For many people, the word entrepreneurship is a synonym of freedom. It means a better quality of life, more flexibility, more time for yourself: You are your own boss.
However, behind that initial enthusiasm lies a reality that’s often overlooked: the loneliness of the entrepreneur. And the rise of remote work has amplified this feeling in recent years. More and more professionals are working alone, without a team nearby or daily points of reference. This article explores why this happens, what the consequences are, and how to address it.
So… What is the Entrepeneur Loneliness?
The loneliness of the entrepreneur is the feeling of isolation that arises when you take on the responsibility of a project all by yourself. It’s not that you’re “physically alone,” but rather that you feel no one else understands the burden you’re carrying. Those who work alone (for themselves or for others) make constant decisions without a team, without those to share impressions with. Furthermore, remote work involves enduring long processes, implementing strategies, and all of this gets made without a reference point, without those who “are in the same boat as you.” This constant pressure can lead to an emotional disconnect from those around you. According to a recent OECD study, self-employed individuals are more likely to suffer from chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression.
45% of European workers report being exposed to risk factors for their mental well-being.
Over time, that feeling of isolation takes hold and becomes normalized as part of the job. Many entrepreneurs believe that isolating themselves is just a natural consequence of pursuing their goals, it is just the price of “excellence,” of being a visionary. They are the daring heros who dare to step outside the system. However, various studies in organizational psychology indicate that this belief exacerbates the problem rather than solving it. Recognizing loneliness as a real social phenomenon, as a problem, is the first step toward managing it effectively.
The Rise of Remote Work and the “Self-Employed”
Entrepreneur loneliness is an issue that can arise in any situation as long as you’re working “alone.” If you work for a large company, you may gradually lose your sense of belonging, and you may even begin to feel dehumanized. Various studies on workplace well-being link prolonged remote work to higher levels of perceived isolation.
For freelancers, the internal conflict of loneliness is exacerbated by the fact that they not only manage their business, but also every administrative and commercial aspect of it. Furthermore, freelancers run the risk of damaging their self-esteem and self-concept by merging their business with their lifestyle, as they become overly identified with their project (and the results they achieve). For this reason, freelancers must be able to manage their emotions and thoughts so they don’t feel rejected and isolated from the rest of the world.
Why Entrepreneurs Feel Lonely: Psychological Causes
There are several psychological causes behind the self-employed loneliness, and it is important to understand them well. The first is over-identification with the project (as mentioned earlier), which turns any failure into something personal. The second is the lack of role models with whom to discuss and share experiences (this also involves difficulty delegating).
A study by the University of California, San Francisco, found that 72% of entrepreneurs suffer from mental health issues (Freeman et al., 2015).
The third and final cause is more closely related to the repetition of automatic behaviors when alone and feelings of helplessness in the face of uncertainty disguised as a predictable routine. These three pillars are the main causes that fuel this isolation, which is rarely spoken about openly.
The Consequences of Entrepreneur Loneliness
Ignoring the entrepreneur loneliness has direct consequences for productivity and decision-making. Prolonged isolation reduces creativity and the exploration of new solutions. It also increases the risk of burnout, anxiety, and other emotional problems associated with chronic stress. In the long term, these effects can jeopardize the viability of the business venture itself and the entrepreneur’s health.
Furthermore, all of this contributes to the perpetuation of antisocial behaviors, which affects the quality of personal relationships outside of work. In fact, many entrepreneurs admit to having neglected friendships and family ties in their process. As humans, we are tribal, we are social animals. We share our routines, our stories, our sorrows, and our joys with others. We learn by sharing and comparing ourselves to our peers. The absence of a mirror—a support network offering communication and affection—feeds the cycle of isolation and makes it difficult to ask for help in time. That is why taking preventive action is much more effective than intervening once the problem has become serious.
Strategies for Combating Entrepreneur Loneliness
There are specific steps you can take to help reduce entrepreneur loneliness in a sustainable way. Part of the solution is to share some of your activities with others in public places and outside the context of work. Sometimes, joining a coworking or networking groups is a more effective way to reintroduce human contact into your daily life. The most important thing is to establish routines with set schedules that include plenty of breaks where you change your surroundings and have social interactions. In addition, t is important to seek out mentors or colleagues with similar experiences who can offer you perspective and companionship during difficult times.
On the other hand, a good recommendation to combat lethargy is prioritizing rest periods and activities outside the digital environment. Yes, remote work can lead to isolation, but it also allows for flexible in-person meetings. Scheduling regular meetings with other professionals helps break the solitary routine of working from home. Small changes in daily routines can make a noticeable difference in overall well-being.
The Role of Coaching and Career Counseling
Loneliness is not just a consequence of a “one time thing”, but a widespread pattern across all sectors. Understanding its causes allows us to design more effective strategies through coaching, organizational support, and self-awareness. Coaching and career consulting for entrepreneurs or remote workers provide a structured space for support and reflection. Effective support helps entrepreneurs identify patterns of isolation before they become more serious. It also provides strategies that encourage prosocial behavior and practical tools to improve time management and decision-making. Working with an outside professional brings an objective perspective that is difficult to achieve on one’s own.
Coaching processes build confidence and resilience in the face of business challenges. Professional guidance does not replace personal relationships, but it does complement the entrepreneur’s support network. Investing in coaching is, ultimately, a way to ensure the sustainability of the project and of the person leading it. The loneliness of the entrepreneur is indeed a social phenomenon today, but this doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your own well-being or your relationships. You must acknowledge it, understand it, seek professional support, and thus transform it into a key stage of growth in your life.
References
Freeman, M. A., Staudenmaier, P. J., Zisser, M. R. y Andresen, L. A. (2015). The prevalence and co-occurrence of psychiatric conditions among entrepreneurs and their families. Small Business Economics, 51(3), 613-627.
Organización Mundial de la Salud. (2023). La soledad y el aislamiento social: una amenaza para la salud mundial. OMS.
OECD (2022), Promoting Health and Well-being at Work: Policy and Practices, OECD Health Policy Studies, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/e179b2a5-en.
Author: Alicia Gaspar
