For almost fifteen years, I worked for someone else because I was scared to be out on my own. Scared to not have health insurance, a guaranteed paycheck every two weeks, paid vacation, and the other accoutrements that comes with being employed by someone else. But the fact is, the security I thought I had was non-existent. It was all in my head. Let me explain.
Working for someone else is like renting a home that is not yours. Yes, you have the advantage of being able to have maintenance come and fix the problems in your home, no property taxes to pay, but you are paying rent on something that you will ever own. It is not a investment nor is it something you can leave to your family when you pass on. Renting is a great temporary option, but why would you want to rent for your whole life? And why would you want to work for someone else for your entire work life as well?
We all have a hustle. We all aspire to be more than we are—most of us want to be able to live comfortably, to be able to pay for college for our kids, the ability to take an international trip once a year, and an occasional shopping spree. We need to work in order to achieve all of this and enjoy the fruits of our labor. But why work for someone else when you can be self employed?
I was so scared when I went out on my own. I started this blog, then began freelancing and writing, and things began coming to me—projects, assignments, that almost add up to the amount I was making before at my 9 to 5. I can now make my own hours, play by my own rules, and develop my brand. I could not do that before, at least not the way I wanted to. Now each keystroke that I make is for me and my business—not for someone else’s gain, who is paying me a minimum salary to do maximum work. This is now an investment into my portfolio and my future. How cool is that?
Build up your own net worth through your passion! Whether it is writing or catering or opening up your own business. Whatever it is, just do it! I am not saying quit your job right now and go off into the sunset without a plan. But I am saying you can make it happen right now. Stop putting it off. If you want to be on your own, don’t be scared like I was. I wasted so much time because I was afraid. And now I am playing catch-up!
The supposed safety net of a job is gone—my Aunt who as worked for the same school district for over 15 years is now out of a job. Unemployment rates are at an all-time high. Turn a negative into a positive and tap into your passion and make it work for you. If I could do it, believe me, anyone can.
I do understand that not everyone can be self-employed. There are jobs in sectors that need to be filled. But for those of you who are working at jobs that you hate and would rather be working on your passion, don’t be afraid to take that leap!
Develop your plan now and work everyday towards your goals. I wish you much success!
I think entrepreneurism is a great idea, but I don't think of it as a panacea. For one, being self-employed comes with its own challenges and insecurities. I have relatives who are all pro-entrepreneurism. Interestingly the most successful person in the family (via financial security) is the couple that worked for a company – not self. They leverage very good wages, benefits packages, AND great investments to secure themselves. Now they have a grand home, retired, and travel like crazy. The others who seem fine -homes, cars, etc, are still working and have no planned end in site. Working is fine – I plan on doing it till I drop dead, but the fantasy of entrepreneurship just hasn't played out as they had me expect.
In my opinion, it's not about who writes your paycheck, but more about meeting your personal/professional goals.
Are you happy with the work you do?
Are you satisfied with your level of compensation?
Does working for a business, institution, agency, municipality meet your objectives?
Would going on your own or at least in a different direction (e.g. co-operatives) best meet your objectives?
In my head this conversation implies a dichtomy of ownership. Who owns your time, innovation, ideas, creative work energy? A company or you?
To work for someone or for yourself is truly a philosophy that one subscribes to (unconsciously sometimes). As one who was preparing for a career in academia, I have a completely different concept of 'working for someone else'. I realized that when someone asked me whom I worked for and I was completed confused by the question. My response was I work AT ___ place, but I work FOR me. When I shared this with other academics (my advisor, fellow grad students) the response was the same.
You see, my science is MY work. I pursue my own questions, hypotheses, seek additional funding, and research assistance when needed. I do work for myself. No one directs my work. Yes, there are benchmarks to meet, but I'm my own 'work' entity. Where I hang my shingle is just that. A place. It offers support and without that support I will move on. But that institutional support is essential. One really can't do 'entrepreneural' bench research. Some sort affiliation is needed both to secure funding and to get things done.
Of course not everyone can be self employed. This post was speaking to the folk that like myself, was scared to take a leap because the supposed “safety net” of a job with benefits keeps them in a job that they may not want to be.
Thanks for commenting! You made some valid and well written points.