Many people consider at some point becoming self-employed. It may be because they fancy starting their own business, they’re unhappy in their job, they don’t like their boss or they’re finding it hard to get a job. In times of recession, when there are lots of people chasing fewer jobs, self-employment becomes even more attractive. It’s not without its drawbacks, but here I’m going to concentrate on the positives.
There are lots of ways of becoming self-employed, and one is to turn a hobby into a business. Imagine how great it would be to make a living doing something you love! Of course, there will be boring things like paperwork as well, but on the whole you have more control over what you do when you’re self-employed.
This depends on your type of work – for example, if you offer a 24 hour emergency plumbing service, then you can’t complain if you get calls in the middle of the night! But I like being able to get up when I want, work whatever hours I choose, take an afternoon off to go to the cinema and not have to work when someone else tells me to.
I really can’t be dealing with office politics and cranky bosses. It just isn’t for me. I don’t work well around other people and the distractions of office life. Instead, I can work peacefully in my own home and don’t have the hassle of a commute. I don’t even have to go downstairs to my ‘office’, since I live in a flat!
It’s a truism that you never get rich working for someone else. Granted, most self-employed people don’t make vast incomes, but at least what you make is yours to keep. Of course you have to sort out your own taxes etc, but you can also claim some expenses back against your tax liabilities.
If, like me, you’re someone who works well alone, then self-employment can be perfect for you. At some point you’re likely to have to deal with other people, but much of your work can be quietly accomplished alone at your own pace.
Are you the kind of person who likes taking control, with a dynamic approach to getting things done? Then self-employment could suit you very well, since you don’t get a business going without a lot of effort.
As I said before, many people would love to start a small business or work for themselves. Of course, it’s not as easy as just wanting to do it, and you need to put in a lot of work to make it happen, but fulfilling an ambition would be an extremely satisfying achievement.
Working for yourself can bring an incredible sense of satisfaction. You have to be prepared to spend time building up clients, and allow for quieter times, but the fact that you will probably earn less than in paid employment, at least to begin with, can be far outweighed by the sense of achievement as you build up your business and see it grow.
Have you ever worked for yourself, and if so, what tips would you give to others wanting to do the same?
Top Photo Credit: nycGRAEME