A
female
age
41-50,
anonymous
writes:I have this dream of owning my own business. If anyone who does is reading this post, I'd love to hear what the advantages and disadvantages are.I have lots of options. I'm qualified with two diplomas i.e. media and computer studies. I'm looking for something that isn't neccessarily going to make me the best money, but something that I'm happy doing.. and something that allows me to enjoy my lifestyle i.e. the outdoors etc.. like my current 40 hour per week job. But although it allows me my weekends and nights to myself etc.. I HATE it with a vengaence.What I'd really LOVE to learn is massage therapy. The happiest lady I know is my massage therapist. Granted, I know it took years of work to establish the steady clientelle she has today, but it seems worth the effort. She has a young family; they go on holidays when they want to (she doesn't have to answer to some asshole boss about getting leave approved).. she gets to help people and do something she enjoys and also is able to work evenings or day hours, whatever suits, depending on the season etc.Plus, she earns more a day than I earn in three days work! And I HATE my current job! I've worked almost a year without a day off and they ALWAYS have an excuse for declining the leave when I request it.Do you think that's an immature dream to have? I know most people dream of money, fame.. success etc. I just want a job where I'm happy; where I can help people and where I'm able to work on my own terms. I'm a bloody hard worker, but working in an office environment, I'm TIRED of seeing those who pull the wag get promoted, or the loudmouths get the payrises, when the TRUELY hard workers miss out. It seems to be a pattern that exists in EVERY company I've worked! Perks seem to be given to those who make the loudest noise rather than those who put in the hours and extra work. I regularly fantasise about getting out of that whole environment and working on something that's going to benefit ME. I think also that so many of my friends and family have been shafted out of their jobs or bullied, including myself. It seems you can put YEARS into a company; slog away doing the hard yards and get NO thanks for it. Let me know your thoughts. I'm sure there are lots of disadvantages to running your own business, which I'd love to hear. Just your opinions in general are always welcome :)Thanks
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bullied, immature, money, on holiday Reply to this Question
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male
reader, anonymous, writes (12 September 2010): Lol I recommend owning a business to my worst enemies.... Okay its not that bad. You can call yourself top dog and get coffee when evert you like. But you must be married to the job and expect very very long hours.
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (10 September 2010): I once set up a small business called 'On a wing and a prayer' with three pounds in my pocket and a dream. It was an expressive art's gallery. I am an artist and dancer so combined selling art with dance workshops. The stock was supplied by local artists, painters and sculpters,creative writing workshops etc. Family and freinds decorated the gallery for free. Artists works were sold i got a little percentage and sold my own. Workshop space was hired to holistic healers for a small percentage. It was a way of life not to earn money it was fabulous and was described as the most imaganitive art galleries in town. On a wing and a prayer. It came to an end 18 months later due to me moving overseas with my partner. It was a risk a moment in time, and i will never regret trying because it was so sucsessfull in other ways and i now know what works and what does not....
spunky monkey :)
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (10 September 2010): Yes it can work, I am living proof. I set up my business from a blank canvas seven years ago, from absolutely nothing. I have struggled, I have gone without, I gave up a home to keep the business going, I had no car or holidays, but now I'm the proud owner of my own consultancy, a little slow right now due to the recession, but it is MINE and that I would never swap to become employed even IF I had a regular income.
YES of course there is RISK, but risk is what makes life the journey worthwhile - no risk, the path is pretty straight and boring. I love with passion what I do, although when I was employed, I loved what I did too - ONLY this is different, as I say it's mine.
And a dream is only a dream if you don't live it, or try to live it - my advice would be go for it, if you fail, you fail, so what, but it's better than having an IF in 10 years time. We always regret the things we don't do.
The others have said everything else, so I won't add more.
I hope you decide to jump and risk...and don't let others failure put you off, believe in yourself, be determined and focus on what you want. Good luck!
Jilly
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A
male
reader, CaringGuy  +, writes (10 September 2010):
There is one pro, and one con. And I know, because I was self employed.
The pro is that you are in total control, and all the money is yours if you succeed.
The con is there is a high chance it will fail, like mine.
I think it's great that you're thinking about it. Hold onto the dream and idea, because with enough time, effort and planning it is something that CAN happen. But it is very risky.
I recently closed my company because the recession has meant there is no trade out there for what I have to offer. It's pretty gutting, but it was something I knew could happen. But it's a good idea, and is something I can come back to.
With enough planning and effort, your own company can be very rewarding. But you need to put a huge amount of effort it.
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A
male
reader, TimmD  +, writes (10 September 2010):
 Running your own business comes down to responsibility. It all falls to you. Some people look at this as a disadvantage, but the successful business owners look at it as an advantage. Basically, you're not making money if you are not working. But also, the more you work the more money you make. The biggest sacrifice successful business owners make, especially small business owners, is time off or vacations. If you are basing your full income, mortgage, family, etc on your own business, you must work to pay the bills. Some people like the security of simply having a regular job which has paid vacations and sick time off.... you don't get that when you own your own business.
Still, if you are highly motivated then owning your own business is a good thing. You are the boss and the money goes to you. Some business owners who don't have any employees are able to work as much as they want. If they have a few good weeks and have a good amount of money, they may take a week or two off and then come back and start again. Different types of businesses, different countries, and different economies effect how possible it is to work erratically like that. There's not always a guarantee people will simply wait for you to start working again.
So the bottom line is, if you are strong, aggressive, and love responsibility, owning your own business is for you. But if you are just looking for a way not to have to be someone else's employee, or are looking for lots of time off? It may not be for you. Remember, you don't have a safety net at that point. You get paid only when and IF you have work.
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