How long have you worked for yourself?

Is it your ideal situation?

Would you rather work for someone else?

Pros and Cons?
[Edited 1/16/06 9:19am]

i always wanted to work for myself, but my mother told me from the first time i mentioned it in college that i'd do it over her dead body, and if i wasn't employed by a job that would provide me with health benefits, she would refuse to assist me if something should ever happen to me, because it would be "my choice" not to have insurance through a job. kinda hardcore, but hey - she got her way and i work for The Man.

Anxiety said:

of course, i'm healthy as an ox and i haven't been to a hospital since i was 4 years old, but hey.

Anxiety said:

Have you just touched/knocked on wood?

Anxiety said:

I have to tell you, I adore your sig.

REDFEATHERS said:

i tapped my noggin, yes.

CarrieMpls said:

thank ya!

Anxiety said:

I knew you would say something like that!

I used to work as a freelance journalist so I guess you could say that was being self-employed, but it never quite felt that way. Maybe it's because the situation for a freelancer is more like having "external bosses" than having "customers". Also, I think it makes a world of difference if you're self-employed and have employees of your own. When you're a lone entrepreneur a lost assignment can rock your world much more easily since you don't have a network anchored in several closely affiliated people to fall back on. One day I think I'll have my own little company with a few employees and I'm starting to approach the point where I'm really ready for it in terms of knowledge and experience as well as maturity and emotional stability.
[Edited 1/16/06 9:16am]

retina said:

I am working on a freelance basis - its good, cos I can work my own hours without interuptions and the money is good too.

But there is no office gossip I just listen to my music all day.

What sucks most is, you got loads of work coming in, and you think you are on a roll, and then when it dries up, you are left with no income.

Plus I dont get paid holidays now..

REDFEATHERS said:

That about sums it up for me.

anyone know any work at home opportunities? How do I get started? Any ideas on what I can do?

i should work on my own, because i'm SO not a team player nor will i ever be. i definitely come from the "if you want it done right, do it yourself" school.

I've worked as a freelance journalist, but never exclusively. It's always been in combination with a full-time job.

I am...

I definitely prefer it to being on someone's payroll...the freedom that goes along with being self-employed is unbeatable. You never have to request time off for a vacation, and everyone asks "Are you available for some work next month?"...lol...imagine your boss coming to your desk and saying "Are you able to do some work around here next week?...Let me know, ok?"..

You do have to manage for the leaner times, when the work isn't coming in as steady...you have to look at the overall picture in terms of income for the year and not just for the week or month. I had one 11-day span in which I made around $4,000-$5,000. But then I'll also have weeks where I'm only making like $300 a week... And tracking down invoices owed to you can be a pain in the ass...

Overall, though, it is sooooo perfect for someone like me...I wouldn't trade setting my own hours and rate for anything in the world. Plus it allows me the time to invest in my own ventures and career interests...the ones that aren't generating an income yet. I never watch the clock, and if I feel like spending a beautiful day taking photos or going to a museum, I have the freedom to choose to do my work in the evening instead, just as long as it's done by the deadline.

I kinda do both...Self Employed and Work Full time...I work a lot of temp jobs....and I have had several businesses...I was always looking for something that would "work" for me...And Im pretty open to trying different opportunities that look interesting. As of last November I figured out what I wanted to do....(inspired by my son) I created my own baby website.

www.Baby-Skim.com


It's rather new but I have made some decent income so far so that is encouraging. But I still have to work until it takes off.

Sinister said:

Sin...your baby site is awesome!

applekisses said:

Ty It took forever and I had to learn how make the damn thing...Needless to say it was and is a pain in the ass...

Sinister said:

It's still awesomely cool! Good for you!

I am!

Love it and would have it no other way. I have been self employed for 20 years. There was only one real lean time that I can think of.










.
[Edited 1/16/06 10:16am]

Byron said:

Thats one of the biggest thing that annoys me.
And the companies I have worked for, if the boss is in the Far East or away, its difficult for him to get my cheque signed off, and sometimes I have to wait ages for his return to get my invoice paid..
[Edited 1/16/06 10:29am]

Sinister said:

Oh how wonderful

I find it fascinating what other Orgers do for a living..

REDFEATHERS said:

Thanks And good to see you Red it's been a while

Sinister said:

Been a while for what?

After I moved back to KY from NYC, I had a lil extra $$$ and my brother was in an endless job. He had always had an eye for style and wanted to know if I would help him finance a florist shop. We opened in July of 2001 and the business has grown many more times over than I ever imagined. My duties there are pretty limited, considering I put up the lion's share of the capital, but I do go back and help him on major holidays, weddings, ect ect. I find it to be a very rewarding lifestyle, albeit, not my main lifestyle. I helped one of my friends open a gay Bed & Breakfast in my hometown and it has proved to be a much needed oasis in a city not soo accepting of fags. I have always worked in the hotel business and my dream is to open a Bed & Breakfast / Gay Resort of my own and hopefully that will transpire before I'm 30. So I guess what I was trying to say is its rewarding, but takes mucho $$$$$.

alexnevermind319 said:

omg! I remember you talking about the B&B in chat once!

Glad to hear its all going well for you, Alex..

I'm looking into being self employed as a sideline and if it takes off, maybe I can quit my day job , but then again extra money comes in handy.

REDBABY said:

Tnx Babes

REDFEATHERS said:

about 4 years.

It alows me time and provides money needed.

I wouldn't want to work for someone else in the sense of a workforce. I wouldn't mind getting into a really good artistic job however.

Pros: Everything from being one's own boss to sleeping in late, and working in my sweatpants.

Cons: to much time to do other things like this.