• One who recognizes opportunities and organizes resources to take advantage of the opportunity.
  • A person who takes the risk of organizing and operating a new business venture.
  • One who assumes the financial risk of the initiation, operation, and management of a given business undertaking.

Entrepreneur. Does the word describe you? Entrepreneur.com points out common traits of entrepreneurs and helps you consider this route.

I’ve been a self-employed entrepreneur for several years now. It’s been a dream of mine to be my own boss, head up my own company. While running my own business comes with pleasant perks and horrific hassles, I wouldn’t change it for a traditional 9-5. In fact, I encourage researching entrepreneurship or self-employment to anyone considering it. I’ve even inspired a few friends to start their own businesses.

My last formal employment netted me two lifelong friends, Polly and Gary. I also met my partner, Khaia, because of that job. Khaia is now self-employed as a general contractor, and Polly owns her own design firm. And finally today’¦.welcome Gary! He gave notice yesterday! We celebrated with some after work drinks, hence the late post.

The transition from employee to business owner can be difficult. In Gary’s instance, he transition from being an independent contractor. Cutting one of your main client lifelines can feel like you’re tossing your life preserver into the ocean. How will you save yourself without it? Making a bold step like this encourages you to look for new opportunities. Gary let his one main client go and opened the door to a million potential options. As scary as the leap of faith seems, great things are on the other side.

So, if you’ve got an ounce of entrepreneurship in your body and have ever considered flying solo, here are a few reasons to go for it:

1. Be your own boss. Set your office hours, choose the clients you work for, and set your own dress code! From start to finish all the details are up to you!

2. Set up your own office. Choose an atmosphere and location you enjoy. No more dreary office lights, cubicles, or uncomfortable desk chairs. Work from home in your pajamas, sublet an office in a hip location, or share studio space. Whatever suits your needs!

2. Follow your passion. Owning your own business is more than a job. You have the opportunity to devote your time and energy to projects you believe in. Make what you do for a living more meaningful than pushing paper for someone else.

3. Control your own destiny. Quite often people loose their jobs for reasons beyond their control. It’s hard to fire yourself! Of course, you’ll have many deep discussions with yourself. Entrepreneurship challenges you to the core of your being. But at the end of the day, ALL the choices are yours.

4. Chance to wear many hats. As an employee your job duties are often limited. You’re relegated to specific tasks and often directed in how to perform them. Self-employed people wear many hats. You’ll have the chance to head human resources, finance, advertising’¦all the ‘œdepartments’. Focus on your strengths. Delegate the rest.

5. Set your own pay structure. Set your pay rate. Set your pay schedule ‘“ monthly, weekly, whatever works for your business.

Do some homework and research your business idea. Develop a solid business plan and run a preliminary budget before launching into self-employment. Don’t ignore the downsides and negatives of being self-employed. Just make sure the benefits out weigh them.

So, congratulations Gary! I’m so excited for you and looking forward to watching your business grow! I’m positive you’ll find success in this next phase of your professional life!

For more information visit:

My Own Biz

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Considering self-employment

Kiplinger