Starting my own business and then making it my full-time job is one of the best and most exhilarating decisions I’ve made so far in life. I usually get asked an array of questions about my journey whenever I tell someone I’m self-employed.
Most people share their desire to take a leap of faith during the conversation. These are a few things I warn them are bad reasons to quit a job in pursuit of self-employment:
You’re Unhappy and Hoping Self-Employment Will Solve It
Relationship experts always say that a baby can’t solve a troubled marriage. The baby diverts attention for a while, but eventually the same old underlying problems bubble up to the surface.
It’s the same deal with self-employment. Birthing a business will not fix unaddressed personal or professional issues. Working for yourself can even magnify problems especially related to mental health. Many entrepreneurs are becoming more transparent about their struggles with unhappiness, depression, and anxiety.
Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade being self-employed in for the world. I love what I do, I love the people I serve, I enjoy the freedom, and I credit this experience for building up my mental toughness.
Just be careful of taking the plunge with the expectation that being self-employed will rid you of a terrible career so that you can live happily ever after. Self-employment has its own set of obstacles.
Your Main Goal Is Having the Beach and Laptop Lifestyle
There is a certain level of self-employment glamorization on the internet. Entrepreneurship is sometimes sold as something that will make you richer, smarter, better looking, and more desirable. It’s a lot like old school cigarette commercials. There is truth to these benefits, but the glitz and glam of it all comes secondary.
Seeing the fruits of your labor may happen after a long period of learning, experimenting, and pivoting. Be aware that you won’t be seeing many sunny beaches right away if you’re taking a leap of faith without a fully functioning parachute.
Everyone Else is Doing It
Everyone should have at least one side business (service or product based) for an extra source of income. This is non-negotiable. But not everyone is built to be a full-time entrepreneur. You can do great things while holding down a traditional job.
Despite this fact, I’ve seen plenty of “having a boss” shaming here and there online. I don’t mind being the lone voice that cuts through the noise and gives it to you straight.
Don’t let someone else’s professional journey impact your own.
You could miss out on great opportunities if you let outside influence cloud your judgment. You can let your business idea cook for a while before taking it full-time. It’s possible to explore business ownership part-time while holding down a stable job for the time being.
Final Word
It can be hard at times, but self-employment is the bee’s knees to me. It may be for you as well. It’s important to think logically about doing it full-time and whether your reasons for doing so make sense long-term.
