Start a Business If You're Already Stressed at Work

Most employees aim for balance. Not all, but most people working 9 to 5 chase what we call work-life balance. They’ll push through five or six days of hard work just to reward themselves with weekend gimmicks. Or after three months of grind, they’ll treat themselves to an out-of-town trip. Travel goals, right?

But let’s be real — why is this balance such a big deal to many employees? It’s because they’re exhausted. It’s because deep inside, they don’t love what they do. And I’m not saying that makes them bad or wrong. No, that’s not the point of this chapter.

The point is this: Employment and entrepreneurship are two completely different worlds.

There’s No Balance in Business—And That’s Not a Bad Thing

In employment, you strive to balance work and life. In business, there is no such thing. There’s no “work hard, play later.” In real entrepreneurship, it’s 100% all-in work. Serious business owners aren’t fueled by weekend escapes or vacation plans. Their joy doesn’t come from gimmicks — it comes from the work itself.

A true entrepreneur doesn’t need a reward at the end of the week to keep going. The work is the reward. That’s how I live. I don’t crave leisure because I’ve already found happiness in the grind. My business is my life. I don’t need to find balance because I’m already doing what fulfills me.

Find Work That Fulfills You

Throughout your life, you’ll spend more time working than anything else — more than sleeping, more than being with family. So if your current job doesn’t fulfill you, then your first job is to find a job that does.

Find something that you’d gladly do even if no salary came with it. And of course, it’s even better if it also pays. That’s not hypocrisy. We all need money — but money should not be the only reason we work.

I’m telling you this because I believe I’m blessed. I’ve found work and built businesses that bring me joy — and yes, also bring me income. That’s why I won’t keep this truth from you: You must pursue a job or business that brings joy to your soul.

Don’t Quit Right Away — Learn Where You Are

I’m not saying resign immediately just because you hate your job. What I’m saying is: You’re there for a reason. Even if you dislike your job right now, it might be the stepping stone toward your real dream.

Don’t throw it all away. Your current job might be where you meet the person who’ll invest in your future business. It could be your training ground, your networking platform, or your early lesson in leadership and responsibility.

Even your annoying boss? Who knows — they could be your future business partner. And why would they believe in you if you can’t even perform well under them today?

Be Excellent, Even If No One's Watching

If you can’t even do your current job excellently, what makes you think you’re ready for your own business? You need to prove — even if no one is watching — that you’re responsible, that you can show up, and that you can deliver.

That’s when life, or God, will give you the chance to manage something bigger — your own dream business.

You may be unhappy now because life is telling you you’re not meant to stay there forever. But instead of quitting blindly, make a plan. Prepare. Act. Improve while you’re still there. Save. Learn. Grow. Make connections. Treat your current job as part of your training ground.

Respect Your Job — Even If It’s Hard

Even if you hate your job right now, it’s still a blessing. It gives you your daily income, right? Don’t curse it. Honor it. Work well. Respect your boss. You’ll never know — that very person could be the investor or partner in your future negosyo.

Simple truth: if you’re not happy at work, that could be a sign that you’re meant to do something greater. But until you figure out what that is, be excellent where you are. Because if you can’t be great with the small things, why would life trust you with big ones?

Final Word

So if you're feeling drained, uninspired, and stuck in your current job — don't just walk away. Dig deeper. Plan smarter. Work harder. That stress you're feeling might just be life nudging you towards your true path — your own business, your life’s work.