I Want To Work For Myself: How To Break Free From Your 9-5

• Are you tired of the 9-5 grind?
• Do you hate the job you’re currently at?
• Do you say, “I want to work for myself?”

Self-employment is a way to break free from the corporate world and achieve your dreams of independence.

In this article, we will discuss the basics of becoming self-employed and provide tips on how to determine if it will work well for you.

We will also explore the different types of self-employment and offer advice on how to start your own business from home.

What Is It Called When You Work for Yourself?

The term self-employment refers to the type of work where you work for yourself and do not have an employer.

Self-employment offers flexibility, independence, and control over how you manage your time and workload.

Is It Hard Working for Yourself?

Working for yourself has its challenges, but it can also be rewarding.

Self-employment requires hard work and determination.

You may find that you have to work longer hours than when employed by someone else.

The responsibility for both your successes and failures lies with you.  

Here are some of the challenges you may face when working for yourself.

• Time management: Creating a schedule that allows you to work efficiently and make progress on your goals can help keep you motivated and organized.
• Marketing: Self-employment requires an investment of time and money to make it successful.  You may need to invest in marketing for your business, such as building a website or creating social media campaigns.
• Risk of failure: As with any business venture there is always the risk of failure. However, with proper planning and dedication, you can minimize this risk and increase your chances of success.

How To Know if Working for Yourself Is Right for You

Before embarking on the self-employment journey, take time to assess the following factors to determine if it is the right option for you.

If You’re Self-motivated and Self-disciplined

Working for yourself requires a level of self-motivation and discipline that many people don’t have.

You will need to sometimes push yourself even when you don’t feel like it.

Staying focused on your goals and making sure you’re taking the necessary steps to reach them is critical.

If You Are Comfortable With Uncertainty

One of the challenges with self-employment is that you have no guarantee of success or income.

You will need to deal with uncertainty and have a plan to manage any unexpected changes in your business.

You Crave Independence

If you enjoy having control over your destiny, making your own decisions, and seeing the results of your hard work, then self-employment may work for you.

You’re Comfortable Working Alone

Self-employment means no supervisor to tell you what to do or how to do it.

You are responsible for setting your deadlines and managing yourself. It means you’ll need to work independently and set goals for yourself.

You’re Comfortable Working From Home

You will need to settle into a work-from-home process that lets you separate family time from work time.

Consider working for yourself if you know you can succeed in this area.

If You Can Make Decisions and Solve Problems

Self-employment requires problem-solving skills to make important decisions about your business.

You must possess the ability to think critically and come up with creative solutions when needed.

Is It Worth It Working for Yourself?

If your goal is to break free from the 9-5 grind and take control of your career, working for yourself has advantages.

Self-employment offers rewards like experiencing freedom over your hours.

You can set your rates and make decisions about what direction to take your business in.

What Are the Types of Self-employment?

You need to understand which type of self-employment you prefer before looking at opportunities for gig work.

Here are the four types to consider.

Freelancing

Freelancing is a way to become self-employed without taking on the full responsibility of an owner.

You can offer your services to various companies online or in person.

You’ll have control over how much time and effort you put into each project.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship allows you to build a business from scratch.

You’ll be in full control of decisions, such as hiring employees and setting up a budget.

The entrepreneurial path typically includes incorporating under a separate business name.

Independent Contractor

Here is a type of self-employment that allows you to offer services.

As an independent contractor, you get to set your rates, hours, and tasks.

Sole Proprietorship

A Sole proprietorship involves running a business as an individual.

You’re responsible for all costs, taxes, and paperwork associated with the business.

The main advantage here is that you can start quickly without incorporating or dealing with many of the legal aspects of setting up a business.

What Is the First Thing To Do When Self-employed?

Have you stated, “I want to work for myself,” weighed the pros and cons, and feel ready to embark on the self-employed road?

Here are three vital tasks to complete first.

Choose a Health Insurance

Finding the right health coverage can seem overwhelming, but it’s an essential step when starting a business.

Reach out to a local health insurance agent to discuss the different options available and determine what will work best for you.

Ask about a Health Savings Account (HSA).

You can save on medical costs while receiving tax advantages when using an HSA.

Create a Business Account

When transitioning to self-employment, create a separate business account to manage your finances and avoid confusion when filing taxes.

Separating paperwork and tracking expenses will help you stay organized throughout the year.

Create a Tax Savings Account

Opening up a tax savings account can help you save money on taxes each year.

Determine what type of deductions you’re eligible for and set aside money in the tax savings account to cover your future tax liabilities.

