Alternatives to Entrepreneurship: You Don’t Have to be in Charge

Entrepreneurship is often celebrated in today’s business world, particularly within the online coaching and fitness spaces. The idea of being your own boss, setting your own schedule, and building a business that aligns with your passions sounds appealing. However, is entrepreneurship truly for everyone? The answer is not always a clear-cut yes, and there are several factors to consider before jumping into the world of owning your own business.

The Allure and Challenges of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is often seen as the pinnacle of professional success but it comes with significant challenges. Starting and running a business is inherently risky—most new businesses fail, and success requires overcoming numerous obstacles like attracting clients, managing finances, and handling the stress that comes with establishing all of this from scratch.

Furthermore, entrepreneurship is not suited to every personality. In the early stages of a business, you will likely have to juggle multiple roles—marketing, sales, operations, and customer service—which can be overwhelming. If you are not naturally inclined toward these tasks or do not have the patience to learn them, entrepreneurship may not be the right fit for you.

Alternatives to Entrepreneurship in Coaching

If you are passionate about coaching and making an impact but are not interested in starting a business, there are other paths you can pursue. Entrepreneurship is just one of many routes. Here are a few alternatives to consider:

Keep It a Hobby: If you love coaching but do not want to turn it into a career, you can keep it as a hobby. Take, for example, Barney Fry, a machinist at Douglas Aircraft in the 1950s who volunteered as a coach at Muscle Beach. Fry never got paid, but his coaching left a lasting impact, including helping athletes who later became Olympians. Keeping your passion as a hobby allows you to avoid the pressures of entrepreneurship while still making a meaningful difference.

Volunteer: Volunteering with organizations like the Special Olympics or local youth programs is a fantastic way to gain coaching experience, make an impact, and build your skills. Volunteering allows you to focus on the mission rather than the business aspect, while still helping others and growing as a coach.

Non-Coaching Professional Opportunities: Coaching is not the only way to get involved in the fitness industry. If you are passionate about fitness but prefer not to coach, consider opportunities like developing coaching software, conducting research, or working in public health policy. These roles allow you to make an impact without needing to work directly with clients.

The Employee Route

If you are not ready to jump into entrepreneurship, becoming an employee can be a great starting point. Working for a company allows you to learn within an established framework while mitigating most of the risks associated with entrepreneurship. You do not have to worry about generating revenue, and you can focus on building your coaching skills under the guidance of a more experienced organization.

Working as an employee also gives you the chance to build your reputation without the immediate pressure of running your own business. “Intrapreneurship” combines aspects of entrepreneurship with the structure of an existing organization. This approach allows you to pitch new ideas and take initiative within the company while benefiting from the support and stability of having an employer. For example, if you notice a gap in your gym’s offerings, you could propose a new program to address it. By identifying value and finding solutions within the organization, you can help improve the business while growing in your career.

Finding the Right Path for You

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to pursuing a career in coaching or entrepreneurship. Some people thrive as entrepreneurs, while others may find fulfillment in employee roles or volunteering. The key is to assess your strengths, interests, and what you truly want out of your career. It is okay not to follow the conventional path of becoming an entrepreneur if that is not the right fit for you. Whatever path you choose, there’s no wrong way to make a difference in the lives of others.