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It is not the first time that you hear of amazing managers leaving the quiet, steady life of the corporate world and joining the hectic, dynamic and highly active startup life. Most likely, all entrepreneurs start off as skilled employees. And for Romania, choosing an entrepreneur mindset it has become very probable: according to Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, in 2010 the number of entrepreneurs with ages between 18 and 24 grew by 5 percents in comparison to 2007. The same entrepreneurship desire is noticed in the age group of 25-44.

Entrepreneurship is about creating a new business and, as such, delivering new value to customers. The journey from the corporate world to the startup one might seem simple to some, but applying what one learned in the corporate environment to the startup scene may not bring the same results a startup manager expects. Then, what makes entrepreneurship so appealing?

1. Create a market / niche / need

Entrepreneurs must create a new business that delivers new customer value. In other words, an entrepreneur must create a new business model. So, instead of maintaining an already recognized product or market, entrepreneurs should focus on innovation, creation and the desire to inoculate a new need in the dedicated market. The mindset of creating something truly innovative in a market that is blooming or that one has created brings entrepreneurs that willing drive to deliver. In the same tone, entrepreneurs take pride and joy in creating new solutions to problems they have not experienced before.

2. The 3 Rs: Responsibility, Risk, Recognition

In a startup, one has to charge and answer to oneself: product ideas, write code, test and plan product launches. This implies tremendous business and managing responsibility. Taking on the lead of a self-sustained business will put the entrepreneur in a position of higher impact, value and business credibility. In the ideal case, if one does an amazing job, the entire business, the company, be it large or small, and customers will benefit from it all. On the flip side, if an entrepreneur lacks business genius, the entire company suffers. Working in a startup is a risk, but if the written plan goes full proof in real life as well, so do the merits and recognition of an entrepreneur.

3. No tie, black suit or HR long meetings

They do not call it a “lean” startup for nothing – working in a startup is more flexible, fun and creative than any other type of job, be it corporate or not. Let’s face it: one does not have to wear a suit unless a meeting with a high-end VC is scheduled. Of course, there are no late meetings with the HR department to test that your business interests are with the company, nor the monthly gift pack. Just as in any environment, a startup office has the same level or organization as a larger company, with people carrying on certain responsibilities and making sure there is always coffee in the cabinet. But in the end, the atmosphere is not that pretentious and the entire team is driven by one goal: making it big!

4. Diversity

Working in a startup brings a new set of business and living conditions. When running your own business, one has to make ends meet and adjust wisely. Being diverse with expenses and learning to adapt to doing it all, from dishes to code, is part of the entrepreneurial way of life. In time, one might learn to discover the joy of creating and doing than consuming.

It is not effortless to be an entrepreneur, as most definitely working in a corporate structure is not at an easy rate. What makes one more appealing than the other? To me, it is clearly a question of choice and responsibility. In both cases, corporate and startup, the job is demanding, results are expected and innovation is commended upon.