5 Essential Qualities
You're in a rut and need to bust out.
You're the type of person who thrives when exploring the unknown. So starting a business may be right up your alley. It definitely beats being bored to death by performing that job you're tired of. I am this type of person and very proud of it.
Related: 3 Ways Increasing Your Empathy Makes You More Effective Leader
You never overlook potential.
No matter where you are or what you're doing, you always feel the need to make improvements. You now understand that as a business owner, you could realize enormous potential -- making money or enhancing the lives of others.
Related: 9 Income Streams and Counting: How Dorie Clark Has Scaled for Success
Contractors are getting more and more projects.
If you're seeing your current employer hiring outside help for a job that you know you can do better, then do something about it and venture out on your own.
Related: 3 Ways You Can Avoid Wasting Your Company's Money on Technology
You want to build your own team.
Maybe you just want to build your own team from the ground up with a group of people who share your vision and who are willing to embark on a journey with you.
Related: How to Become a Master Communicator by Following This One Rule
You want to work only for yourself.
If you seriously can't stand taking orders, loathe your boss and all his (or her) demands, start planning your exit strategy of becoming your own boss.
Related: How to Become a Millionaire by Age 30
You can't rest until it's your name on the door.
While starting a business shouldn't just be about the money, sometimes that's the case when your back is against the wall. The bills are piling up and you need to put food on the table. That sense of desperation could be enough to lead you to do something great.
Related: 14 Things Ridiculously Successful People Do Every Day
You want to be the boss you never had.
In this tough economy, you see here really aren't enough jobs for the colleagues you studied or worked with previously. If you trust these people and know their talents, you may wish to help them out by creating a company that employs them.
Related: 10 Online Careers You Can Start Today With Basically No Money
You envision a product or service unavailable now.
You're a problem solver. You have experienced that "aha" moment, the realization that a certain product or service isn't on the market. You could use that moment of recognition to inspire you to make that idea a reality.
Related: 12 Sites That Will Teach You Coding at a Low Cost, Even Free
You want to be free of the office.
If you feel restricted at your current workplace, you could set yourself free and work where you want to work: at your own company.
Related: Stop Annoying Robocalls During Work With This Well-Reviewed App
You want to live on your own schedule.
Maybe you're most productive from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. or you're a night owl. Instead of being told which hours to work and when to take breaks or a vacation, you could finally determine your schedule.
Related: Let's Settle This Once and for All: 'Can You Be a Good Mom and an Entrepreneur?'
Your creativity has been stifled and you won't put up with it any longer.
If you're tired of having your creative ideas go to waste, then maybe it's time to get out there and express yourself by setting up the business you've always imagined.
Related: 10 Tips for Unleashing Your Creativity at Work
You inspire people, when you're allowed to.
Are you the person people turn to when they need advice or a little pick-me-up? And you enjoy that role? Owning a business gives you the chance to inspire the people who surround you.
You want to build a business your children will be proud of.
You have kids and are thinking of leaving them something that they'll be proud of. Even if they don't want to take over a family business, they could witness how your hard work and dedication paid off.
Related: How to Not Let 'the Practical' Drown out Your Dream
You enjoy getting your hands dirty.
You'll have to do plenty of grunt work as a new business owner. And that's not always enjoyable. But if that doesn't bother you, then why not do these tasks for yourself not someone else?
Related: If Given the Choice, Most Small-Business Owners Say They'd Start Up Again
You seek challenge.
Maybe you've hit a wall at your current position and become extremely bored. That's not always the best situation to be in if you're someone looking for a new challenge. Starting your own business is challenging, however, and should fulfill that need.
Related: Why These Founders Gave Their Suppliers and Manufacturers a Piece of the Company
You're able to solve problems
Are you the type of person who assumes the responsibility for problem solving? Let's say the pipes under the kitchen sink come apart and you not only fix it but you make it better than before. Take this as a sign that you can start your own business.
You live to learn.
Some people have just an unquenchable thirst to learn new skills and knowledge. You probably won't get that from doing the same job for many years. But you can attain that experience as a business owner.
Related: How One Entrepreneur Went From Waiting Tables to Owning Over 80 Restaurants
You still believe in multitasking.
There are people who can handle multiple tasks at once. If you're one of those who doesn't collapse under the pressure of multitasking, then you're already on your way.
Related: The Fallacy of Multitasking
You're unafraid of failure.
As a business owner, you're probably going to encounter a failure at some moment. If that doesn't scare you to the bone, then chalk that up as another sign.
Related: The 3 Stages of Failure in Life and Work (And How to Fix Them)
You see a need and know how to fill it.
If you notice that there's not only a market but also that no one else is capitalizing on a particular idea, then maybe you're the one to do some disruption.
All the needed talent is available.
Whether you just graduated college or are observing your current workplace, you're surrounded by really skilled people who seem to be wasting their talents. You might be able to entice them to join your startup by offering profit sharing, stock options, a fun environment or eventual advancement.
Related: 6 Overlooked Ways Small Companies Can Compete for Big Talent
You know it's time.
Procrastination may be the most fatal startup killer. Instead of dragging your feet, you could get the ball in motion for that business idea of yours right now.
Related: 6 Ways Top CEOs Beat Procrastination
You understand the tax incentives.
Small business owners are eligible for tax incentives, you've learned. If you don't want to lose out, then start getting to work. You may even be able to write off that new laptop or smartphone you've been eyeing.
Related: 5 Legal Tax Deductions Small Business Can Maximize
You realize that you'll see results
When you're working for someone else, it can be difficult to see how all your hard work is benefiting the company. If you want to see the direct results of your actions, then running your own business would give you that opportunity.
You relate well to people
Sometimes you just want to get out there and network with other people. Unfortunately, your current position doesn't allow for that. If you're a people person, then having your own business would surely give you a reason to network more.
You're tired of feeling underwater
It's not uncommon to question your values about work as well as your personal life. If you keep being passed over for promotions or feel like you've hit a wall, maybe it's time to venture out on your own. Starting your own business will probably give you an immense sense of accomplishment.
Related: Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made?
You're a born leader
Having a great idea is one thing. Being able to communicate that idea and convince others to jump on board is another. If you have the leadership skills to round up the troops and motivate them, consider starting your own venture.
You're a thrill seeker
Some people like to play it safe. You, on the other hand, are the adventurous type. Nothing is more thrilling than coming up with a business idea and seeing it through, amid all the unknowns and highs and lows.
You can use your street smarts
If you're one those unique people with street smarts as well as professional skills, then you might put those talents to work at something you're truly excited about.
Entrepreneurs can now tap into many different tools and advice
You've become aware there's numerous online resources to help a novice business owner starting out. That's not even mentioning the low interests rates available.
ready to break free
For some time that inner entrepreneur has been quietly nagging at you. Why not unleash it? And once you're free to do as please, you may be surprised by how much happier you are.
You've always wanted to do something you enjoy
Thomas Edison once said, "I never did a day's work in my life. It was all fun!" Many successful people have uttered something similar. Instead of merely thinking about doing something that makes you happy and content, take a leap of faith and pursue your own startup vision. If you follow your dream, everything else may fall into place.