XiaoTong Column · 2025-07-15

Founder’s Q&A “”Starting a business is tough, but it’s worth it!” The survival philosophy of this generation of young people”

“Entrepreneurship is tough, but it’s worth it!” The survival philosophy of this generation of young people

Problem analysis: Why do young people choose entrepreneurship despite the hardships?

In today’s society, more and more young people are choosing to start their own businesses, even though they know this path is full of hardships and uncertainties. They seem to have formed a unique survival philosophy: “Entrepreneurship is tough, but it’s worth it!” What are the deep – seated reasons behind this mindset?

1. Limitations of traditional career paths

Many young people find that traditional career paths (such as joining large companies or taking civil service exams) are stable but have limited upward mobility and can hardly satisfy their desire for freedom and creativity. Entrepreneurship has become a way for them to break through the “ceiling”.

2. Shift in values

This generation of young people attaches more importance to self – realization and a sense of meaning. They are willing to work hard for the cause they love and can gain a sense of satisfaction from it, even if the process is difficult. Entrepreneurship has become a way for them to express themselves and realize their values.

3. Promotion of technological and social changes

The development of the Internet and the digital economy has lowered the threshold for entrepreneurship. Young people can try to start a business at a low cost. Meanwhile, society has become more inclusive of failure, which encourages young people to take more risks.

4. Redefinition of “hardship”

Young people’s understanding of “hardship” is different from that of the previous generation. They are more willing to regard the hardships of entrepreneurship as a form of growth and experience rather than just plain pain. This mindset makes them more resilient in the face of difficulties.


Solution: How to make the “hardship” of entrepreneurship “worth it”?

Since entrepreneurship is注定 to be a challenging path, how should young people adjust their mindset and strategies to truly turn this “hardship” into something “worth it”?

1. Clarify the original intention of entrepreneurship

The motivation for entrepreneurship determines how far you can go. If you start a business just for making money or avoiding workplace pressure, it’s easy to give up when facing difficulties. Real entrepreneurs usually set out because they are passionate about a certain field or hope to solve a certain social problem.

Suggestions:
– Write down your original intention of entrepreneurship and paste it in a prominent place to remind yourself all the time.
– Conduct regular reviews to ensure that you are not distracted by short – term interests.

2. Learn to manage expectations

Entrepreneurship is not an overnight success. Failure and setbacks are the norm. Young people need to learn to manage their expectations and avoid being discouraged by short – term setbacks.

Suggestions:
– Set phased goals, break down big goals into small ones, and reward yourself every time you achieve a small goal.
– Accept that “failure is part of success” and learn from every failure.

3. Build a support system

Entrepreneurship is a lonely journey, but you don’t have to face it alone. Building a strong support system (such as mentors, peer partners, family, and friends) can help you get through the trough.

Suggestions:
– Join entrepreneurship communities and exchange experiences with like – minded people.
– Find an experienced mentor whose advice can save you from making detours.

4. Maintain learning and adaptability

The entrepreneurial environment is constantly changing. Young people need to continuously learn new knowledge and adapt to new trends. Only by maintaining an open mindset can they stay invincible in the competition.

Suggestions:
– Read industry news regularly and participate in relevant training and activities.
– Be brave enough to try new methods and don’t be restricted by fixed thinking.

5. Balance work and life

Although entrepreneurship requires a lot of time and energy, over – exhausting your body and mental health will backfire. Young people need to learn to balance work and life and maintain a sustainable development rhythm.

Suggestions:
– Make a reasonable work plan to avoid staying up late and overworking.
– Cultivate hobbies and relax your body and mind regularly.


Case supplement: A classic entrepreneurship story from “hardship” to “worth it”

Case: Zhang Yiming of ByteDance

Zhang Yiming is one of the exemplary entrepreneurs of this generation of young people. He experienced multiple failures in the early days of entrepreneurship, but he always adhered to his original intention – to change the way of information distribution with technology. Despite the difficulties, he never stopped learning and iterating. Eventually, ByteDance grew into a globally leading technology company, and its products such as Douyin and Toutiao have influenced hundreds of millions of users.

Inspirations:
1. Stick to the original intention: Zhang Yiming always centered around the core goal of “information distribution” and was not tempted by short – term interests.
2. Iterate quickly: ByteDance continuously optimized its products in a “small – step, fast – run” way to adapt to market demands.
3. Embrace failure: Zhang Yiming had failed in entrepreneurship multiple times, but he regarded each failure as an opportunity to learn.


Conclusion: Entrepreneurship is a spiritual practice

“Entrepreneurship is tough, but it’s worth it!” This is not only the survival philosophy of this generation of young people but also a lifestyle. The “hardship” of entrepreneurship lies in its uncertainty, pressure, and challenges, while the “worthiness” lies in the growth, freedom, and sense of meaning it brings. Young people choose entrepreneurship because they are willing to work hard for the cause they love, even if the road ahead is full of thorns.

If you also choose this path, please remember: Entrepreneurship is a spiritual practice. Every fall is for a better stand – up. As long as you stay true to your original intention, keep learning, and move forward bravely, this “hardship” will eventually become the most “worthwhile” experience in your life.

“创业虽苦,但值得!”这届年轻人的生存哲学|创始人Q&A

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