Why Do Backbenchers Often Become Entrepreneurs and Free Thinkers?

ave you ever wondered why some of the students who didn’t seem interested in academics, often criticized by teachers for their lack of focus, are now thriving as entrepreneurs, creators, or free thinkers?

Meanwhile, many who excelled academically find themselves stuck in routine, unfulfilling jobs.

What makes these "backbenchers" more inclined to challenge the status quo and take the unconventional path toward entrepreneurship and innovation?

The Unconventional Path of Backbenchers

Backbenchers tend to be seen as the rebels in the classroom, refusing to follow strict instructions, often daydreaming, and struggling within the rigid structures of traditional education.

However, these tendencies can actually be the qualities that make them great entrepreneurs and independent thinkers later in life.

1. Non-Compliance and Rule-Breaking

Successful entrepreneurs and innovators thrive by questioning rules and disrupting established systems. Backbenchers, often seen as rule-breakers in school, are more comfortable challenging the status quo.

They might not have excelled in structured environments like school, but their rebellious nature becomes an asset when they pursue entrepreneurship—where unconventional thinking is key to success.

2. Daydreamers with Big Ideas

Backbenchers are often seen as daydreamers, zoning out during lectures.

While this trait may have been frowned upon in school, it’s also a key component of creativity. Entrepreneurs need the ability to envision new possibilities and come up with out-of-the-box solutions.

Those who allow their minds to wander are more likely to come up with the "crazy ideas" that lead to breakthrough innovations.

3. Comfort with Failure

Having faced failure early on—whether it was low grades or reprimands—backbenchers are often more comfortable with failure. This resilience is a crucial trait for entrepreneurs, who frequently face setbacks and failures in their careers.

Those who have learned not to fear failure are more likely to take the risks necessary to succeed in the long run.

The Illinois Valedictorian Project

A study by Karen Arnold called the Illinois Valedictorian Project sheds light on an interesting contrast.

Arnold tracked the careers of 81 high school valedictorians, salutatorians, and other high-achieving students over 14 years (1981–1995).

Contrary to the assumption that valedictorians go on to be the world's leaders, many of these academically gifted individuals struggled with long-term career fulfillment.

Arnold’s study revealed that high achievers, while successful in their chosen paths, often became so focused on early academic success that they didn’t explore other options.

This led to dissatisfaction later in life. The challenge for these students was that they performed so well in school that they followed a predetermined trajectory without questioning whether it truly fit their long-term goals.

As they reached their late twenties and thirties, many of these valedictorians felt disconnected from the meaning of their achievements.

The Value of Risk-Taking and Exploration

While high achievers often stick to the safe, structured path, backbenchers are more likely to take risks, explore different career paths, and embrace uncertainty. They have faced failure early, are less afraid to experiment, and are often willing to take on unconventional challenges.

This willingness to break away from the norm and embrace new experiences can be what drives many backbenchers toward success as entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators.

In contrast, many top academic performers might find themselves locked into careers that may seem prestigious but ultimately feel unfulfilling.

They follow a path set early in life without considering alternatives—leaving them reluctant to change course because of the time and energy already invested in their current trajectory.

So, the next time you look back at school and wonder why the backbenchers are succeeding in ways you never expected, remember: it might just be that their willingness to think differently, embrace failure, and break the rules is what set them apart all along.