The Silent Strain: How Loneliness Affect Entrepreneurs (and What to Do About It)
Being an entrepreneur is often portrayed as exciting and empowering, but the reality is that it can also be extremely lonely. Many founders and small business owners silently struggle with feelings of isolation even as they pursue their dreams. In fact, a recent survey found that 46% of entrepreneurs grapple with loneliness and isolation in their work. This “silent strain” isn’t just unpleasant – it can impact mental health, decision-making, and even the success of the business. The good news is if you’ve felt this way, you are far from alone, and there are concrete steps you can take to cope and find support.
Understanding Entrepreneurial Loneliness
Entrepreneurship often requires wearing many hats and shouldering all the responsibility. Founders work long hours to turn their vision into reality, frequently at the cost of personal time and social life. One UK study revealed that over a third of small business owners work more than 46 hours a week and 73% take fewer than 20 days off per year, far below the national average. It’s no surprise that 22% of these owners cite “loneliness” as a major issue affecting their mental health. When you’re toiling late nights while friends and family are asleep or out enjoying life, it’s easy to feel “nobody understands what I’m going through.”
Being “the boss” can intensify isolation. Entrepreneurs often find they can’t confide in their employees or even their spouse about all their worries. You may feel the need to project confidence and protect others from the “roller coaster” of running a business. As one Inc. survey noted, 50% of CEOs feel lonely in their role, and 61% believe this hinders their performance. There’s pressure to appear strong and optimistic – which can leave founders emotionally isolated, with no one to share doubts or fears. “What is perceived as total control is actually leaders hiding the emotional roller coaster,” writes entrepreneur Elizabeth Gore, describing how founders bear the burden of all problems alone to keep others confident.
Certain circumstances can heighten the loneliness. Young entrepreneurs report it more frequently (about 30% of founders under 35 versus 21% of those 35+ in one survey, possibly because they may have smaller networks or less family stability. Solopreneurs and remote business owners are especially susceptible – one report found entrepreneurs are 5.5 times more likely to experience loneliness than the general population, particularly if they work from home or run an online business. And entrepreneurs who relocate for opportunities or immigration can feel doubly alone. For example, Lenka Lutonská, a Slovak entrepreneur in the U.K., recounted how building her startup far from home “at my kitchen table” left her with only the computer as her companion.
The Impact of Loneliness on Entrepreneurs
Loneliness isn’t just a passing feeling – it can take a serious toll on an entrepreneur’s well-being and even the business itself. Research has linked chronic loneliness to higher stress, anxiety, and depression. Over time, isolation can erode your passion for the business: recent research found that high levels of loneliness correlate with reduced entrepreneurial passion and a greater intention to quit the venture entirely. In other words, a lonely founder is more likely to burn out and give up, jeopardizing the enterprise they worked so hard to build.
The physical health effects are real as well. Studies show loneliness can contribute to greater risk of health issues like insomnia, weakened immunity, and cardiovascular problems– none of which a busy business owner wants to deal with. It becomes a vicious cycle: poor health and exhaustion make it harder to socialize or work effectively, which leads to more isolation and stress.
From a performance standpoint, feeling alone at the top can impair your leadership and decision-making. Half of CEOs surveyed by Harvard reported feeling lonely, and most believed it negatively impacted their performance When you have no sounding board or emotional support, it’s tougher to think clearly and stay motivated. Many entrepreneurs also report that loneliness feeds into imposter syndrome – the nagging fear that “I’m in this by myself and maybe I’m not cut out for it.” It’s important to recognize these effects so you can address them before they undermine you or your business.
Encouragingly, there’s a growing awareness around founder mental health worldwide. In a global report, 70% of tech entrepreneurs in Brazil said they felt lonely during their journey. And 72% of entrepreneurs in a U.S. study reported mental health concerns, a much higher rate than the general population These findings underscore that the lonely entrepreneur is not a rare exception but a common reality. By acknowledging it, we can start to remove the stigma and take action to support ourselves and each other.
