The response “to be my own boss” is common among young people when asked what they want to do as they approach the “full-time career” world. It seems that the classic nine-to-five behind a desk is overrated and other young adults refuse to believe that the only way to be successful in life is to attend college. For some young entrepreneurs with the end goal of creating a business with their inner talent or creativity, it often starts in their late teens or early to mid-twenties.

Whether it be starting a clothing brand or designing butterfly coasters to sell at farmer’s markets; aside from making a profit, working for oneself seems to be the driving force of many youths’ future career paths and with that, there are multiple benefits that come with committing to a business or product at an early age.

Besides learning the necessary skills that come with business management, other important skills to have such as networking, critical thinking, innovation, and self-discipline are key to developing or launching a successful idea.

Alongside a strong skillset, young entrepreneurs have an upper hand (due to age) compared to older competitors. According to Rising Innovator, there are three main reasons that support this claim.

The first is flexibility. Young adults have fewer commitments when taking on new projects, unlike older individuals who may have more going on in life such as other jobs, families, or outside expenses that can impede the start or progression of any business idea.

Another is time and how valuable of a resource it is when trying to grow and transform an idea. Especially when making mistakes and adjusting to any potential obstacles down the road.

Younger innovators also bring fresher ideas to the table, they see the world differently than those with possible outdated experiences or visions. They are keener on paying attention to trends and what more recent generations are attracted to.

Like starting anything new, time, adjustments, and trial-and-error all play a part in the process. Whereas there are advantages to starting young, there are also disadvantages that contribute to why only a small number of young businesses actually make it. According to Risepenuer, “Statistics have shown that there is only 20% of chance that first-time entrepreneurs will succeed to improve their business,” due to three other factors, lack of business experience, lack of self-discipline, and lack of growing their professional circle.

“I wish I had known how long it was going to take for people to actually get involved with my brand,” says Ricky Lopez, a 23-year-old owner of Arizona’s Very Own clothing and apparel company.

“Going into business at a young age, you’d think that everyone who you are friends from school, or anywhere really, will hook on to your idea, you know because they support you and you guys have a good relationship, but that’s not always the case. That’s a good start to have, but you can’t rely entirely on it and expect your idea or business to be carried by it.”

Lopez struggled with the business experience and marketing components, as did another young Arizona native, Tori Bella.

Bella, 24, is the owner of Bellaabiz, a small business that designs homemade women’s earrings and hair accessories, as well as other household items like coasters, wall hangers and table trays. Bella started her business roughly two years ago and struggled with has grown since.

“I’ve been promoting my small business around the Valley and on Instagram, and it grows little by little every week. When I started this idea two years ago, I would have told myself to be more patient, success doesn’t happen overnight,” she says.

“To be one’s own boss” will take time and effort no matter the age of the person or stage in life. However, being able to adapt and overcome challenges is important and a part of what drives a good business. Having realistic goals and building a connection with those who are supportive of one’s ideas is what motivates people to keep going.