Dorotea Tuzon

With the recent economic changes and layoffs happening globally, many individuals are looking for ways to becoming their own boss. About 1.57 billion people in the world have found their way through freelancing, which is almost half of the global workforce.

Self-employed refers to a person who can either be a sole proprietor or an independent contractor that earns money by working for herself or himself and NOT for other individuals or company. This can be done full-time or part -time and even as a side hustle.

ADVANTAGES

There are several benefits of being a self-employed, like having the flexibility and the independence in making your own decisions.

Being self-employed, allows you to pursue your own personal passions, goals, and activities. And, whatever hard work you’ve dedicated yourself into this pursuit, you will reap its fruits 100%.

In addition, being self-employed allows you to have the flexibility on your time and be able to spend it with the people that you love. You can also have the flexibility to decide where you want to work even in the comfort of your own home.

DISADVANTAGES

On the other hand, being self-employed can also have its fair share of disadvantages. Since you are working “alone,” you have to wear multiple hats. Self -employment will ask you to practically do everything from marketing, sales, payroll, invoicing, etc.

Working “alone” may also affect your well-being and I suggest that you should engage with activities that would take care of your mind, body, and spirit.

EXAMPLES

Before embracing self-employment fully, I highly suggest that you should try some freelancing work. Online websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer offers short-term projects that will help you gauge whether this career path is for you.

You can also do blogging and affiliate marketing. You can start this by creating your own website through WordPress. You may also engage in becoming an influencer by creating your own YouTube Channel or turn into podcasting or online courses.

Another self -employed opportunity that you can try is by being an independent contractor like doing ride sharing through Uber or Lyft as well as delivery services like DoorDash or InstaCart.

You can also try to open your own online store through Amazon, Shopify or Etsy.

BECOMING SELF-EMPLOYED

If you felt that being self-employed is something that you want to pursue, your next question is about how you can finance your self-employed business. Click here to get you started to your self-employment journey. Also, here is an information about the process on opening a business in the United States.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While self-employment may not be for everyone, this endeavor can bring you good rewards for your hard work and dedication. As George Bernard Shaw once said, “The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.”