Advice on whether I actually want to be a searcher

February 16, 2026

by a searcher from Princeton University in New York, New York, USA

Curious how others approached evaluating why they actually wanted to be searchers. I come from a private equity background and am 30 now. I've felt for years that I've wanted to be an entrepreneur. The idea of owning a variety of small businesses excites me but the path to getting there is scary. I've been running a search for 6 months but now I'm finding my self worried about what the actual day to day will be like in the small business world, especially for the first###-###-#### months Is this just standard cold feet? Curious if others feel / experienced the same

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Reply by a lender
from Eastern Illinois University in 900 E Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563, USA

I have been in lending for almost 30 years working primarily with small to mid-sized business owners, and have been one of the partners of Commercial Lending X for over 16 years. I can tell you, both from what I have seen as well as my own personal experience, that running a business is not for everyone. No transaction ever goes completely smoothly and there are many ups and downs in business and things that can happen unexpectedly. You need to have confidence in yourself and your ability to handle what comes your way as well as a mindset that allows you to shift directions and make changes quickly if the market adjusts. The business world is not linear, it is always changing. Whether it is economic changes, industry changes, or new periods such as the AI boom we are currently in, you need to be prepared to adapt. What I would recommend doing is talking to existing business owners and find out what they do and whether you are confident you can replicate what they do. If after those conversations you do not feel you have the confidence to do it or the nerves at this point in time, then I would recommend holding off. If you are still ultimately interested in being an entrepreneur, I would try to get a job in management in a small business so you can gain the experience necessary and revisit acquiring a business at a later date when you have more experience and more confidence. You are still very young and you have plenty of time to make the switch. Do not force it now if you are not comfortable. If ultimately you do get comfortable now after talking with other business owners, then I would move forward. Keep in mind, you do not have to do it fully alone. You can partner with someone or you can find a strong team of advisors to help you. Just be sure you realize that there will be very stressful days. In the end it is very rewarding, but that reward does not come without risk, stress, and everything that goes along with that. If you need to chat, you can reach me here or directly at redacted I would be happy to share my experiences as a business owner.

Reply by a searcher
from Thomas A. Edison State College in Tampa, Florida, USA

What concerns you, specifically? Is it that you feel you won't be able to handle the problems that come up? I would just encourage you that it really is just about showing up. You will have difficult days and wonder why you did this. But if you just keep showing up (and have a community of mentors/peers), you can get through more than you think. You have already come so far and seem to have a real desire to do this. I'm not sure what you are targeting, but maybe make sure it's something you are at least somewhat interested, possibly even excited, about. To answer your question, the first business we bought, a small motel, was quite difficult and a great learning experience. I was stressed and wanted to sell it or walk away probably starting at a couple months in. I kept showing up and it got easier, very slowly. I wish I had someone tell me to give it 18 months and you will really know the business better and things will start getting easier. I also wish someone told me that probably around year 3 of ownership, cashflow will likely start improving and you will have the systems better figured out and you will feel differently about things. Obviously not always, as this depends on the business and market factors. But that is my experience. Feel free to reach out. My background is more in managing and operating, but I learned a lot and am eager to buy another business. I would love to connect if I can be of help.

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