Working for yourself often seems like the perfect solution for finding a way to earn a living and also enjoy some freedom of expression and the flexibility to set your own work schedule.
In addition, the idea of getting paid what you're worth and not having to share the profit of your own labors really appeals to many.
But before you dive into a solo business, you would do well to discuss the implications of being your own boss and "going it alone" with others that have already chosen this path and are actually making a living this way.
Their insights and advice will most likely do one of two things: strengthen your resolve to strike out down this path, or bring doubts into your mind about whether this type of business is really something that you will be happy and productive doing.
Either way, it will provide at least a partial reality check for your thoughts about what it's like to be the one in charge on a daily basis.
Who knows, you may even see yourself as the mean boss that you despise - the one you are trying to toss out of your life.
Seek out friends, neighbors, or family members that draw a paycheck strictly from their own labors. Forget those who are wealthy through inheritance, former corporate lives, or their own savvy investments over the years.
You want to talk to those who have built profitable businesses from the ground up - as you will most likely have to do.
Talk to them about what it means to be the boss. Ask them to share with you what a typical day might bring in terms of the tasks they accomplish, the creativity they are able to express, the fun they have, and the control they wield over their own actions and schedules.
Ask them to share how long the working day is, whether they ever work early in the morning or late at night. Ask them if they ever work on the weekend or on holidays.
Ask them if they work when they're really ill or just not feeling well.
Ask them if they are paid what they feel they are worth in terms of salary, fringe benefits, holiday and sick pay, and retirement.
Ask them who handles customer complaints, lost invoices, irate phone callers and damaged goods.
Ask them if they feel satisfied and fulfilled by what they do on a daily basis.
Ask them why they decided to take on self-employment and if they had met their goal.
Ask them if they had the chance to decide to go into self-employment again, would they make the same choice?
Chances are good, if you are able to speak with several honest entrepreneurs you'll get a variety of answers to your inquiries.
Consensus is not your goal - you are simply hoping to hear the feelings and opinions of those who have gone before and are willing to give you some hindsight relative to their own feelings and experience.
Some answers will probably surprise you. But most of all, they will help you to get a glimpse of your new regimen and daily life as the company boss.
If you feel energized by the challenge and can't wait to get started, by all means move forward. If you don't like the image you see of your new self as the boss, you'd better think twice about this business model or work hard to eliminate the downsides that scare you.
