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I’ve seen a lot of people complain that their salary income is not enough to take care of their basic needs but these same people will still reject business opportunities whenever it’s mentioned
Does anyone have the answer to why it’s like that ?
Just curious
Thank you for this question..... and I think the answer is very straightforward. employment gives you a guaranteed date with money, business doesn't. In Nigeria, the fear of uncertainty is deeper than the pain of not having enough. A man will endure 30 years of "my salary is not enough" because everRead more
Thank you for this question….. and I think the answer is very straightforward.
employment gives you a guaranteed date with money, business doesn’t.
In Nigeria, the fear of uncertainty is deeper than the pain of not having enough. A man will endure 30 years of “my salary is not enough” because every 25th to 31st of the month, something must enter his account. Setting up a business especially with the current situation of the economy can’t promise that, and that uncertainty terrifies people more than poverty itself. We were raised to “get a good job” not to “build something that’ll solve problems for thousands of people.” So subconsciously, employment feels like responsibility fulfilled, while business feels like gambling.
See lessPeople don’t avoid businesses,because they’re lazy,or blind to opportunity, instead,it’s usually deeper than that,alone. here’s a simple,grounded way,to understand it,more better, especially as a Nigerian,or Africa; 1) Stability feels safer,than uncertainty: Today,many prefer jobs, becRead more
People don’t avoid businesses,because they’re lazy,or blind to opportunity, instead,it’s usually deeper than that,alone. here’s a simple,grounded way,to understand it,more better, especially as a Nigerian,or Africa;
1) Stability feels safer,than uncertainty:
Today,many prefer jobs, because ,salary is more predictable,than income from a business. As a civil servant,or employee,you already know,when money is coming in.
But,a business?
Uncertain income,risk of failure,and no guarantees,of success,with the business.
And,for many people,especially,those already struggling,to meet basic needs,stability,even if small,feels more safer,to them,than the risks, available in business today.
2) Survival mindset vs growth mindset:
Sometimes,it’s a mindset,thing. When someone’s income,barely covers food, rent,transport,& other basic needs,both for them,and their loved ones,or family,their focus then,is survival,not building wealth,or gaining, financial freedom.
And,sometimes,business requires;
° Patience
° Delayed gratification
° Risk tolerance
But,if you are only thinking “How do I eat this week?”,then,it’s will be very hard,to think things like,“How do I build something,valuable for 5 years?”
3) Fear of failure(and embarrassment)
Let’s be honest here,business can fail publicly.
People worry about:
Losing money
Looking foolish
Being judged
Working a job is socially “safe.” Failing at a business feels personal.
—
4. Lack of capital (real or perceived)
Many believe:
> “I need big money to start a business.”
Even when small-scale options exist, the mindset blocks action.
Sometimes it’s not just lack of money—it’s lack of clarity on how to start small.
—
5. No structure or guidance
Jobs come with:
Clear roles
Training
Monthly pay
Business comes with:
Confusion
Trial and error
No clear roadmap
Without guidance, most people default to what feels structured.
—
6. Delayed rewards are hard
In a job:
> Work this month → Get paid this month
In business:
> Work for months (or years) → Maybe profit later
Most people struggle with delayed gratification, especially when bills are immediate.
—
7. Comfort zone is powerful
Even if someone complains, they may still be comfortable:
They understand their routine
They’ve adapted to their income level
Change feels stressful
People often choose familiar discomfort over unfamiliar opportunity.
—
8. Bad experiences or stories
Many have seen:
Failed businesses
Scams disguised as “opportunities”
Friends who lost money
So they become skeptical of anything labeled “business opportunity.”
—
9. They’re not truly convinced
Complaining about salary doesn’t always mean someone is ready for business.
Sometimes:
They want relief, not responsibility
They want more money, not more risk
Business demands ownership, and not everyone wants that.
—
Bottom line:
It’s not just about opportunity—it’s about mindset, risk tolerance, and life situation.
Most people aren’t choosing between:
> Job vs Business
They’re choosing between:
> Certainty vs Uncertainty
—
Real insight
The people who succeed don’t usually quit their job immediately.
They:
Start small
Test ideas
Build gradually alongside their job
—
If you want to take it further, a better question is:
> “How can someone safely transition from employee to business owner without risking survival?”
That’s where the real strategy lies.
See less