In the last article Ground Zero’s Jack Forester talked about the disadvantages of going solo. Now he turns to the ADVANTAGES of being freelance or self-employed… which is MUCH more fun!

First, you are the boss. You say what goes. If you want a lie-in or a day off, it’s up to you (but make sure you make the hours up some other time!). If you think something is rubbish, you can say so and you can change it. You have the final say on everything! It’s completely up to you how your company is run and you don’t have to listen to anyone else’s opinion (although it is often advisable). You also don’t have anyone breathing down your neck or the looming prospect of being sacked!

Secondly, it’s up to you how hard you work and how much money you make, bearing in mind that you need to make at least enough to survive! Although I’m just starting out, from hearing the success stories of other entrepreneurs, I have learnt that business is not rocket science. Most people can start and run a business successfully if they work hard enough, read the right books and listen to the right people. If you work really hard and make lots of money, at least a large percentage of that money will be yours to keep!

And third, the vast majority of the work is fun! For the first year or so, I was pretty much obsessed with my business. It became more of a hobby than work, it was my baby and I enjoyed nurturing it. I had found a combination of things which I enjoyed and they all came together and became a kind of fun college project which actually made money! It was also very rewarding work and the results made me feel a great sense of achievement and empowered me to produce more.

Just as a final word on self employment, I think it is without doubt one of the most empowering things that any person can do. Once you realise that you are capable of accomplishing something, even something relatively small, all by yourself, you get a taste of what it feels like to be truly independent and you develop a craving for more!

photo credit: boreritos