ALT-8 To be or not to be self Employed – To be
Being self employed is bliss; I was self employed for six months as a self employed gardener. It was great I had a job where I could work outside, I had a different range of work places, I met a variety of people from all different back grounds I only had myself and my customers to answer to and I didn't have colleagues or a boss to wind me up the wrong way. I had a chance to really make a go of a great career. The reason I stopped is my own fault really, I became a bit undisciplined financially I didn't charge enough because I felt bad for people that were poor and I didn't chase after a few payments. So when the winter came I did not have enough money to get me through and not pay the bills so I had to bow my head in shame and work for a company which I was then made redundant from six months later, I didn't like it one bit. I now work in a shop and still I do not like it one bit, if I had the money I would definitely become self employed again.
I enjoyed the sudden surge of responsibility too, I was marketing, selling myself and qualities, I was creating my own posters, setting my own prices and customers gave me free range over their gardens to create them into whatever I wanted from which I compiled a portfolio for potential customers. I was able to go and get materials and equipment on my own without being given a list from an ungrateful boss. I had Sundays off and chose when I wanted to work not when someone told me when to work. I could wear what I wanted to and I didn't have to wear a uniform.
I was twenty at the time which is very young but I truly did enjoy it, I had ambition and nothing to lose. I did not have a car and did not have a license so I brought a trailer for my bike and put my tools in my trailer and off I went come rain or shine. Since I had to give up my business I have been doing research on how to improve my skills and to get certificates so that I feel I can charge a great deal more for my services as Gardening is a heavy task especially when your doing three different projects a day.
I would recommend self employment to anyone who has the force and self discipline within them to make a go at having their own company after all at least all your hard earned money goes in your pocket and then the tax mans, a Manager or company is not getting a cut off what is rightfully your earnings through your hard work and effort.
My advice would be to do your research thoroughly before getting stuck into it and to make sure you get paid what you are owed, other than that; Good Luck!
