Entrepreneurs, often romanticised as modern-day pioneers hewing their future from the raw fabric that is the global economy, have come to epitomise the current professional’s dream: master of your destiny, flexible schedule and lifestyle, ability to dictate the culture of the business with fantastic riches to be reaped.

The salutary books on the subject, buoyed by a sea of magazine articles and blogs, have spread and reinforced these dangerous ideas to every corner of the globe. Any attempt to temper or broaden the discussion is met with a tidal wave of criticism usually accusing sceptics of being anti-capitalist and closed-minded. This is unfortunate as it makes it harder for would-be entrepreneurs to receive a better idea of what can be a rewarding professional life.

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