Though most people are unlikely to begin their professional lives as entrepreneurs, everyone has the potential to become an entrepreneur at some point in their lives. With the ongoing industrial revolution, operating your own business is becoming increasingly essential. Fortunately, we’re no longer in an era where starting a business demands hundreds or thousands of dollars. The barrier to entry in terms of resources is very low, and many individuals are making substantial incomes in businesses that require little to no initial investment, often leveraging skills learned online. Despite the low barrier to entry, the fear and misconceptions surrounding entrepreneurship are challenges that many may never overcome.

The crucial thing to understand is that being an entrepreneur extends beyond the stereotypical images of business ownership. Entrepreneurship involves utilizing available resources to create a sellable item or offer a skill as a service. Being a business owner doesn’t solely mean owning a large corporation or a store; it can be the woman selling cakes from her kitchen, the man crafting cabinets in his shed, or someone styling hair from their living room. These days, entrepreneurship takes on diverse forms, such as families sharing their lives on YouTube, artists creating music and art, authors self-publishing books, and individuals developing courses based on their passion and expertise. The possibilities are vast!

The idea that entrepreneurship is for everyone may sound alarming and controversial, especially since many of us are conditioned from grade school to college for traditional employment. This conditioning has led many to focus solely on seemingly secure jobs, placing limits on their earnings by overlooking investment opportunities and the rewards of business ownership.

I believe that employment should be viewed as a means to an end, not the end itself. The income earned from a 9-5, with intentionality and discipline, can be used to invest in a business rather than merely being employed. Employment, as an apprenticeship, historically served as a pathway for unskilled individuals to enter the workforce, learn a trade, and either start a business later in life or leverage their experience to start a business in an entirely different industry.

A common question arises: if everyone is an entrepreneur, who are the employees? The reality is that while everyone can be an entrepreneur, not everyone will be. Additionally, given that the majority of people do not come from wealth, most will likely start their professional lives as employees. A pathway to wealth generation comprises education leading to employment/ apprenticeship, followed by ownership and eventual retirement. I strongly advocate for societies to adopt this pathway, nurturing generational wealth through family-owned businesses, real estate, and various investments. This approach can offer financial freedom and economic stability, thereby reducing the reliance on social programs funded by taxpayers and addressing the myriad issues stemming from poverty that afflict our society.

Another compelling reason for individuals to consider starting a business is the technological advancement of AI. While analysts warn of job displacement due to AI, it also provides opportunities for more efficient production, automation of tasks, and the management and growth of multiple streams of income for those who leverage it. As Pastor Tomi Ayorami emphasizes, “You will either use AI or be used by AI.” Employees, regardless of their position, should be mindful of technological advancements both to utilize them and to prepare for the possibility of their positions being replaced by AI.

In this era of technological advancement, we can find encouragement and confidence in knowing that God has given us all gifts and abilities and has called us to have dominion, even over AI. Those who innovate, persist, and pivot will find success. The Bible, in Deuteronomy 8:18, says that God gives the power to produce wealth, a power unaffected by technological advancements. Wealth is not generated by exchanging time for money; it is created through investing. Instead of fearing technological advancements, we can recognize and capitalize on the opportunities they provide for wealth generation.

The power to create wealth is available to all who put their faith and hope in Christ Jesus. When we believe in Him, He gives us the Holy Spirit, which guides and instructs us not only in our spiritual lives but also in our professional lives. Your seemingly small or hobby-like natural talent can surprise you with what God can do with it. The future belongs to those who can pivot and partner with God.