‘The hardest part is… you can’t even explain it’: Bengaluru CA shares emotional cost of losing meaningful connections while building a startup

In today’s fast-paced world, success is often measured by how much we can achieve in the shortest amount of time. Deadlines, targets and constant hustle have become a part of everyday life, especially for those trying to build something of their own. But in the middle of chasing growth and stability, there’s a quieter cost that rarely gets discussed. Moments slip by, conversations get postponed and relationships slowly take a backseat. What begins as a temporary phase of hard work often stretches longer than expected, leaving people to juggle ambition with the need to stay connected to the ones who matter most.

Along similar lines, a Bengaluru-based chartered accountant, Meenal Goyal, has struck a chord online after sharing a deeply personal LinkedIn post about the unseen emotional cost of entrepreneurship. Her words, centred on missed milestones and fading relationships, have resonated with many professionals navigating similar journeys.

When ambition costs more than success

Meenal Goyal recalled missing her best friend’s wedding due to a client deadline. Months later, the deadline had shifted, but the friendship had not recovered. The incident became a turning point, prompting her to reflect on the sacrifices that often go unnoticed while building a business.



The Bengaluru-based CA explained that entrepreneurship is not just about long hours or professional challenges, but about the moments one cannot reclaim. From missing family celebrations to working through illness, Goyal highlighted how personal priorities often take a backseat to urgent work demands. Over time, these choices can lead to distance in relationships, with friends drifting away and family bonds weakening.

Building dreams, losing moments that matter

Meenal Goyal also pointed out the emotional gap that emerges between entrepreneurs and their loved ones. While entrepreneurs see their efforts as building something meaningful, others may interpret it as neglect or misplaced priorities. This disconnect, she noted, is one of the hardest aspects to deal with.

Meenal Goyal’s post further emphasised that the most difficult part of entrepreneurship is not failure, but watching one’s personal life slowly unravel while pursuing professional goals. Despite the challenges, Goyal encouraged fellow entrepreneurs to continue their journey, while also reminding them not to lose themselves completely in the process. The candid reflection has since gone viral, with many users sharing their own experiences and acknowledging the struggle to find balance between ambition and personal life.