If you speak to anyone who has worked for themselves they will tell you that there are many advantages of being self employed and traditional employment in the form of 9-5 jobs is gradually becoming less and less desirable for many people.
Gone are the dreams of moving into an intern role and then slowly working your way up the company until you reach an employment level that you’re happy with. Many people are now moving towards the idea of becoming self employed due to all the great benefits it can have and if you’re sitting there asking yourself if working for someone else and making them all of the money is really the best thing to do, we are here to tell you that there are many advantages of being self-employed and they really are very tempting.
If you’re still on the fence about whether self-employment is the right fit for you, check out this list of 10 advantages of being self employed to see if it’s something that you think is right for you.
10 Advantages of Being Self Employed
1. You can work when you want
One of the greatest advantages of being self-employed is that you can work when you want. You’re not held accountable by a superior in the office; you’re now totally in charge of when, where and how you work and for a lot of people, that’s something to truly be desired.
If you want to only work four days a week, go ahead. Want to take a long weekend so you can take your family on a surprise skiing trip? Sure, why not! The beauty of self-employment is that once you’ve established a foundation for your business, you can enjoy the flexibility of working whenever you want.
2. You’re in charge
Following on from the point above, as well as choosing when you work, you’re also completely in charge of your business and you’re not accountable to anyone but yourself.
While some people may shy away from this idea and enjoy being told what to do and when to do it, for those seeking a life of self-employment, this advantage will be very much welcomed.
As an entrepreneur, you get to call the shots and make all the important decisions so if you feel truly aligned to what you’re doing and the work you’re putting out there, you’re sure to have plenty of success.
3. You can follow your passions
Another major benefit of working for yourself is that you have the freedom and creativity to follow your dreams and passions. Chances are when you were in traditional employment, you wouldn’t have had nearly as much creative control as you do when working for yourself.
Undoubtedly one of the best advantages of being self-employed is that you can do something you’ve always wanted to do, without any restraints from anyone else holding you back.
4. You’ll have a better work/life balance
One fabulous advantage of being self-employed is that you’ll likely have a much better work/life balance. As you’re in complete charge of the company and your own working hours, only you can dictate how often you spend working and how often you get to enjoy leisurely downtime.
5. You can work from anywhere
For those seeking a more nomadic life where they can work and travel at the same time, the advantages of being self-employed are very appealing to a lot of people and are more than within reach.
When you’re self-employed you have the luxury of working from anywhere in the world, depending on the area of business you’re in. Many freelancing jobs only require a laptop and an internet connection which in turn gives you the ability to make money no matter where you are in the world. Make sure you check out our post covering online freelance jobs that can be done from anywhere in the world if the location independent side of freelancing is something you are looking for.
6. You get to choose who you work with
For many people, work colleagues and office dramas are one of the most disliked aspects of traditional employment, but when you’re self-employed, you get to choose who you work with.
If you don’t think a particular client is a good fit for your business, then there’s no pressure to work with them as you don’t have a boss looking over your shoulder, ensuring that you’re accommodating the client before yourself.
7. You can do something meaningful to you
As well as being able to follow your passions and dreams, self-employment also allows you to do something meaningful to you.
If you want to spend one day a week working with a charity, then you have the flexibility to do so.
8. You reap the rewards
When you’re self-employed, you don’t have to answer to anyone else and as someone who’s in full control of the business, you get to fully reap the rewards for yourself.
If you decide to bring other people into the business, then you also have the luxury of providing them with a working environment that you always dreamed of when you were working for someone else.
9. You always have room for growth
Ther are so many advantages of being self employed. Another benefit of working for yourself and calling the shots is that you always have room for growth. Like we mentioned above, if your business really starts to take off and expand, then you’ll always have room and availability to bring other people in to work with you.
This is such a great benefit of working for yourself as you can grow the business at a rate that you’re happy with and that brings you joy.
10. You can help people
Last, but by no means least, without a doubt one of the greatest advantages of being self-employed is that you get to help people.
By owning your own business, you’re opening yourself up to help the local community, economy and society. As your business starts to grow and you decide to employ more people, you’re providing more jobs, as well as a service that people didn’t have access to before.
Final Thoughts on The Advantages of Being Self Employed
In today’s rapidly evolving work landscape, self-employment emerges as a powerful alternative to traditional jobs, offering unparalleled freedom, flexibility, and personal fulfillment.
Embracing this path not only allows individuals to shape their own destinies, but it also paves the way for novel contributions to the community and economy. From setting one’s own hours to pursuing genuine passions, the advantages are both tangible and fulfilling.
Yet, as with all ventures, success hinges on commitment, adaptability, and perseverance. For those who navigate the challenges, the rewards of self-employment can far outweigh the comforts of a regular 9-5.
The rise in self-employment signifies a broader shift towards individual agency, creativity, and the pursuit of a meaningful work-life balance. In essence, it’s more than just a career choice; it’s a lifestyle, offering a profound sense of purpose and autonomy in one’s professional journey. There are so many advantages of being self employed – If you’re thinking of delving into it as a career choice, make sure you check out our blog article on the pros and cons of freelancing.
