Another friend just left entrepreneurship

Another entrepreneur friend of mine has just gone back to the corporate world.

It made me pause.

For more than 20 years since 2003, I’ve watched the same cycle repeat: friends leave stable jobs to chase a dream, only to return to corporate life later on.

Even in the coffee chats I’ve had this year, I met fellow digital marketing friends who tried to build their own businesses. Some eventually went back to corporate roles where the career path felt clearer and more structured. Others switched into financial planning, real estate, public speaking, or even MLM—paths that looked like greener pastures, with companies actively recruiting those looking for “business opportunities.”

At first, I used to think of this shift as “giving up.” But now I see it differently.

Running your own business sounds exciting—freedom, flexibility, the thrill of making your own choices. But beneath the surface, it’s tough. You’re constantly chasing revenue, worrying about cash flow, and making decisions with no safety net. It can be lonely, draining, and at times overwhelming.

That’s why I no longer see going back to corporate as defeat. To me, it’s wisdom. It’s choosing what fits your season of life. It’s stepping back to regroup, recharge, and sometimes to prepare for another shot later on.

Both paths have their lessons. Entrepreneurship builds resilience and self-reliance. Corporate life provides structure and systems that sharpen skills in a different way. Moving between them doesn’t make someone weaker—it makes them more experienced, adaptable, and grounded.

So when I see a friend return to corporate, I don’t see the end of a story anymore. I see a new chapter, written with the lessons of entrepreneurship still intact.

And for those who eventually return to entrepreneurship, it’s often because they’ve built enough financial runway to sustain themselves while giving their business the best chance to succeed.

In the end, whether we choose entrepreneurship or corporate, the real measure is not just about money—it’s about how much we contribute, create value, and make a difference in society.

All the best!

Charles