Self-employment is the ultimate dream for many Americans. The freedom, the flexibility, and the chance to create something of their own are all important factors in making the choice to become self-employed. There is a range of benefits in becoming self-employed which cannot be achieved in regular employment situations.
Ultimate control
Being in control of your employment is a satisfying and challenging thing. Self-employment requires a great deal of discipline, but many choose to take this path for the freedom that it offers. Being in control of your workday can benefit you in the smallest ways like deciding the times of day that suit you best or arranging your workload to suit your current mood. You have total control over who you work with and how you make your money when you are self-employed, and this offers a level of creative freedom that you would not find in a traditional employment situation.
Financial freedom
Many people would prefer the consistency of having a regular salary, but there is something to be said for the freedom that is gained from making your own money. The knowledge that all of your income relates directly to your own hard work is a wonderful feeling. With the financial freedom of running your own business comes a degree of financial responsibility too. Adequate business insurance is required to ensure that you and your company are protected from unforeseen circumstances that could impact your earnings in a negative way. Though you should always be prepared to protect your business from the unknown, the financial freedom of working for yourself is a fantastic perk.
The ability to outsource
We all have jobs that we would prefer not to have to do, no matter what industry we are working in. When you work for yourself, you have the ability to choose which of these tasks you can outsource or delegate to others. Overall, taking away the painful points of your workday can create a much higher level of job satisfaction.
Improved skills
When you work for yourself, the onus is on you to take care of every aspect of your business. From marketing to finances to everyday cleaning and maintenance, all of these tasks ultimately fall back onto you. The benefit of needing to take on all aspects of your business is that you have the opportunity to improve your skillset and learn more about areas of your business that you may not have otherwise had the chance to. Participating in continuing professional development through courses and seminars is a fantastic way to make the most of improving your skillset through self-employment.
Personal networks
Building your business network is one of the most exciting parts of being self-employed. There are countless associations and organizations that you can join to branch out and gain more exposure for yourself and your business. One of the longest-standing organizations to join is Rotary International which offers local chapters for active business people in communities around the country. The beauty of being self-employed is that you are not just promoting a brand, you are promoting your own personal brand which lends to more meaningful connections.
The benefits of working for yourself are many but they are balanced with their own unique set of challenges too. For those who are ready to take the leap into self-employment, there are a great deal of benefits to be experienced.
