tabler • spring 2009
A look at the pros and cons
My father used say that there were three relatively easy ways to money. I could
win it, marry into it or steal it. The passage of time taught me that there’s almost
of going self-employed
no chance of winning it; that it’s too late for the second; and as for theft, those
that know me would agree that I wouldn’t survive prison very well. So that left
by Adam Bernstein
only a fourth option; having to earn it.
Some of us work for an employer, but others, myself included, have the
privilege of working for themselves. I use the word ‘privilege’ deliberately. I’m
hoping that by the time you’ve read this you may see why.
Now depending on how well you are doing, or on what you are used to, I suspect
you’d say, if asked, that you’d rather be an employee. But from my perspective, as
someone who has been self employed for 18 years, why would you not consider
going self employed?
Stay Employed?
The benefits of employment are not to be disregarded – you have the certainty
of a regular income and other benefits such as a car, healthcare, pension or
share options. But you also run the risk of circumstances beyond your control
determining your future. Just look at the hullaballoo in the financial and
property sectors to see what I mean. There are countless nervous employees
in those sectors worrying about the decisions their bosses make.
Going self employed is not for the feint of heart, especially those with
commitments such as a family, mortgage or debts to service. But there again,
you may be in a situation where you have little choice. However, I think you do
have a choice.
Winning Whilst I Work
Of course self employment is not all a bed of roses and it has its own pressures.
I can never to sure of what I’ll earn or even when it’ll be paid. I don’t get the
benefits that my employed friends have and I’m responsible for my businesses
from sales, to production through to invoicing and debt collection. But I win in
so many other ways, most of which cannot be bought.
I cannot be sacked or made redundant, which no doubt as you know, is
quite unpleasant and comes just when you need it least. I know this twice
from bitter experience.
I work from home. I commute approximately 10 seconds along the hall.
Compared to the 5 hours per day I spent travelling when I was last employed,
life is a breeze and I fail to understand why others put up with long commutes.
Working from home also means that I see my family pretty much on demand
and I save a fortune too.
Escape t
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