Is it better to work for an established employer or be self-employed?

There are many advantages to running your own business from the comfort of your home, and most of them are enough to make people really consider the idea, however some people lack the skills or motivation needed, or simply prefer the reassurance of a fixed annual salary.


Being self employed has a huge number of advantages but definitely doesn’t suit everyone. I would recommend starting a business whilst still working full or part time to see if it is right for you to reduce the risk involved.

Working from the comfort of your home might sound great to most and it can be a nice feature, as long as you don’t allow yourself to get distracted from doing important things relating to your business. Enjoy the privileges of being able to work from home, but don’t abuse it and take advantage by doing less important things like the housework.

Choosing the hours and days that you work is also great, especially for people with family commitments who may have certain schedules and need to work specific hours or days. Don’t allow yourself to ‘slide’ and think that you can afford to work for the minimum time each day. You must remember that now you have to work for your success and if you don’t, you aren’t going to get paid. There is no monthly or annual pay check to rely on, so it really is all down to yourself!

You can choose how much your services or products are worth and how much you will sell them for. On top of that you can have all of your ideas valued and listened to – if you think it’s a good and will work, it is your decision to try it! There is no one to tell you to stop or that your idea isn’t going to work. Just be sensible!
Your job security is always high as long as you are able to create enough money for you to live on and be happy with. Some people start a business and when it isn’t working they convince themselves that it will, just because they want it to and are too proud to let it go. Don’t fool yourself, if you aren’t making money you could run yourself into a lot of trouble and debt!

Being self employed can be a great experience and an exciting journey. You will get to look at things from a different perspective, take charge and be your own boss instead of working for someone else and truly feel ‘free’ to work when you want to work. Don’t expect success over night as it will take time, but it will be worth it in the long run!

Posted in: Debates