Working for Yourself vs. Having a 'Real Job'

I get a lot of questions about what I do for a living.

The answer is- a lot! Not only am I a blogger, but I'm also a musician, band promoter, and sound tech, and I also make candles and design clothing.

I've always felt that I was never meant to work for someone else, or be a slave to the clock like so many people in this world. I am a free-spirited person with a creative mind, and feel like a caged animal when forced to do the same thing day after day, week after week. I like to travel, and meet new people, and see and do new things.

There are many people out there with similar interests- you may be one of them. And you may wonder if working for yourself is the right thing to do with your life.

Here are a few things to think about: 

Stability

Let's say you have a skill that you intend to profit from (like writing), and want to run your own business. It's not always easy starting out. Often, you'll have to invest money in order to make money. And there is no guarantee that it's going to work.

Also, it's not uncommon to make more in one month, than in others. You must manage your money wisely, and be prepared for times when you may be spending more than you're making. 

Many people are uncomfortable with the thought of a less stable source of income, and it may be wiser to not go this route, or have another job in addition to your business, so you have something to fall back on.

Freedom

Having a flexible schedule is a wonderful thing- you can work at the hours you are most comfortable with (in some cases, like working from home, but not always), and are free to meet up with friends for lunch or a late night out, or spend more time with your family, travel, etc.

But of course, with freedom comes responsibility. It can be very difficult to stay on track and get things done when you don't have someone pushing you to work. This is, obviously, not ideal for procrastinators. You need to be driven and keep your mind on the job. 

Social Life

Depending on what you intend to do, you may have a very active social life, or little exposure to the outside world, or somewhere in between.

Generally, when you work from home (like blogging full time) and don't have many outside commitments, your social life is usually limited to those with whom you live, and online friends and business relationships. It's not always a bad thing- some people prefer to live a quiet life (I do enjoy my personal time, when I have it), but it's not for everyone.

What are your thoughts about this? Do you prefer to work for yourself, someone else, or both?

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Related articles:

• 12 Reasons Why Most Bloggers Don't Make Much Money Online
• What Every Blogger Should Know About Making Money Online

Comments

[Clark]

I much prefer working for myself.The need for affordable health insurance and a predictable steady check has forced me into the world of employment by others, however. Not forever, though! I made almost $20 last month blogging!

:)

[hyokon]

Thanks for the good article. I would like to add one point. Employing also reduces your freedom, as well as being employed. As you are responsible for leading and supervising them, you cannot have the full freedom of solo work.

In a sense, solo entrepreneur is the most free work style. Obviously, you have business commitments which reduce your freedom, but they are common to other work styles.

[shea]

merrry Christmas

[teaching jobs]

Hi,
Its very good article.I always prefer working for myself in home.