Sometimes I like to go back to “this day in history”, well not really but I do like to go back to posts I wrote when I first started blogging. Those days when I draw a blank and wonder if I should continue to write daily. The original post was called “Working for Yourself” but I have updated it just a little…
I think dreams of being my own boss go back to a time when I made pre-mature baby clothes. I did it all – design, cutout, sew the clothes, sell and deliver to the local stores. I don’t remember the year but I was working at the Ocean Club in Atlantic City and had the support of the AMAZING Sid Ascher, a marketing genius. Was I ready to be my own boss? No. Did I even know what it meant? No. I just liked the freedom of making my own hours but at the time, I was not very good at time or money management. To say the least, I went back to working for someone else.
My next leap into being my own boss was when I was a single mom…. I took my grant management skills in the non-profit world and opened “H.O.P.E. Consultants”. For Belinda’s four years in High School, I was my own boss. As things changed in the grant management world, I joined the 9 to 5 workforce to help a grassroots non-profit. Then after 6 years of long commutes (4 hours round trip, 4 days a week), I left the job I LOVED (and hated – LOL) to be my own boss as a Direct Sales Consultant. Why? The freedom to make my own hours with no long commute far outweighed the fear of owning my own business.
Has it been easy? No. Did (or do) I let fear get in the way? Yes. I hopped back to part time work when I lost faith in myself. I hopped back into part time work when fear took control. In January, I stepped away again to rely on God to help me grow my business.
Are you considering being your own boss? Whether it is a direct sales business or a storefront or a service business, here are some things you can expect when you work for yourself…
#1 – It’s Just You:
Obstacle: As a sole owner all responsibilities fall on you. Or maybe it’s not just you and you have teamed with someone or have an employee or maybe even an intern to manage, which could all be new territory. Managing your own schedule can be difficult if you’re used to structure. Are these insurmountable? No but you need to be ready for them. Time management can be a little tougher as you learn how to maximize your productivity.
Advantage: It’s just you! No more office politics, micromanaging, or working for someone who doesn’t appreciate you– the list goes on and on.
#2 Blending Your Work Life with Your Home Life:
Obstacle: The upside of an office job is in most cases the ability to, both physically and mentally, leave your work at the office. This can be tricky when you’re working from home, and could be a struggle for family members. Renting a separate office space isn’t always practical or necessary. I have set up a separate area for my “office” which has helped me to stay more organized. It also prevents my business from intruding into every aspect of our personal lives – for the most part. Of course, we do have bags and organizing products throughout the house.
Advantage: No commuting! Hubby and I joke about my “long” commute now when I head down to my office. Blending your work life and your home life isn’t bad when you build your business around something you’re passionate about.
#3 You Will Work Longer and Harder Than Ever Before:
Obstacle: You may work from the minute you wake up until the minute you go to sleep BUT you will not regret it because you are building something you love. This will be true in the beginning because you will do whatever it takes to get your business off the ground. Things will change as your business grows.
Advantage: You will work longer and harder, but for your own gain. Nothing is more satisfying! While you will make some time sacrifices, you’ll also have more flexibility.
I am always grateful I am my own boss when there is a crisis, a family emergency, a holiday gathering or an unexpected guest because I can make my own hours. I have learned over the last 6 years how to overcome the obstacles (most days) and embrace the advantages.
There are sacrifices toward owning your own business, but for successful entrepreneurs, the advantages far outweigh the difficulties.
Want to know more about owning your own Thirty One business? Click HERE to see all the details. 
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
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Hope Wissel 