Self-employment - Top 5 Reasons not to
Three and a half years ago I was an employee. Then I was not. A few months later, employed once again. This time, I was employed by ‘self’.
I had always wanted to do my own thing, be my own boss, not have to answer to ‘the man’. Though it was a dream, it was never a goal I set out to achieve. Most likely because I really didn’t believe it could ever happen.
So actually being self-employed was a ‘happening’, not a plan. When I started the business, I was aware that it would be an entirely different way of life. After all, I read books. I have an education in business -- a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an MBA. I did my homework; I studied. I even got A’s! But knowing something and living something are totally different.
There is nothing (other than experience) that can truly prepare you for the reality of being self-employed. You can read about it, hear others talk about it, and know people who do it, but until you live it, you don’t really KNOW it. However, the more you learn about it, the more you’ll be ready when you decide to make the move.
I asked a lot of entrepreneurs about self-employment when I was deliberating. The top five reasons people gave me to reconsider my decision to become self-employed are:
- a start-up doesn’t make money for a long time
- you work extremely long hours
- you wear at least 15 hats at all times
- a book can’t be a business coach
- you need the “big guy’s” opinion, then realize you ARE the “big guy”.
I have experienced each one of these issues, and with them came self-doubt. But once you get past the shock of realizing that everything people warned you about is true, you revisit your vision and goals, then get down to the business of self-employment. You can even start to view these negatives as positives. OK, reality check -- I have decided that this way of viewing the issues is actually a self-survival technique.
Whatever it takes, you must have a positive attitude. And that makes the top five reasons to avoid self-employment mentioned above easier to deal with.
A start-up doesn’t make money (for a long time). So be prepared for that, and remember that a start-up isn’t always a start-up -- that’s why they are called ‘start-ups’. Eventually you’ll see the red numbers turn black.
You work extremely long hours. Most people work long hours when employed by others, too. And when you’re self-employed, you have control of when, and you can work any 23 hours a day you CHOOSE to work!
You wear at least 15 hats at all times. So? Hats are cool!
A book can’t be a business coach. Agreed. If you need a business coach (everyone does), hire one. He/she will help you work on your business while you continue to work in your business. You’ll have someone to hold you accountable to work toward and meet your goals. However, books can give you marketing advice, sales techniques, motivation, information and inspiration. Read!
You need the “big guy’s” opinion, then realize you ARE the “big guy”. That’s the toughest of all because the first time this happens, it scares the heck out of you! (Another reason to have a business coach.) Eventually, you’ll be making decisions, the right decisions, because you have learned your business. And you’re happy you made the choice of self-employment because you LIKE being the “big guy”.
Being self-employed is a roller coaster ride, to say the least. As you grow, you’ll know where you want to be and how you’ll get there. Most importantly, you will believe in yourself. The top five reasons to avoid self-employment will go away or at least become manageable. And even with the ups and downs, the independence and pride of ‘self’ far outweigh the alternative.
About the Author:Cindy Hartman is President of Hartman Inventory, LLC, a personal property inventory service provider. She and her husband Mike are also owners of Hartman Inventory Systems, LLC, a company that provides assistance to entrepreneurs who want to establish their own asset documentation business. www.HartmanInventory.com
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