By Dr Patapia Tzotzoli, Clinical Psychologist Director of My Psychology Clinic, Founder of My Triage Network
To the outside world, running a business appears aspirational – the freedom, the vision, the success. But behind the scenes, many entrepreneurs wrestle with an often hidden challenge: persistent loneliness and a sense of isolation.
No Off Switch
Entrepreneurship doesn’t clock off at 5pm. Entrepreneurs are the engine behind every business decision, constantly checking in, keeping things moving, and jumping in when problems arise. Even after a long day, many transition straight into roles as parents, partners, or caregivers, still looking after others, often at the expense of their own rest.
Living in a World Few Understand
Entrepreneurs live a life that can feel impossible to explain to others. Friends, relatives, and acquaintances who work in traditional jobs don’t always understand the stakes or see how a single decision can affect finances, reputation, the smooth running of operations, and the livelihoods of employees.
Leading and Learning at the Same Time
One of the most challenging aspects of entrepreneurship is having to lead decisively while still learning on the job. Entrepreneurs must set the vision and carry the duty to find answers even when they don’t always have them all. There is no manual for disrupting an industry, no guaranteed playbook for being a first mover, and often no perfect mentor to guide them from point A to B. While aspects of this can feel exciting, it also means mistakes are inevitable.
Highs and Lows
Perhaps the most isolating part of the journey is how the highs and lows are experienced. Success in business is rarely straightforward — a truth that those closest to the entrepreneur may not fully grasp. It comes with the cost of long hours, personal sacrifice, and constant uncertainty. When things go wrong, there may be no one to turn to who truly understands the implications. And when things go right, the highs can feel strangely hollow — perhaps the most isolating part of the journey — because the pressure never truly lifts.
Practical Ways to Reconnect
Here are some strategies that can help ease the isolation:
Normalise the Feeling
Feelings of isolation are a common and valid emotional response, not a sign of personal failure. Many entrepreneurs hold themselves to superhuman standards, making it difficult to admit when they feel lonely. Recognising that loneliness doesn’t mean you’re weak or unfit for leadership is a vital step toward accepting your experience and reaching out for support when needed.
Build an Intentional Support Network
Entrepreneurs are highly disciplined about KPIs and strategy, but mental health needs the same routine attention. Seek out fellow founders or others who understand the road you’re on – relationships that allow for emotional honesty – not just business advice or transactional gains. Shared experience can transform into a genuine connection and become a lifeline.
Schedule Non-Negotiable Time for Yourself
Loneliness often worsens when entrepreneurs feel guilty about slowing down. Reframe rest and connection as strategic and not indulgent – downtime is essential to restore clarity, perspective, and creative problem-solving. Even if it feels impossible, protect regular blocks of time, no matter how short, for rest and activities, hobbies or mindfulness practices that recharge you. The health of both mind and body is essential not only for running a successful business, but also for sustaining overall wellbeing.
Be Resourceful Yet Gentle
It’s normal to feel stretched, overwhelmed, and at times completely alone when running a business, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel lonely. Loneliness rarely arises from a lack of people around us, but from the absence of feeling seen, heard, and understood so build sustainable strategies to balance the demands of your business, and the part of you that needs nurturing, connection, and rest. If necessary, seek out structured emotional support from a professional who understands the unique stresses of business leadership.
Avoid Defining Success – Focus on the Journey
Think of your entrepreneurial journey like the story of a character in a novel. Do you fall in love with the ending, or with the growth and transformation the character experiences along the way? Success isn’t just about reaching the destination, it’s about who you become through the challenges you navigate.
About the expert
Dr. Patapia Tzotzoli is a UK-trained, HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience. She is the Director of My Psychology Clinic, where she offers one-to-one online therapy tailored to a select clientele, and the Founder of My Triage Network, where she provides free consultations and personalised introductions to trusted UK-based mental health professionals for anyone seeking assessments or therapy. She is also the author of Seventeen Shots of Life in Five Acts, a poetry collection created to inspire self-healing and personal growth.
