Let’s face it, sometimes being an entrepreneur sucks. It’s hard work, usually with very little pay. At times, it can be terrifying and isolating, and for whatever reason, it always feels like some disaster is looming on the horizon. Why the hell do we do it?

I guess it is a form of sickness. Many people identify problems or see needs going unmet. However, entrepreneurs can’t let sleeping dogs lie. We are compelled to find solutions or meet unmet needs. It is like a tractor beam pulling us forward and away from the quote-unquote security of a typical career. I don’t know of any way to stop, nor do I think we should. However, I feel that it is essential to talk about the fact that what we do is scary and stressful and impacts our relationships and families.

I feel that we romanticize entrepreneurship. Don’t get me wrong; 90% or more of it is awesome. It is incredible to do something that creates real change, has a meaningful impact, and is something we birth. However, like everything else in life, it does have a dark side. As a community, we too often turn a blind eye to that reality.

It hit me when we hosted a founders’ dinner. It is great when we come together at industry events, but it is rare that we sit together and talk about life. When we do, it is intense and cathartic.

It is super important, in my opinion, that we talk about this dark side to one another. We need to admit that there are times when we feel vulnerable and isolated. It is good to share that we have moments of doubt when we wonder if we can do this and worry about letting people down.

I do not intend to pen a “woe is us” article, but as entrepreneurs, we carry a ton of burdens. That is just a fact. One that is rarely discussed in the hundreds of conversations I’ve witnessed between founders. That needs to change.

So, by outing this and putting words to this reality, I hope we encourage one another to have this conversation. We must begin to recognize and accept that we are not alone in those dark moments. I write a lot about empathy as a powerful instrument of brand building. However, it is equally as powerful when it comes to friendship and community. Who better to understand it than fellow entrepreneurs?

I am not sure how we do this, but I think it is essential that we find a mechanism to bring us together to have these conversations. It could be an online founders’ forum, a monthly virtual mastermind group, or a buddy system. I am open to suggestions. Given what I do, I have a rare seat and probably have these conversations more often than most. So, at the very least, I can offer you empathy and a willing ear.