Real-World Example: One Founder’s Journey Out of Isolation
To see how entrepreneurial loneliness can be overcome, consider the story of Lenka Lutonská, mentioned earlier. In her early twenties, Lenka moved from Slovakia to the UK to start a business, leaving her family and support network behind. “I found out very quickly that entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey,” she says. “I was living far from my home country…building my business from my then boyfriend’s kitchen table, and I spent most of my days in front of the computer. It quickly became my only companion.” The sense of isolation was intense.
Instead of giving up, Lenka tackled the issue head-on. First, she pushed herself to join local in-person networking groups. “It’s a great way to meet like-minded people and form meaningful relationships – even valuable friendships. Ten years on, I’m still good friends with women I met during early business networking events,” she says. These peer connections reminded her that she wasn’t alone in her struggles. She also got creative and “buddied” with another woman entrepreneur in a similar field for co-working sessions. They would hot-desk at each other’s offices, exchange ideas and feedback, and even collaborate on projects. “Working became more enjoyable as I wasn’t confined to my ideas… the experience allowed me to grow as an entrepreneur,” Lenka recalls.
Perhaps most boldly, Lenka decided to create the support network she needed. Not finding a forum where founders could be fully honest, she started a local entrepreneurs’ support group that encouraged openness about both business and personal challenges. “We created an environment of honesty, extraordinary support for one another, and fun,” she explains. “There is massive value in entrepreneurs being able to connect on a deeper, emotional level… the advice and support is 100% worth it.”. The group thrived, showing that once given a safe space, business owners are eager to lift each other up. Lenka’s journey illustrates that while entrepreneurship can be lonely, it doesn’t have to stay that way – by proactively seeking and building community, one can find belonging and strength to continue.
Strategies to Combat Entrepreneurial Loneliness
The first step to alleviating loneliness is recognizing it’s a common challenge and nothing to be ashamed of. Once you acknowledge it, you can take proactive steps to connect with others and support your well-being. Here are some practical strategies to help overcome the isolation that often accompanies running a business:
1. Build Your Tribe of Peers
Find fellow entrepreneurs who “get it.” Connecting with other business owners is one of the most powerful antidotes to loneliness. Seek out local networking events, industry meetups, or entrepreneur forums in your area – you’ll likely meet people facing similar highs and lows. Online communities can be valuable too (LinkedIn groups, small business Slack/Discord communities, etc.).
The key is to engage with peers who understand your challenges. It might feel intimidating to put yourself out there, but remember that many others are also looking for connection. As one startup advisor put it, “It’s normal to feel lonely as a leader, but that doesn’t mean you have to be isolated. Take action to make connections with like-minded leaders.” Whether it’s grabbing coffee with another founder or joining a co-working space where you’re surrounded by a supportive community, being around peers can remind you that you’re not alone in this journey. (And as a bonus, you’ll swap knowledge and maybe referrals, too!)
2. Seek Mentors or Coaches
Don’t hesitate to ask for guidance – and a friendly ear. Mentorship offers not only advice, but also much-needed emotional support for entrepreneurs. A good mentor or business coach can act as a sounding board for your ideas and your worries, helping you feel more connected and confident. In one study, 93% of startups said mentorship was instrumental to their success, yet only 28% of founders had a mentor or advisor– implying many are missing out. If you don’t have an experienced entrepreneur or business expert to turn to, consider joining a formal mentoring program or reaching out to your network (people generally love to share their wisdom).
Peer mentorship groups are another great option – for example, organizations like Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), local chamber of commerce roundtables, or industry-specific founder groups allow you to regularly meet with others to share and learn. Even superstar entrepreneurs acknowledge the value of having peers to talk to: “Being a CEO is lonely. It’s important to have relationships with other CEOs you can call when everything is melting down,” notes Sam Altman, a successful tech founder. Our team also believes in the power of coaching – we offer free business coaching to connect entrepreneurs with mentors who can guide you and simply be there to listen. Don’t tough it out all by yourself when there are folks ready to help.
3. Open Up and Use Your Support System
You don’t have to wear the “superhero” cape 24/7. One of the hardest things for independent business owners is allowing themselves to be vulnerable. But bottling up all your stress and doubt will only amplify your loneliness. Try confiding in someone you trust about the challenges you’re facing – it could be a fellow entrepreneur, a close friend, a family member, or even a professional counselor. You might be surprised how much relief you feel just by talking it through.
