How can I work for myself? And other questions about going it alone

Happy woman looking at laptop and screaming, working at cafe

 

There are lots of reasons that you might want to work for yourself. You might want a better work life balance, be tired of reporting lines and appraisals, or you want to work in an area you’re passionate about. But how do you take the plunge? We answer common questions about working for yourself…

How can I work for myself?

There are lots of options, depending on your background and career goals. In certain professions the most obvious choice is to go freelance. Typical examples are journalism, PR and marketing, IT, HR, interim management, accountancy, graphic design and project management. Read more on freelancing here.

Alternatively, you might want to do something completely different. You can offer your services in all kinds of areas, perhaps seeking retraining to pursue a new direction. You might choose to become a life coach, a therapist, personal trainer or go into animal care.

To start with decide what field you would like to work in and then research the practicalities. Talking to a career coach can be a good way to narrow down the options.

Can I get better work-life balance working for myself?

You might decide to start your own business as a way to balance home and work life. It can be a great solution as long as you are disciplined. You can flex your working hours around your family commitments, although the type of business you start will be important – some roles are definitely day jobs. You should also be prepared to put in more hours as you establish your business, so you need to be sure you have time around your other commitments.

Is there an easy way to set up a business?

If you’re not sure what kind of business you want to run, you might find inspiration in a franchise. Franchising is a way to build your own business using a tried and tested template. You’re guided and trained, given a brand and marketing strategy – so it’s less risky than coming up with your own business idea.

There are hundreds of opportunities available from child-focused classes and party organisation to travel support and virtual business services. We have a dedicated section for flexible franchise opportunities that you can search through.

Can I just take a job on a self-employed basis?

Becoming self-employed doesn’t have to mean jumping out of a paid role into the unknown. As the workplace becomes more flexible, some employers are actively seeking to recruit people on a self-employed basis. Many of the opportunities will allow you to work from home.

Take a look at our jobs page, where opportunities range from market research to legal appointments; tutoring to customer relations. Self employed jobs are available on both a full time and part time basis. Search for self-employment opportunities.

What are the main steps to set up a business?

Legally creating a business is very straightforward. You simply fill in a form on the Companies House website. But it’s a good idea to talk to an accountant in advance to help you decide whether to set up as a sole trader or a limited company.

You will then need to invest in the equipment you will need for your business. For some companies that just means getting a laptop, while for other small businesses you might need to secure premises, tools or software systems. You could fund these with a small business bank loan or credit card.

Next you need to advertise your services. How you do this will depend on your business and target audience. Again this can involve some investment, although promotions on social media is often a cost-effective way to start.

How do I grow my business?

Not everyone wants to be a highly successful entrepreneur and it’s fine to treat your self-employment as a means to pay your bills while caring for your family.

But if you want to expand your company, sell more products and services and perhaps take on a team of staff, those opportunities will usually come over time. The important thing is to focus on getting the basics right first. Make sure you have a solid offering for your customers, that they are happy with what they get from you, and that people can find you. Usually, that’s enough to make a great start.

Whichever route you choose, there’s plenty of advice and support available online. It’s definitely worth exploring the options to see whether self-employment could work for you.

As everyone who works for themselves will tell you – you’ll never look back!



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