Specifically the US but I guess this could be asked anywhere.

I am not of the assumption it is actually possible for any normal person that doesn’t already have millions. The days of an honest mom and pop seem long dead (since at least the 90s, maybe 80s). Or if there are any, they are struggling to even stay afloat.

Like many, I thought I’d always want to start some sort of good business that actually serves a need. I now see that as impossible. I know people who made small niche software in the 80s, ended up making it a decent size company and retired with millions. I do not think anyone could do that today, especially with how tech is now.

I see plenty of scammy tech startups. This isnt what I’m talking about. Imagine a CNC shop starting today. They largely dont exist because no one does engine work anymore and most things are throwaway. Similar thing for any type of repair, none exist because its all throwaway. The only businesses I ever see are reselling things made by slaves in China. No one makes anything (other than 3d printed junk).

I’d be quite surprised if anyone is living decently off a real, honest business that they didnt get millions from their parents to start and that doesn’t exploit the hell out of others.

  • andrewta@lemmy.world
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    24 hours ago

    Yes, it is actually possible in the United States to start up a small business and actually make money. Now how much money is always the question. Some of that comes down to luck. Some that comes down to just having a really good idea. I just started a business not too long ago. Actually now that I think about it. It’s probably about four years ago. But nonetheless, I’ve made some money on it. Not as much as I would want. Part of that is actually my fault for not working on it as hard as I should’ve. There are plenty of options in the United States to make money. At the risk of oversimplifying it it’s pretty much just a case of pick something. No, where did I get the money from.? Simple I’d save up over a number of years and I use that as the start up capital. No, I did not have millions of dollars to start. I didn’t even have $100,000 to start. I think honestly I had about $50,000 cash to start.

    • bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.worksOP
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      30 minutes ago

      I guess I just dont see how to get started with that much money. Me and SO already work 50 hour weeks so there is not a huge amount of time for business planning. I guess one basically has to quit their job and go poor for a decade to see if they can make something happen. That just wouldn’t work for an ADHD person like me