The conventional wisdom is that people who thrive in the corporate world can’t make it as entrepreneurs. As the thinking goes, they’re too dependent on the perks and rhythms of corporate life to thrive in their own business.

The reality is more nuanced. Many corporate leaders have to be so entrepreneurial in their daily work today that running their own business isn’t as big of a transition as it once was. In fact, many corporate refugees find that running a business is a perfect way to put their skills to work and build personal wealth.

That said, running a business is not for everyone. Wondering if you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Here’s are some key things you need.

Internal motivation.

Every leader needs to be somewhat self-motivated—but when you work for someone else, you always have a boss to backstop you if your drive wanes.

As an entrepreneur, you truly are your own boss. There’s no one to nudge you along if you hit a discouraging period in the business or promising you a trip to Hawaii if you meet a sales goal.

If you’re thinking about starting a business, take an honest look at how self-motivated you are. Many people do their best work in situations where they are motivated by someone else, so if that’s the case for you, you may be happier in a great job than running your own business.

A risk-taking spirit.

It’s one thing to bet on a new product or service with your company’s money. It’s quite another to risk your own savings.

To be an entrepreneur, you’ll have to do a lot of things on your own dime. The payoff may be far in the future. Even if you bring in outside investors, they’ll want to know you have skin in the game.

Some people are comfortable making educated bets on their good ideas. Others find it nerve-wracking.

How do you know if you’re up for it? Try taking some small risks with your money on small but necessary startup expenditures for your business.

Let’s say you’re a seasoned corporate marketer and want to launch a B2B marketing business. There are probably a few things you need to buy to get started. Maybe you need to register the URL for your future website. Perhaps you’d benefit from investing in a class or short online seminar that will teach you a new skill you can later sell in the business. Or maybe you need to consult with an attorney about some legal questions on business formation.

Commit to making that investment this month.  If you don’t have much extra money available, find a creative way to come up with it, using your own resources. For instance, sell something you don’t need anymore on Craigslist.

View this as a test. Do you pull the trigger and invest in your business by your deadline or find some reason not to do it?

If something is holding you back on making this small investment, you may not be comfortable with the idea of using your own money to grow a business. You might be happier in a corporate setting, where the company is taking on all of the risk.

Those who did make the small investment have probably already moved onto step number two to get their business going by now. If you’re in this camp, it’s a good indicator you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur.

A passion for the journey.

Being an entrepreneur is an unpredictable path. You’ll have many adventures and perhaps some misadventures, too. You won’t always know where things are leading and will have to go on gut instinct.

You’ll know whether you enjoy the journey or not by how you feel when you’re working on your business in the few hours you can find outside of your job. Are you in the flow? Does it feel like you’re involved in your life’s work? Do you wish you could do more of what you’re doing—even if it ‘s hard–and less of the other things you do? These are all signs you will enjoy the ride. If you’re not feeling much excitement or alignment with your true purpose, there’s no shame in recognizing that, as well, and sticking with traditional jobs.

There’s no right or wrong decision when it comes to working for someone else versus working for yourself. The point is to be true to yourself and what matters most. So if you’re intrinsically motivated, not averse to taking a few risks and have a passion to lead, you may want to dive into the entrepreneurial game. After all, you miss every shot you don’t take in life.