Self Employment Debate – To be
Self-employment...the American dream? It most definitely is in the eye of the beholder. There are far more self-employed business owners in this day and age. Roles are changing. Traditionally, the man's place was in the work world while the woman was the caretaker of the family and home. The lines have become blurred; women are now full-time employees and men are stay-at-home fathers. Women are spreading their wings and opening businesses of their own. Freelancing has become far more prevalent. It has been, and continues to be, a changing world.
From a wife's perspective, I can say self-employment wears many faces...self-accomplishment, reward, fear, depression. When my husband decided to leave the corporate world to open his own business, the economy was stable, it was a good time. Having seen the down-side to corporate America for far too long - stress, long hours, long commute - we were eager to set out on this new adventure. Having been a stay-at-home mom, I re-entered the work force. Our children were young and this opportunity would allow my husband to be a part of their growing years. He could experience the sporting events, dance classes, school programs, and every day things that happen once in a lifetime. He could be his own man and make his own schedule. We now were able to eat dinner as a family, something so simple yet so essential.
On the other hand, there are many variables to consider before even venturing out on your own. Do you have enough start-up cash to sustain you until your business takes off? Do you need to purchase health insurance or do you have a spouse who carries these benefits for the family? Will you need to pay employees? Yes, there will be long hours. Yes, there will be stress. But, the family unit is now the "team" that gets it done. There are also variables over which you have no control...rising operating costs, poor economy. This is where being self-employed can wear the faces of fear and depression. You don't have the steady income to fall back on. You have to make it happen.
My husband is now on his second business venture. Life is still hard, but we are together making it work. I think the pros of self-employment far outweigh the cons. You will never see "loyal employee" on a tombstone...but, you will see "loving spouse, caring parent, and loyal friend". And, that is something to be proud of!