In reality, people are often more supportive than we fear; showing your human side can strengthen relationships. For example, Linda Rottenberg, co-founder of Endeavor, admitted that when she finally revealed her personal struggles to her team, “Now that we know you’re a real person, we’ll follow you anywhere,” was their heartfelt response It’s a myth that entrepreneurs must always project invincibility.
Being open about the ups and downs can actually draw others closer to you. If you have co-founders or a spouse, be honest with each other about feeling isolated and make it a point to check in. Create your own personal “board of advisors” – a small circle of friends or mentors (with no stake in your company) whom you can talk to freely. Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. By breaking the silence, you’ll lighten the emotional load you’ve been carrying alone.
4. Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Don’t let your business consume all your time and energy. When you’re passionate about your venture, it’s easy to spend every waking hour on it – but excessive work can quickly lead to burnout and deeper isolation. Make a conscious effort to set boundaries and nourish the other parts of your life. Schedule regular breaks, hobbies, and social activities just as you would schedule business tasks.
Maybe that means keeping your weekends free for family, joining a weekly sports league, or simply taking an hour each evening to unplug and call a friend. These moments of connection and rest are not “wasted” time; they’re vital to your mental health and actually improve your productivity when you return to work. A UK survey revealed that owners who never take time off report significantly worse mental health – one in six admitted that the lack of time off was directly hurting their well-being.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to “always be on” as an entrepreneur. By recharging yourself and engaging with life outside your business, you’ll combat the loneliness that comes from 24/7 grind. Plus, you’ll likely return to your business with fresh perspectives and energy – it’s a win-win.
Moving Forward: You’re Not Alone
Loneliness among entrepreneurs is a pervasive issue, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent state. By recognizing the problem and taking proactive steps – building your peer network, leaning on mentors or coaches, being open about your struggles, and finding balance – you can greatly reduce that sense of isolation. Remember that many successful entrepreneurs have walked this road and felt what you’re feeling. As the saying goes, “shared joy is double joy; shared sorrow is half sorrow.” The more you connect with others on the entrepreneurial path, the lighter your burdens will feel.
Most importantly, know that help is available. You don’t have to tough it out alone. There are entrepreneur communities, non-profits, and mental health resources designed to support business owners. (Even governments are starting to recognize and address loneliness as a public health issue.) If you’re struggling, reach out – send that email to a fellow founder, join that meetup, or take advantage of mentorship opportunities. Our own organization offers free business coaching, and we’d love to be part of your support system so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.
Loneliness may be a silent strain on entrepreneurs, but it doesn’t have to define your journey. By taking action and leaning on others, you can turn the solitary road of entrepreneurship into one enriched by collaboration, camaraderie, and shared success. You started your business with a passionate vision – and with the right support around you, there’s truly no limit to what you can achieve.
References
Founder Reports – Entrepreneur Mental Health Survey (2024)growbo.com.
Simply Business UK – Press Release: Small Business Mental Health (2023)simplybusiness.co.uksimplybusiness.co.uk.
Cavalcanti, S. – Time to Take Off The Cape: Entrepreneurs and Mental Health, Endeavor (May 20, 2024)endeavor.orgendeavor.org.
Holliday, G. – The Loneliness of Being a Founder, Sussex Innovation (June 13, 2024)sussexinnovation.co.uksussexinnovation.co.uk.
Gore, E. – Isolation Comes With Being the Boss, Inc.com (Oct 8, 2024)inc.cominc.com.
Lutonská, L. – “How I Overcame Loneliness as an Immigrant Entrepreneur in the U.K.”, Entrepreneur (Jul 27, 2018)entrepreneur.comentrepreneur.comentrepreneur.comentrepreneur.com.
Uudam-Costa, C. – “Why 46% of Entrepreneurs Struggle with Loneliness”, Medium (Sep 3, 2024)cleelia.medium.com.
Startup Snapshot – Entrepreneur Burnout Report via Medium (2024)lifehackmethod.comlifehackmethod.com.
Plus X Innovation – “Loneliness: What No One Tells You About Being a Business Leader” (Blog)plusxinnovation.com.
Startups Magazine – “Importance of Mentorship in Entrepreneurship” (Aug 2023)startupsmagazine.co.uk.
