“Why don’t you get a proper job?”
You know, one that gives you a pay packet at the end of the month. One that doesn’t change from one month to the next. That gives you a holiday every year and time off at weekends.
I used to get that refrain quite a lot a few years ago. I’d just started my business and things were a little tricky. But I stuck it out, had some good times and bad times, but 15 years later I’m still here.
For some reason, you think “having a job” is a good thing by because it’s secure.
They have an employer, what could possibly go wrong?
Oh yeah?
Now substitute the word employer for client. Just one client. Is that a good strategy? What kind of future would you have if you lost that only client?
Not looking so secure now are we?
Let’s get one thing straight, job security is a myth. You’re at the whim of any two-bit boss (or his accountant) who may just one day decide you’re surplus to requirements.
Scrapheap.
Bye, bye.
What do you do now?
Welcome to the world of entrepreurship. A world where you live and die by your successes and your failures. Where you have no corporate desk or name to hide behind. Where when the shit hits the fan it splatters in your face so you do your dammest to ensure that there’s no shit (or no fan).
That may fill you with fear. It sure did me when I started but I had no choice. I was desperate. I needed money, fast. You may be in that position now. Or you may be just thinking about doing it.
Consider the benefits
- You can’t get fired.
- No boss. You make the rules and break them. But then again, if you’ve made them, why would you?
- No commuting. Save money, time and boredom.
- Unlimited earning potential (if you work hard).
- Time off when you want it. I love taking a Thursday off.
- Freedom to set out your agenda. See above. Also, the ultimate in flexible hours. If you want to start at 5 am in summer because it’s cooler than the afternoon, you can.
- More time with the family (if you like them, that is).
- Everyday is dress down Friday. No suits, no ties, no matching clothes. In the summer, you can answer the phone stark naked if you fancy. Sorry to those clients to whom I’ve done this. You don’t know who you are.
- No office politics.
- Take as many breaks as you like without the boss, supervisor or colleagues throwing you dirty looks. As long as the work gets done, does it matter?
- Live anywhere in the world. Have broadband, will travel.
- Greater variety of work. Doubled-edged sword, this one. You can get some really interesting stuff but also some really boring stuff.
- Work in the garden (or in a pub, coffee house, park).
- Choose who you work with and for.
- Turn down work when you want to. If a job doesn’t take your fancy, just say no.
- Choose your environment. If you want to listen to Metallica at full blast, you can.
My advice? Just go and do it anyway. The road is mighty rocky, very scary (when the phone doesn’t ring – yes I have checked the line to make sure there wasn’t a fault), but it’s worth it.
What’s the worst that can happen?
And?
If you don’t do it, you’ll regret it.
