Being an entrepreneur is not a path that everyone follows. It takes a lot of grit and perseverance. As someone who started and exited businesses in my twenties, I can relate to the challenges and the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Point blank, it is not an easy road, and if you do not have the emotional stamina and support to get through the toughest of times, and there will be tough times, then you might be better off being an intrapreneur.

I will say that there is no shame in not being an entrepreneur, and not all entrepreneurs are successful or end up taking their companies to an IPO. But for those who commit to this journey, the rewards are ever as delicious as the struggles are painful. So some key takeaways for those of you who are just as crazy as some of us to continue on this road of finding freedom on our terms: