Being in love is great. Being in love with your business, when you’re an entrepreneur, is even better. Waking up each morning knowing you are getting ready to do exactly what you love is more than most people could ever say about any “job” they have had. Although there are days when tossing in your hat seems like a viable option, remembering how much you love your “job” can quickly snap an entrepreneur out of that mentality. Different business owners also have different reasons why they love their businesses. It might be the products or the customers they deal with, or it could even be the fact that they are the ones in charge of it all. The reasons are as varied as the businesses themselves.
We asked entrepreneurs and business owners what they loved about “being their own boss” and here is what they have to say.
#1- The small, unexpected wins
What I love about being an entrepreneur is the ability to build something from the ground up and watch it grow, but beyond that, it’s the small, unexpected wins that keep me motivated. It’s not just about hitting financial targets or expanding the business—those things matter, but what gets me is seeing the impact we have on our clients and team. I didn’t expect to find so much fulfillment in creating a positive work culture where the crew feels valued and proud of what they do. The trust they place in me and the business we’ve built together is something you don’t think about when you’re first starting out, but it becomes a huge part of why you keep pushing forward.
Thanks to Daniel Vasilevski, Bright Force Electrical!
#2- To be able to offer practical help
What makes me really passionate about being an entrepreneur is being able to offer help that is practical and makes a difference. I recall collaborating with a small company that faced challenges in moving their operations online. So, working closely with them, I promoted a marketing approach to them, which put their story first and sales second, if not completely eschewed. The way their company expanded quite impressively as I received thank you notes & witnessed the confidence with which they embraced this new company structure. It’s not about pushing a product or a service; rather it’s about trying to help people be successful in ways that they never thought possible.
Thanks to Soubhik Chakrabarti, Icy Tales!
#3- The liberation of crafting a vision from scratch
What I truly love about being an entrepreneur is the unexpected sense of freedom that comes with the responsibility. It’s often assumed that entrepreneurship is all about hustle and chasing profits, but there’s something liberating about crafting a vision from scratch and watching it grow. Each decision I make is a step toward shaping not just a business, but a culture and a community around it. The ability to innovate and adapt is exhilarating. I enjoy creating an environment where my team can thrive, and we can all push boundaries together.
Thanks to Spencer Romenco, Growth Spurt!
#4- Seeing a project or strategy come to life
What I love most about being an entrepreneur is the sense of ownership & the ability to directly influence the success of my efforts. It’s rewarding to see a project or strategy come to life, knowing that my decisions and leadership have shaped its path. There's freedom in creating something from the ground up, whether it’s building a strong team or developing innovative solutions to meet client needs. This journey also comes with constant learning. I enjoy the impact I can make, not just in driving revenue or growing the business, but in providing value to clients and helping them achieve their goals.
Thanks to Steve Case, Insurance Hero!
#5- Turning my visions into reality
What I love about entrepreneurship is that it serves as a platform for many wherein they can showcase their skills as competent businesspersons. Likewise, there is freedom and creativity that come with it. This field lets me turn my visions into reality and make decisions that align with my values and goals. Seeing the direct impact of my efforts on my company’s success is incredibly rewarding. Watching my team grow and our client’s satisfaction motivates me to keep going. Building meaningful relationships with customers and seeing their positive transformations through our products is inspiring.
Thanks to Loris Petro, Kratom Earth!
#6- The autonomy to shape our business strategy
As a director of a pharmacy, being an entrepreneur is exhilarating. I love the autonomy to shape our business strategy and implement innovative ideas that improve patient care. The ability to adapt quickly to market changes and new healthcare regulations keeps me on my toes. It's deeply satisfying to build a team of dedicated professionals and foster a culture of excellence in pharmaceutical services. The challenges of managing inventory, optimizing operations, and ensuring regulatory compliance are complex puzzles I enjoy solving daily. Witnessing the direct impact of our services on community health is incredibly rewarding.
Thanks to Daniel Higham, Hightown Pharmacy!
#7- The thrill of unpredictability
What I love about being an entrepreneur is the unpredictability of each day. It challenges me in ways I never expected. There’s a thrill in not knowing exactly what will happen next, whether it's a new opportunity popping out of nowhere or a problem I didn't see coming. It forces me to adapt quickly, think creatively & grow constantly. It also brings unexpected moments of connection, learning & growth that I never would have experienced in a more predictable career. It's like every day has the potential to surprise you & that’s something I genuinely enjoy.
Thanks to Reilly James, William Morris Wallpaper!
#8- Ability to uplift marginalized communities
As a disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill human, one thing I love about being an entrepreneur is that I can build a business (and a life) that actively works for me, that supports my health, and that plays to my strengths; as compared to traditional employment, which significantly and permanently damaged my health. I also love that I can do work that is meaningful to me, working with clients whom I love, and can uplift marginalized communities, by helping other marginalized business owners build successful businesses that actively work for them and play to their strengths.
Thanks to Nikki Vera, Studio Nyx!
