Yes, I said it. Both are hyped up to mythical proportions, like you’re about to enter some exclusive club where everyone wears a sash that says “I did it the hard way!” Spoiler alert: The sash is itchy, the club snacks are stale, and the membership fees are non-refundable.
Let’s start with natural childbirth (and my admittedly male perspective.) The way people talk about it, you’d think it’s the pinnacle of human achievement—right up there with climbing Everest or finishing a marathon. But unlike those accomplishments, childbirth doesn’t come with a medal. It comes with a screaming, tiny human who has absolutely zero respect for your sleep schedule. And sure, many woman get a certain primal satisfaction in doing it without drugs—until they realize that this isn’t the 1600s, and modern medicine exists for a reason. (Trust me, Carol never even considered it.) All the gritted teeth and heroic pushing is just a ticket to a conversation where someone (like me) inevitably says, “Well, you could’ve just asked for the epidural.”
Now, let’s talk about owning your own business (and this is something I am a pro about). It’s the entrepreneurial dream, right? The ultimate expression of freedom and self-determination. You picture yourself as a captain of industry, making bold decisions from the corner office. The reality? You’re more like a janitor who’s also the receptionist, accountant, and IT support. Instead of feeling liberated, you often feel like you’ve traded a 9-to-5 for a 24/7.
People love to romanticize being your own boss, but they never mention the constant, low-grade anxiety that comes with it. The joy of entrepreneurship, much like childbirth, is often advertised by people who are clearly blocking out the most painful parts. “Be your own boss!” they say. “Set your own hours!” they say. They conveniently leave out the part where “your own hours” translate to “every waking hour and then some.” Multiply that by 2, when both you and your wife are self-employed in the SAME business.
And don’t get me started on the financial side of things. You thought childbirth was expensive? Try running a business. Every dollar you earn feels like it’s already earmarked for something else—taxes, fees, health insurance, a surprise repair for that thing you didn’t know could break. The “joy” of owning a business quickly turns into a game of survival, where the ultimate goal is just to make it through another year without having to update your LinkedIn to say “open to work.”
So, the next time someone tells you that natural childbirth or owning a business is the most rewarding thing you can do, take it with a grain of salt. And maybe an epidural. And a really good accountant. (And then there are the good days when I wouldn’t trade it for the world!)
