ALT-1 Advantages of being self Employed
There are advantages to being self-employed, just as there are advantages to being an employee. They can each look over the fence that divides them, and feel that the grass is greener for the other, but to find out they must jump the fence, climb or perhaps, even be pushed over!
The self-employed have to use their own initiative. This may sound risky, but being free to use your imagination and creativity without having to persuade a committee of fuddy-duddies, is an advantage that can quickly generate fresh sales. With a healthy dose of motivation and some understanding of how to take ideas from conception to profitability, this advantage is at the root of a very fruitful enterprise. For the self-employed, their creativity can be entirely unhindered!
There are benefits to working as an employee, but most of them go to the company. Employers want the best workers they can hire, and are willing to pay a good salary in order to recruit them. These workers are torn between needing the job and not wanting to undersell themselves. In the end, it is the employer who has the greater say in the relationship, he calls the tune and the employee has to dance.
Some employers have good systems of recognising and rewarding their workers. All this helps to motivate the staff to work harder. A positive colleague-colleague relationship in a secure working environment, inspires productive teamwork. This kind of environment is an employer's best asset - so long as there is a vibrant sense of collaboration among colleagues, there is also productivity. The boss is making good money from his happy team of workers. The question for the employees, is 'Would it not be advantageous to be doing similar work for yourself?'
If you were to take the plunge and become self-employed, you will be able to fix your own price for the work you do. There are expenses involved in being self-employed, but with a little advice on pricing for the work, you will definitely be better off than when you were working so hard lining your boss's pockets! Of course, stepping out on your own can seem a daunting step to take, but the rewards and advantages are there for those prepared enough to take them!
Tax is calculated on a completed year's business. This means that you can use the money until the bill is due to be paid. If cash flow is difficult, then it requires discipline to set money aside - preferably in a good interest-bearing account - in order to pay the tax man.
Self-employment is a package of advantages and responsibilities which, if you can manage them, can bring you much satisfaction and profit. Preferring normal 'employment' status is in no way a weakness, rather, it is a valid and important part of the economy. If you are employed at the moment, and are looking over the fence into the field of self-employment, know that the grass is at least as green over there, probably more so, and, you can eat as much of it as you like!
