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The Fors and Againsts of Becoming an Entrepreneur - (For Students Who’ve Just
Finished Their GCSEs)

Hi,

I’m Alix and it’s my mission to help as many students as possible aim to work in jobs that meet their passion and purpose, allowing them to reach their full potential and thereby making them happy and fulfilled adults.

Providing support and hand holding where they may not have any.

A ‘virtual mentor’ if you like.

Join me as today we look into what to consider before becoming an entrepreneur, both practically and emotionally.

So, let’s get started…

Finishing your GCSEs is a huge milestone, having entailed a lot of work. Well done!

Now, for the second time, choosing your options being the first, you’re able to make big decisions about your future, including:

what to study next

what career to aim for, and

what kind of life you want to build.

Hopefully your school library had a copy of my book ‘I Am Choosing My Options’ and you’re already on a path towards your ideal career with my second book ‘I Am Choosing My Next Step After GCSEs’ (check out the library) detailing the many exciting paths available now.

One of those paths is entrepreneurship - going it alone, which has become increasingly popular.

Social media is full of young business owners and side-hustlers demonstrating how successful they are and you might be wondering whether becoming an entrepreneur could be the right choice for you. But a word of caution, very few entrepreneurs blog and video about failures so bear that in mind when watching inspirational videos.

Before making the decision, it’s important to understand both the exciting advantages and the tougher challenges of starting your own business at a young age so you can make an informed choice before jumping in.

The fors: why entrepreneurship can be a great option after GCSEs

You can start early and learn fast.

At your age, you have a major advantage: time.

Most people don’t even start thinking about launching their own business until their mid-twenties or later. Starting soon after your GCSEs gives you years to experiment, make mistakes, learn, and grow.

And, even if your first idea doesn’t work out, you’ll gain valuable skills that will set you apart - skills like confidence, communication, problem-solving, and creativity.

Learning from mistakes will make the future easier and, hopefully, more profitable.

Also, you’ll still be in the learning frame of mind. When you’ve left school and moved into a work environment, it’s easy to ‘forget’ how to learn, making it harder to go back to.

Low-cost opportunities are everywhere…

Thanks to the internet, you no longer need huge amounts of money to start something.

You can build a small business on various platforms like Etsy, Depop, TikTok, Instagram, or even through local services - tutoring younger students, lawncare, digital design, or selling handmade products to name but a few.

Many of the world’s biggest entrepreneurs began with very small ideas that grew over time.

Freedom to be creative…

If you love thinking differently, creating new things, or exploring your own ideas, entrepreneurship gives you full creative freedom.

You choose what you work on, how you work, and who you work with. For young people who feel bored or have been restricted by traditional strict school structures, this freedom can be exciting and motivating.

Building a career on your own terms…

Not everybody fits into the standard path of college, university, and employment - what can be described as the ‘usual’ paths after GCSEs.

Becoming an entrepreneur can let you carve out a path that feels right for you personally. You can combine work with further study, take on part-time jobs while growing your side business, or even develop something full-time once you're confident it’s working.

Financial growth potential…

While money shouldn’t be the only reason to start a business, entrepreneurship does offer the chance to earn more than you might in a typical entry-level job.

If (when) your idea takes off, you could build something that grows year after year.

Just taking the steps to learn about money early - budgeting, investing, pricing - will give you an advantage no matter what career you ultimately pursue.

The againsts: the tougher side of becoming a young entrepreneur

You may lack experience and contacts.

One challenge many young entrepreneurs face is that they haven’t yet built a strong professional network.

Adults may not always take you seriously, and you might not know where to go for advice.

While this improves over time, it can make the beginning stages harder. Do your research, then persevere.

Balancing education and business can be stressful…

Most students continue on to A-levels, BTECs, apprenticeships, or college after their GCSEs, even when planning to go it alone. Some study business basics, or specialise in a certain useful aspect.

But trying to start a business while you’re still studying can feel overwhelming. Time management becomes essential, and sometimes you’ll need to prioritise school over business, even if you’re passionate about your idea.

Remember, all knowledge is good knowledge.

Financial risk (even if it’s small) …

Even low-cost businesses come with some financial risk. You might spend money on supplies, advertising, or tools and not make it back from profits immediately.

At a young age, it’s especially important to avoid going into debt or risking money you can’t afford to lose. Responsible planning makes a huge difference.

High failure rates - and that’s okay…

Most businesses don’t succeed on the first try.

That’s true for adults, and it’s true for young people too. You might try something and find it doesn’t work out.

This isn’t a bad thing - it’s part of learning - but it can be discouraging if you expect quick success. Being patient and resilient is key.

Pressure and responsibility…

Running even a small business means thinking about customers, deadlines, finances, and quality. At a young age, that responsibility can feel heavy.

Some people thrive on it, while others prefer the structure of a job with clear expectations and support.

Finding the balance: should you become an entrepreneur now?

Choosing whether to pursue entrepreneurship after your GCSEs depends on your personality, goals, and circumstances. Some students feel ready to jump straight into running a business. Others find that it works better as a side project while they continue studying or working part-time.

Here are a few good questions to ask yourself:

Do I enjoy solving problems and learning new things?

Am I okay with uncertainty, or do I prefer a clear structure?

Do I have a supportive environment—friends, mentors, or family?

Can I start small without risking too much money?

The truth is, you don’t have to decide right now. You can experiment. Try a small idea during the summer.

Explore online courses about business or finance. Look for mentors - teachers, local business owners, or online communities. Every bit of experience helps.

Entrepreneurship can be incredibly rewarding for young people: it builds confidence, teaches real-world skills, and opens opportunities you might never expect. But it’s also challenging and requires patience, resilience, and responsibility.

Whether you choose to go all-in or just dip your toe into the entrepreneurial world, finishing your GCSEs is the perfect time to explore your options.

You’re at the beginning of a journey full of potential - and entrepreneurship is just one of many exciting paths ahead of you.

And I have every confidence in you - you’re going to be amazing.

Success is within your grasp!

Good luck,