Paddy Tan
3 min readFeb 19, 2025

What If It Didn’t Work Out?

So, things didn’t quite work out with your business? It’s okay. It really is.

Think of building a startup like riding a wild rollercoaster – huge thrills, but also some scary dips. This thing you poured your heart and soul into, it was your dream. So, when it doesn't go as planned, it hurts, like really hurts. Letting go? That's one of the toughest calls any of us can make.

Remember that fire you had when you started? That belief that your idea could change the world? That's amazing! But real life throws curveballs. Markets change, stuff happens, and sometimes, life just pulls you in a different direction. It's so important, even though it's hard, to be honest with yourself about whether things can keep going the way they are.

Walking away from something you built feels like failing. You feel tied to it, and you worry about what everyone else thinks. It's normal to feel all of that sadness, the worry. Give yourself a break and let yourself feel it. So many successful people have been right where you are now, and they came out even stronger.

Stepping back isn't giving up on being an entrepreneur. Think of it as a smart turn, a chance to find a better path. Now's the time to look back at everything you learned, all the skills you picked up, and everyone you met. These are your treasures now, and they'll help you build something amazing next time.

The key is to see this as a chance to grow. Don't see it as a wall, see it as a stepping stone. Every tough moment teaches you something special, something that will shape your journey, even if you are the one who messed it up.

Don't go it alone right now. Talk to other entrepreneurs, find mentors, connect with people in your field. But this time learn to listen more intently.

Sharing what you're going through can open up new doors you never even imagined. The startup community is all about helping each other.

Now's your chance to dream again. What excites you now? How can you use what you already know to build something even better, something that can handle anything? This time of reflection can spark the most incredible ideas and give you a whole new perspective.

Stepping back isn't a defeat; it's a smart move toward a future that fits you better. It proves how strong, adaptable, and committed you are. Remember, this journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Every step, even the ones that feel like they're going backward, makes you who you are.

In the startup world, the ability to change direction is what makes people successful. Stepping back might be the hardest thing you ever do, but it's also a chance to reconnect with what you truly want. Embrace the journey, learn from everything, and keep creating. You're not defined by this one venture, but by your spirit, your ability to keep going, and the impact you make.

Paddy Tan
Paddy Tan

Written by Paddy Tan

I help Startups grow and scale in Southeast Asia. Within 100 days. Growth Strategist | Investor in Startups and SMEs | Scale Startups & Train Founders.

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