Mental health is rarely discussed openly in entrepreneurship circles, despite the real pressure that comes with starting a business. Langalakhe Nxumalo, founder of engineering firm Ceracure, left a stable job in 2011 to launch his venture, and spent close to a year and a half questioning whether it was the right decision.
The emotional cost nobody warns you about
Nxumalo describes the period as mentally manageable but emotionally difficult, carrying the weight of a promise to provide for his family while the business struggled to gain traction. Job offers from established companies made walking away genuinely tempting.
What actually got him through it
Support from his wife and a refusal to treat failure as an option kept him going, alongside a mindset shift: the turning point came the day he stopped doubting his own ability rather than from any external change in the business itself. Not every business breaks even in its first year, and some take as long as three.
Frequently asked questions
Is entrepreneurial stress a common experience?
Yes. The pressure of starting a business is widely reported to contribute to anxiety and depression among founders, though it is rarely discussed openly.
How long does it typically take a new business to become profitable?
It varies significantly. This founder’s experience took close to a year and a half to find traction, and some businesses take up to three years to break even.
What helped this founder push through the hardest period?
Family support and a deliberate mindset shift away from self-doubt, rather than any single external change in the business.
Where can South African entrepreneurs get mental health support?
Organisations such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group offer support and resources.
Should aspiring entrepreneurs prepare emotionally, not just financially?
Yes, this founder’s experience suggests emotional preparation is just as important as financial planning before starting a business.
Further reading: Can entrepreneurial success rub off on you?
Originally published in 2016. Updated September 2026.
