Many 9‑to‑5 professionals fantasize about becoming entrepreneurs. A Hostinger survey of 2,000 Americans found that 31.20 % of respondents had thought about starting a small business but had never taken the plunge. A primary reason is fear: the 2024/2025 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report reported that nearly half (49 %) of would‑be entrepreneurs say fear of failure stops them from starting a business. This fear is amplified by the reality that leaving a corporate job means taking on every role yourself — from strategy to execution — rather than relying on a team, as Forbes notes. The shift from employee to founder can feel overwhelming when you’re used to a steady paycheck and clearly defined responsibilities.
What Do People Fear?
Burnout and overwork: Hostinger’s survey revealed that 25.88 % of potential entrepreneurs fear overworking and burning out. They worry that running a business will consume every waking hour.
Self‑doubt and impostor syndrome: Almost 20 % said self‑doubt was stronger than their confidence in succeeding. It’s common to question your capability when stepping into uncharted territory.
Skill gaps: 30.89 % cited a lack of skills or knowledge as a major barrier. Many struggle with technical tasks such as website building (27.94 %) or e‑commerce tools (17.63 %).
Financial uncertainty: Forbes notes that one of the biggest fears of leaving the 9‑to‑5 is the financial uncertainty, urging would‑be entrepreneurs to build a financial safety net of six to twelve months of living expenses. Hostinger’s survey echoes this: 27.59 % said insufficient financial resources were a major concern, and over 56 % feared losing money or falling into debt.
Shift Your Mindset
Fear is normal, but it shouldn’t be a permanent roadblock. Forbes stresses that before leaving the corporate world it’s crucial to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, asking yourself if you’re ready to embrace uncertainty and take responsibility for your future. A growth mindset encourages you to view challenges as opportunities and believe in your ability to learn new skills.
Building a safety net can ease financial anxiety. Forbes recommends saving six to 12 months of living expenses and creating a lean budget. Having a financial cushion allows you to focus on building your business instead of panicking about immediate income.
Finally, surround yourself with support. Forbes advises joining networking groups, mastermind communities and accountability partners. A supportive network keeps you motivated, offers new perspectives and helps you navigate challenges.
How ProMoat Helps You Move Forward
At ProMoat, we recognize that fear is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey. Our Sprout program guides you from idea to launch, providing a clear roadmap so you know what to do next. Grow helps you attract your first customers, generate revenue and refine your business model. When you’re ready, Scale equips you to expand sustainably without burning out. Throughout each stage, you’ll have a mentor who has been there before, helping you shift your mindset, build a financial plan and tackle skill gaps.
👉 Call to Action: Fear doesn’t have to hold you back. Book a free discovery call with ProMoat to find out if our programs are right for you. Together we’ll assess your readiness, outline your next steps and help you become the moat of your own business.