Previously, we chatted about the idea of Corporate Girls, so it’s only fair that we also give the men their turn in the spotlight. In Romania, there’s no shortage of ambition among young men, especially when it comes to entrepreneurship. Yet beneath this enthusiasm lies an obstacle: while the drive and vision are certainly there, many new business ventures seem to crumble under the weight of poor planning and unrealistic expectations.
Everyone Wants to Be The Boss
Sit down with a group of young Romanian men, and you’ll often hear grand plans to launch tech startups, digital agencies, or import-export ventures that promise a rapid climb to wealth. Some envision 500-employee offices in Bucharest or Cluj, a handful might talk about partnering with European investors, and nearly all imagine leaving mundane day jobs behind. However, upon closer inspection, many of these ventures fade far sooner than expected.
Beneath the surface lies an essential truth: genuine success requires extensive industry expertise, supportive networks, and a realistic understanding of how long it takes for a company to become profitable. As the European Commission points out, a notable percentage of Romanian SMEs fail within three years, reminding us that passion can’t carry a venture on its own.
For all their energy, many aspiring Romanian entrepreneurs struggle to craft a reliable roadmap. Some rely on secondhand rumors about booming market sectors without diving deeper into industry data or competition. Others cobble together financial plans by tapping personal or family funds yet fail to detail precise cash-flow projections or consider what would happen if their initial strategy needs to pivot.
Even in cities boasting vibrant startup communities, mentorship often remains underutilized; many founders might pitch ideas at well-publicized events but never develop a long-term support system. Administrative challenges further complicate matters. From dealing with tax compliance to navigating local regulations, these bureaucratic burdens can disrupt underprepared business owners who find themselves overwhelmed by paperwork and unanticipated fees. Without careful planning and practical risk assessment, the first serious challenge can force a swift retreat.
A Clash of Expectations and Realities
Entrepreneurial hopes often take a toll on personal lives as well. Some men allocate every spare resource – emotional support from partners, financial help from relatives – to an idea that exists mainly as an early-stage concept (and never gets past that). Pressure mounts when reality catches up, and the optimistic projections fail to materialize.
Similar to the women who discover that career achievements alone don’t ensure lasting fulfillment, many men reach their thirties realizing that raw determination must be backed by clear, sustainable strategies. The frustration grows when they compare themselves to peers who took a more patient path or devoted extra time to research and mentorship.
A friend working as the COO of a medium-sized tech firm once described how certain applicants proudly showcase multiple short-lived “founder” roles on their CVs, yet struggle to explain how those ventures fit into a broader, better-executed vision. The problem isn’t a lack of talent; it’s a gap between ambition and the practical steps needed to turn it into something real and enduring.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Romania is ripe with opportunities for those who approach business with a blend of audacity and methodical preparation. Though the startup ecosystem is evolving and the barriers to launching a venture are lower than they used to be, meaningful success remains tied to a willingness to do the homework, seek guidance, and adapt to changing conditions. There’s no doubt that the country’s dynamic energy and openness to new ideas can spark growth across sectors.
But a realistic timeline, a solid handle on costs, and a willingness to listen to seasoned entrepreneurs all serve as vital ingredients for a truly sustainable business. In the same way that “Corporate Girls” are learning to balance professional ambition with broader personal goals, Romanian men with entrepreneurial dreams can find greater satisfaction in pairing their passion with deeper research and patient execution. The race for quick wins may initially seem thrilling, but genuine victory often belongs to those who pace themselves for the distance rather than sprinting toward an impossible finish line.