#9- The opportunity to innovate and create a solution
As an entrepreneur, I'm driven by the constant pursuit of innovation. What I love most is the opportunity to disrupt established industries and create solutions that didn't exist before. I thrive on the autonomy to make bold decisions and take calculated risks. The ability to rapidly iterate and pivot based on market feedback is exhilarating. The entrepreneurial ecosystem fosters a unique sense of camaraderie. Collaborating with like-minded individuals, mentoring emerging talents, and contributing to the startup community are deeply fulfilling aspects of this journey.
Thanks to Michael Monette, Office Furniture Plus!
#10- The sense of independence
One of the things I enjoy the most is the sense of independence and control over my future. Running a business allows me to create a vision and see it come to life while building a solid team that shares the same goals. I get to make decisions that not only shape the company's direction but also positively impact the lives of employees and customers. Watching the business grow and knowing that every step forward results from the team's collective effort is incredibly fulfilling. It's challenging, but the satisfaction of seeing the results makes it all worth it.
Thanks to Burak Özdemir, Alarm Kur!
#11- The freedom to pursue my passion
What I love most about being an entrepreneur is having the freedom to pursue my passion for improving mental health care. As a mental health professional specializing in TMS therapy, I can provide patients with innovative and effective treatments. Being an entrepreneur allows me to focus on patient care and develop a practice that aligns with my values and vision for compassionate, individualized treatment. The ability to directly impact my patients' lives and see them improve is incredibly fulfilling.
Thanks to Dr. Katherine Rizzo, Advantage TMS!
#12- Ability to control my direction
As a lawyer, I love being an entrepreneur because it gives me the strategic freedom to choose my own cases and shape my practice according to my values and principles. It’s not just about legal expertise, but also about supporting clients on their journey, advising them, and working with them to develop solutions that bring them the greatest legal and business benefit. Being an entrepreneur allows me to control the direction of my professional life and allows me to truly make an impact whether through successful negotiations, complex cases, or innovative legal strategies.
Thanks to Nico Glöckle, Glöckle Rechtsanwälte!
#13- Identifying the challenges
To me, entrepreneurship means constantly finding the next solution to your industry’s problems. I love identifying the challenges our customer base is facing, especially as different technologies and economic trends emerge. If you look at AI, for example, it has caused a lot of business owners to panic about how they can remain relevant while others have been inspired to find where they can fill the gaps still left behind by AI or build on its efficiencies. There is nothing more satisfying than being able to help your customers in new and exciting ways.
Thanks to Thomas Samuels, Cardinal Expo!
#14- Freedom to tackle real problems in creative ways
The e-commerce world moves fast, and finding smart solutions that make a real difference is incredibly rewarding. I thrive on daily challenges and love pushing the limits with new ideas. Seeing our tech help businesses grow and succeed gives purpose to what we do. Plus, watching our team grow, adapt, and succeed along with our clients makes the journey even more fulfilling.
Thanks to Ben Pu, ShipSage!
#15- Fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration
What I truly love about being an entrepreneur is the ability to shape a vision and see it come to life through the collective efforts of a talented team. The thrill of identifying market opportunities, developing innovative solutions, and steering an organization toward growth is unparalleled. I find immense satisfaction in fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration where every team member's contribution is valued. The constant learning and adaptation required in the ever-evolving business landscape keeps me intellectually stimulated and pushes me to improve continuously.
Thanks to Ben Wieder, Legal6 Incentives!
#16- Crafting unique solutions
I run an electrical company, and I love that every day is different. One minute I'm solving a difficult wiring issue, the next I'm planning how to expand our business. My job is a unique mix of hands-on technical work, creative problem-solving, and leading a talented team. There's something incredibly satisfying about finishing up a project. For me, building strong, trustful relationships with both my clients and my team is important. It feels great to offer services that not only improve safety but also improve the quality of life for people.
Thanks to Bobby Lynn, Livewire Electrical!
#17- Freedom to chart my own course
There's something incredibly rewarding about waking up each day and knowing that the path I take is mine to carve out, mistakes and all. The idea is not to have all the answers but to figure it out along the way. The highs, the lows, and every unexpected turn: there is no safety net. Every victory feels earned, every lesson learned firsthand, and this sense of belonging is something I wouldn't trade for anything.
Thanks to Peter Murphy Lewis, Strategic Pete!
#18- The time and space to work on multiple things
I love the freedom it offers. Why? Simply because I love my business and I love writing as well. Being an entrepreneur gives me time and space to work on multiple things across the day. It allows me to ‘not be productive' even once a week, sometimes twice, depending on my mental health. Being an entrepreneur and watching people love the products you've created, honestly makes me happy. Since I'm in a creative field – there are days I work for 12 hours and other days where I work for 1 hour at the max, and I'm okay with it.
Thanks to Ridhi Rathi, Leoberry Gifts!
#19- Building something from the ground up
Being an entrepreneur is a journey filled with the thrill of building something from the ground up. There's a unique satisfaction in transforming a vision into reality, driven by passion and determination. Throughout this journey, the autonomy and creative freedom I experience are truly rewarding. I relish crafting bespoke solutions, meeting diverse challenges, and knowing that my efforts directly contribute to the growth and success of my business. It's a continuous learning process that enriches both my professional and personal life.
