Reentering the Job Market after self Employment
Reentering the job market after self-employment is not going to be an easy task. Before you even consider this move you need to take to to consider the change of work status very carefully. Employment brings with it a totally different working structure.
1) Decision making. Self-employed people are there own decision makers. With employment you will need to leave that habit behind to a large extent. Your boss will be the ultimate decision maker in an employed position and, unless you can put forward a reasoned argument, he/she will expect you to accept that decision and work with it.
2) Time-keeping. An employed position will bring with it a pre-decided framework, whether you are working normal days or on shiftwork. You will be asked to be responsible in this respect and keep to your work hours.
3) Benefits. Working for yourself brings a number of financial benefits. For example you can set your travel costs against profits, thereby reducing tax liabilities. This may not be possible in an employed position, especially if it is a desk bound job.
4) Holiday periods will be more regimented in employment. It is also possible that you will need to arrange your holiday around other staff members.
5) Employer caution. It is possible that you may find some potential employers are a little cautious about employing former self-employed people, especially if the position being sought appears to be at a lower level of authority than it is perceived the person was used to. To counteract this you need to ensure that you can put their minds at rest over the reasons you want the position.
6) CV. You need to pay special attention to your CV. Make sure that it is geared in such a way as to focus the skills and experience you have in respect of the position you are applying for. In addition you will need to have references available from clients of yours in the past.
