I’ve recently been thinking about my work future. I’ve been thinking of my career and where I want it to go. I’ve been wondering if it is the right fit for me, if it is fulfilling, and what, besides the money, is important to me.
Going freelance or being a sole trader has always had an appeal for me. I thrive on the idea of not working solely for the same company because I enjoy meeting new people, enjoy learning new ideas, exploring new ways of doing things, and having that control over my future that only I hold.
It can be incredibly stressful feeling you have to make a decision like this. Your work takes up a huge amount of your week and so your decision about your work, is in effect a decision about your life.
Here are some things to ask yourself:
- How much do I need to earn?
- How much do I want to earn?
- Do I want to work in an office, at home, or a mixture of both?
- Do I want to have a boss… or would I prefer to be my own?
- What is more important to me: time or money?
- Do I have the drive and motivation to work for myself? Or do I want the security of being in the passenger seat?
We need to work to earn money so we can pay our bills, keep our cars on the road, buy a house and pay for renovations. But, can we make the work we do and how we work a lifestyle choice? If we are prepared to change what keeps us in a situation in which we are not feeling fulfilled, then yes.
Being honest with ourselves is key here, in fact I would go so far as to say it is the most important consideration to take into account. If you do want to go your own way, in the words of the immortal Stevie Nicks, you must be 100% honest with yourself on what your work ethic is, what resources you have to fall back on, who you can identify to help you in your future endeavour, and then give yourself the time and space to think about it… then think about it again.
A solid business plan is a must, as well as a transition plan and this is what we often overlook… how do you transition from being employed to being your own boss? That is the subject of another post! :-)
©Fiona Doney 2024
kanyini.co.uk 