Are you tired of working for “The Man”? If you’ve been breaking your back to make someone else rich, ask yourself why. With a fantastic idea, a great business plan and a lot of energy, you can start working for yourself. If you’re still wondering why you would bother, here are five advantages to being your own boss:
You Pay Yourself
Anyone who has waited for a year only to receive a measly quarter raise knows the pain of having someone else control your income. While this may seem like more of a disadvantage when you start out, paying yourself will definitely be an advantage in the long run. You also have the added benefit of knowing that there is no cap on your salary. The sky is the limit when it comes to your own income when you have sole control over it.
You Decide
Have you ever had what you thought was a great idea at work? Was that great idea shot down simply because your boss didn’t think of it first? We’ve all been there. Instead of sharing your fabulous ideas with others, you can implement them yourself. You can choose the type of business that you run, you will have complete creative license, and you can work when you want. The decision, no matter what it is, will ultimately be yours alone.
Set Your Hours
When the clock strikes two, in the morning that is, are you at your best? Try telling your boss you’d prefer to work the midnight shift when the office closes at five. When you work for yourself, you can work any hours that you want. This is fantastic if you have a family, go to school, or want to have a life outside of the office. Consider that you will never have to tell friends and family that you can’t socialize because you have to work.
The Challenge
We’ve all had at least one job that we’re convinced a monkey could do. Whether we’re thoughtlessly pushing the same button all day, every day, or we’re entering data into a computer for eight hours a day, there are jobs out there that simply offer no challenge. If you’re the type of person that likes to think on his or her feet, problem solve, or be otherwise challenged, being your own boss is the way to go.
Job Security
Chances are slim to none that you’ll ever fire yourself. In this world of mass unemployment, knowing that you have job security is a great reason to work for yourself. While you may change tracks now and again, you will always be employed. Of course there is risk when you work for yourself, but if you put the time and energy into running your own business, you can be sure that you’ll always have work.
No one can say whether or not running your own business will make you a millionaire or an overnight sensation. What they can say, however, is that working for yourself is always more rewarding than making money for someone else. If you’ve got a great idea, turn it into a money-maker and start bossing yourself around; there’s no reason to give someone else the pleasure.
Laura King is an avid blogger. Looking to be you own boss? You may consider pursuing an MBA to get a business education, such as those offered at Washington State University and University of Washington.