Thanks to Kate Hill, Kate Hill Flowers!
#20- Ability to have an impact on many people
I went into Journalism, but it wasn't until I got a taste of what it would be like to work on multiple different projects and not be stuck to a 9-5 job. What I love about entrepreneurship is the ability to have an impact on not just one person, one organization, or one employer – but to have an impact on many (and create a ripple effect) plus, I am a digital nomad so it is pretty cool when you can work from a rooftop cafe or travel in your car for 5 months around Australia and take zoom calls from a camp chair in Far North QLD. Life is pretty good – or as I say “Every day is a holiday”
Thanks to Mariah MacInnes, Content Queen!
#21- The feeling of empowerment
Being an entrepreneur is empowering. Back in 2013, I read Choose Yourself by James Altucher. I realized that life is too short to work for someone else, and it was the first domino to me building my business. Over the years, I’ve learned that I’m capable of more than I think. Yes, it is a roller coaster and there are plenty of ups and downs. But ultimately, you’ll feel empowered, confident, and like you really did something with your one life.
Thanks to Heidi Weinberg, Successful Fashion Designer!
#22- Advocating for overlooked voices
What I truly love about being an entrepreneur in the legal field is having the autonomy to shape and guide my practice in a way that fully aligns with my values and vision for helping those in need. The ability to establish a firm means I can create a space that prioritizes clients' genuine care and the meticulous pursuit of justice. It enables me to utilize my extensive trial experience to stand up against powerful insurance companies, advocating for those who might otherwise be overlooked. This entrepreneurial freedom empowers me not just to be a lawyer, but to be an advocate, a counselor, and a part of a community dedicated to making a real difference.
Thanks to Andrew Pickett, Andrew Pickett Law!
#23- The freedom to direct every aspect of my life
What I absolutely love about being an entrepreneur is the freedom to direct every aspect of my life, from my workload to my self-care. I get to lean into my creativity every single day, always having something new and exciting simmering in the background. It’s an incredible feeling to work with perfect clients who truly get me, while also meeting new, inspiring people along the way. The best part? My office is just 10 paces from my bedroom, and my studio is only a flight of stairs away. I’m able to make money on my own terms, doing what I love, and that’s the ultimate reward
Thanks to Mandy Nicholson
#24- The autonomy to make decisions that truly matter
I cherish the freedom to craft services that genuinely reflect my values and meet the unique needs of my clients. The direct impact I see in my clients' transformations is a testament to the power of tailored therapy. Living authentically and guiding others toward that same goal excites me every day—I get to watch resilience bloom. As a psychotherapist, crafting my business with empathy allows me to break down barriers and foster healing. The autonomy to make decisions that truly matter and watching them unfold beautifully is exhilarating.
Thanks to Kristie Tse, Uncover Mental Health Counseling!
#25- To solve tough problems
I love the freedom and autonomy entrepreneurship offers. I chart my course every day. My choices shape my business's future. This sense of control energizes me, knowing that my success hinges on my efforts and vision. I enjoy solving tough problems. I adapt to market changes and seize new opportunities. The constant learning and growth keep me engaged and passionate about my work. I thrive on leading a team. I love to nurture their talents. I enjoy watching them grow with the business.
Thanks to Justin Crabbe, Jettly!
#26- Leaving a legacy that's beyond just making money
The potential for innovation and impact drives my entrepreneurial spirit. I wake up excited to create new ideas. I want to make products that can improve people's lives. There is no thrill like seeing my ideas take off in the market. I cherish my connections with customers, partners, and entrepreneurs. They span industries and cultures. I value the chance to create jobs and boost the economy. Leave a legacy beyond making money.
Thanks to Richard Mews, Sell With Richard!
#27- Experimentation
Being an entrepreneur allows me to take risks with my decisions and not worry about facing consequences if they don't work out, which is one of my favorite things about the job. I believe experimentation is essential because I want to learn and find solutions to benefit my business or myself. I can stay ahead of the game by experimenting because I can find new ways to increase our effectiveness in providing outstanding customer experiences.
Thanks to Kai Cromwell, New Seas!
#28- The freedom to work from wherever and whenever
Being an entrepreneur allows me to work from wherever and whenever. I can choose to work whenever is most optimal for me. As for me, I work much better at night, so I usually take my mornings off. Moreover, as my business is digital, I can work from overseas. Every day I am faced with bespoke and new problems to solve for the first time. This is extremely stimulating and rewarding. As an entrepreneur, you are in the ultimate role of responsibility and the outcome of the business ultimately comes down to you and how you empower your team.
Thanks to Max Milstein, Top IB Tutors!
#29- The ability to transform a vision into reality
What I love most is the freedom to create and innovate. The ability to transform a vision into reality is exhilarating. I find immense satisfaction in knowing that I'm building something impactful, from streamlining processes with advanced natural language processing to improving customer experiences. Solving complex challenges keeps me motivated, pushing boundaries, and finding new opportunities for growth. The entrepreneurial journey is dynamic, offering continuous learning that shapes both professional and personal growth. Each day presents a fresh set of possibilities.
Thanks to Valentin Radu, Omniconvert!