I can't say I ever had a pull to be an entrepreneur, but I had several inventions that I thought we're good ideas, but I never followed up on any of them until 5 years ago. I was about 10 years out from retirement, so I thought. I knew I'd be filled with future regret if I didn't at least give this new idea a try. I was working as a mechanical engineer, I knew I could design it, get it patented and manufactured. I had a pretty good idea how much it was going to cost. Had no idea how well it was going to sell or how I was going to acquire customers. Everything v8rx7ugy said above about getting customers is spot on. It's hard.
It took me 5 years to finish the design and get it manufactured (was working on it nights and weekends). It was more complex than I originally thought it was going to be. I was pretty close on how much it was going to cost. I had the funds available, but it might push my retirement back another year or two. Then covid hit. My full time job offered me an early retirement package. I was still 5 years out from when I originally thought I was going to retire, but I took the offer.
Everyone needs something to keep themselves going during retirement. My product idea is what my wife and I work on now that I'm retired. Covid has thrown a few wrenches into our plans, but I'm glad we gave it a try. Don't regret it at all. If you're interested you can see our website at:
TheUpScaleScale.comIf this is something you think you'll regret if you don't give it a try, then go for it. Just play it smart. Don't overspend. You're never going to know everything you'll need when starting out. That's alright, you'll be able to learn as you go. Part of the fun for us is learning things we never would have considered doing before. It's making retirement interesting and exciting.