Do you feel like you are hitting the same pothole everyday when you go to work…metaphorically or physically? Even if you’re working remotely…do you feel like you’re stuck in a rut? Are you robotically getting out of bed each day and getting ready to leave the house (or walk to your work-from-home office)? Maybe you are following the same roads or paths to get where you need to be only to have to answer to someone else all day long. I used to do the same thing! It was often very challenging, especially when my “boss” (or principal, in my case) always seemed to put a damper on my day with strict guidelines. I mean, seriously: give me some state standards and let me teach my class.
Why I want to work for myself…
Working as a teacher in many different school districts (because we are a military family and move often) has been challenging. Learning new curriculums, school procedures and names/faces is overwhelming, to say the least. I was always the “new” teacher, never the veteran. I had so many ideas to share with other teachers, but it always took awhile to build a repertoire that cultivated mutual respect. Just when I gained said respect we had to move again. What’s more is that I was spending all of my valuable time doing school work/grading/lesson plans…outside of school hours.
Why you should be your own boss…
You may not be able to identify with my teaching analogy, but think about your profession. Who do you really work for? If the answer isn’t you, it may be time to fire your boss and take a leap out on your own. This may seem like a really huge step, but it is worth it in the end when you can finally work for yourself. You can create your schedule, and create plenty of time for all of the important parts of life.
Here are a few ideas of how you can be your own boss:
1. Become a Virtual Assistant. Being a Virtual Assistant allows you the flexibility of staying at home while managing tasks for other companies.
- This is a great option if you enjoy computer work, managing tasks, paperwork, or customer service.
- Though it may take a bit of time to get a Virtual Assistant business off the ground, virtual assistants can command a high price for their services,especially if they have technical skills.
2. Join an MLM (Multi Level Marketing) company. These businesses are all the rage lately, but they do have their pros and cons. If you think that perhaps an MLM company is the business for you, be sure to do your research.
- Make sure the company you decide to partner with has a good track record. You can confirm this by speaking with other representatives of the company and checking the Better Business Bureau and similar websites for more information.
- Another fact you must be aware of is the sign up fee that can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. Some companies even charge upwards of $1,000 to be a representative.
- Many people succeed at a multi level marketing business, but countless others fail miserably. Research the details of what you’ll need to do to succeed in your chosen business and ask yourself if you can do what it takes.
- It would be in your best interest to become informed and educated about the business before you sign on the dotted line and hand over your hard-earned money. I recommend connecting with someone who has been successful in the MLM you are leaning towards.
3. Make and sell your own crafts. Are your friends envious about the beautiful things you can make with your own two hands? Then this may be the business you’re looking for! With websites such as eBay and Etsy, as well as local arts and craft shows, many people are making a substantial living selling their homemade creations.
- Unique or one-of-a-kind items always sell at higher prices than the common ones!
4. Become a Life Coach.This business opens up a whole can of possibilities. If you enjoy listening to people and providing advice, becoming a life coach may intrigue you. A life coach provides good, solid advice to individuals relating to a particular area in their life.
- A life coach can specialize in many different areas. For example, some coaches only deal with stay at home moms, while others help those wanting to make more money or lose weight. The options are absolutely endless.
- You can obtain training and become a certified coach at your local college or online.
- You must promote and market yourself strongly, and it may take awhile to get the business of the ground. But if this is something that you truly hold a passion for, it can turn into an extremely lucrative endeavor.
5. Become a Caterer. Does everyone say that no one can cook like you do? Do you get request after request for your recipes? Do you find spending time in the kitchen relaxing? Then starting a catering business may be something you’ll want to explore further.
- As in any business, it may take a bit of patience and energy to get it started, but the benefits will be well worth the energy. Make sure to call your friends and family and tell them to spread the word about your new catering business.
- Once you can secure your first party or event, you’ll have word of mouth recommendations marketing your business for you. If cooking is your passion and you learn how to manage food costs and market your business, then you’ll have no problem succeeding in this profitable industry.
Fire your boss and work for yourself
These are just a few ways to fire your boss and start your own business. Your next step is to decide where your passion lies. Decide what you enjoy doing and go from there. Beginning your own business is not easy, but with a dash of hope, dreams, patience, and hard work, you’ve just won half the battle! If you’re itching to get started, but need some guidance, check this video out! The next step (after admitting you need a change) is learning the best way to go about your new endeavor. You can do it!