You can open up different types of individual retirement accounts.

• Traditional
• Roth
• SEP

How Do You Start Working for Yourself?

When you’re ready to work for yourself, use these tips to begin the process.

Choose the Kind of Work You Want To Do

Establish your niche and determine the types of services that you’re competent to offer.

Once you have this information, decide on pricing and terms to use when offering services.

Set Up Your Work and Advertise It

Creating a portfolio of your work is an invaluable tool when marketing yourself and the services you provide.

You can also build social media pages, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, to draw attention to your work.

Figure Out the Logistics

It’s vital to understand the legal aspects associated with self-employment before starting to work.

It includes understanding the types of taxes, licenses, and permits you may need to pay or have to work within the law.

Have Some Savings

When working for yourself, you are responsible for any expenses associated with your business.

Have some savings tucked away that can cover costs when needed and provide a cushion in times of financial uncertainty.

How to Work for Yourself From Home

Do you want to work from home rather than rent office space?

Consider these tips when doing so.

Choose the Kind of Work You Want To Do

Choose a job you can do from home and one that allows for flexible hours.

Working from home doesn’t mean you must do the work from your house.

You might build a landscaping or painting business that takes you out on the road for jobs.

Set up a Home Office

When working from home, set up an area that’s free from distractions and conducive to productivity.

Select an area of your home that becomes a designated workspace, furnish it with the necessary tools and equipment, and set up a work schedule.

Get All the Tools You Need

Make sure you have the appropriate technology to start working from home.

Essentials may include a large desk, a comfortable chair, a printer, and a coffee maker.

How to Work for Yourself Online

Do you want to work exclusively online, never leaving the house?

Consider the following factors.

Have a Computer and WIFI

Invest in a quality computer and reliable internet connection so you can work without disruptions.

Choose the Kind of Work You Want To Do

Determine whether you want to use freelance writing, graphic design, consulting, web design and development, or virtual assistant services while working from home.

Advertise Your Services or Products

Create a website and use social media platforms to draw attention to the services or products you offer.

Top Work for Yourself Jobs

We’ve mentioned a few options above when it comes to work-from-home jobs.

Below, we detail all the jobs to consider when working for yourself.

Self-employed Jobs With No Qualifications

Let’s start with the types of freelance jobs you can make money in without going through an interview process.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is an interesting business model for those who want to work from home and make money with minimal effort.

Through affiliate marketing, you earn a commission when promoting other people’s products or services.

Web Development

If you’re tech-savvy, web development could be a perfect choice as it involves building websites or apps using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other programming languages.

You can do web development remotely, often with the help of freelancing websites like Upwork or Fiverr.

Freelance Writing

Freelance writers create content for businesses and publications, including blog posts, web copy, product descriptions, and more.

Pet Sitter

Do you love pets? Consider using pet sitting as your work-from-home solution.

As a pet sitter, you look after people’s pets while they’re away on holiday or at work.

In this job, you can fill your days with cuddles, playtime, and walks with furry friends.

Rideshare Driver

If you have a car, become an Uber or Lyft driver.

It’s one of the best side hustles that doesn’t require special skills.

As a rideshare driver, you will pick up and drop off passengers at their desired locations for a fee.

Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant can work from home, assisting businesses remotely.

Tasks may include answering emails, scheduling appointments, conducting research, booking travel arrangements, and taking on other administrative duties as required by the employer.

Tutoring

As a tutor, you can help students study for exams, learn new concepts, or brush up on areas they are weak.

Best Self-employed Jobs for Beginners

Here are four options that can help get you started as a beginner entrepreneur.

Dropshipping

If you want to start an online business without investing heavily, consider drop shipping.

You can partner with a supplier who will take care of the product fulfillment.

Social Media Management

As a social media manager, you’ll create content, run giveaways and contests, answer messages and comments on social media platforms, and help brands engage with their target audiences.

Blogger

If you have a creative knack for writing, blogging can work.

You can write about various topics, from photography and fashion to lifestyle and travel.

Graphic Designer

Do you love designing visuals?

Consider becoming an online graphic designer.

Graphic design is in high demand these days, particularly for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have a few questions about working for yourself?

Wrapping Up

For years, you may have said, “I want to work for myself.”

Working for yourself may seem exciting and scary at the same time.

If you’re ready to start, why not begin with a side hustle?

Opportunities that start out as a side job can eventually take off, allowing you to quit your job.

Any of the opportunities listed above will help you determine if you like working for yourself, so don’t be afraid to take the plunge and see where it will take you.