Being Your Own Boss

The word 'Self-Employed' generates connotations of the freedom to do what you want-when you want to, a relaxed working environment, short working hours etc.

Even though some of these attributes do apply, for instance I can go to the shops at 11am if I see fit, but the reality is, the time I don't spend working must be caught up at some point...this usually being after hours. 08:00 to 17:00 suddenly doesn't sound quite so mundane, now does it?

Anyone who has their own business, or who has ever attempted to go-it-alone I'm certain will relate.

Being a bit of a workaholic means that even when I was a full-time employee, I was never really bound to the working hours in my contract, however, I don't remember ever experiencing sleepless nights over what was on the cards for the next day. I think the 2 biggest learning curves for me, however, was firstly saying goodbye to a reliable and predictable income every month. No work, no pay - what a concept...ha ha!

Secondly, workplace socialisation. You can hire employees that may hopefully become friends but the dynamic is always that you are the boss and they are the employees. Coming from an advertising background I was used to working in a busy, lively, talkative (this being a definite strong skill of mine) office full of peers who share the same perspectives as me, and most importantly Friday afternoon drinks :) I guess my dogs are always a comfort...although I have to admit that they have been known to give me a 'Why are you still talking' look from time-to-time.

The positive for me though, is that it has probably been the most challenging time of my life, whereby I have challenged my abilities to the hilt, and come out standing! Working with a spouse is another challenge, but in a strange sort of way, the stress has brought us closer together, as we have really had to learn how to handle each other's ups and downs, while still ensuring that the work gets done. When working with a spouse you can't just ignore them, as you would a colleague...I mean you go home together at night!

Having your own business can furnish you with laughter, pain, happiness and despair, that no ride at Gold Reef City could even aspire to provide!

I end with the words of Donald Trump's Apprentice winner and natural entrepreneur, Bill Rancic:
"If it really was a no-brainer to make it on your own in business there'd be millions of no-brained, harebrained, and otherwise dubiously brained individuals quitting their day jobs and hanging out their own shingles. Nobody would be left to round out the workforce and execute the business plan."