The Pros and Cons of Being Your Own Boss

One of the most common half-truths related to entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship today is being your own boss.

While it may seem like a myth, deep down a half-truth is not so bad when you consider that there are many real positives to being independent. Although, of course, being one also implies a series of negative aspects that are worth understanding.

Personally, I have already spent many years “being my own boss”, Including more than 10 years as a blogger and a few others as a business promoter in the real estate environment.

In my case, work for “be my own boss“It was never really the reason why I did what I did. In fact, what motivated me always was the idea of ​​making money online or generating passive income that allows me financial independence.

I left what could be considered a good job because I wanted to build my own. No matter how difficult it might be at first, the dream was worth it. And thanks to this, I built a business system on the Internet that has given me enormous satisfaction in every way and a real estate company that grows every day.

The “own boss factor“It was something that just came along with it.

Pros of being your own boss

1. You are behind the wheel. You make the decisions yourself.

There is great satisfaction in being able to act on our hunches, guess or just do what needs to be done. So you can take a chance and spend the money without fear of failing.

We often talk about home ownership as the key to job satisfaction; And when you’re the boss, it belongs to you. Not having to ask anyone can mean a lot.

This is a wonderful thing for me because I am one of those people (just like you?) Who feels safer as a driver than a passenger. Especially in business.

2. You set your own hours.

Maybe you are an early riser, or someone who prefers not to work certain hours in the afternoon to attend to personal activities, or you want to occasionally attend to certain social matters. Maybe you like to work for certain periods with focus and great intensity.

When you are your own boss, you eliminate the old habit of heating a chair for hours.

You become responsible for your production, not your hours (unless, of course, you are a customer service company, which I will talk about shortly).

3. You establish your own work style, work environment and (to the extent that you can afford it) your work teams.

Some bosses are better than others for technological updating, for choosing a good office, for acquiring modern furniture, etc.

How fast is your internet? When you’re the boss, that’s up to you.

Do you like to work at a corporate desk, at a conference table or at any desk? It also depends on you. A good view? Good coffee in the kitchen? All up to you.

4. You set your own location.

Why stay to work in Bogotá if you prefer Medellín?

Don’t take that frustrating subway ride downtown, if you can stay in your city. Make friends with people at the corner coffee shop or drop in to Starbucks every day, why not? You are the boss. It’s up to you.

See also: 5 Helpful Tips to Follow Before Starting a Business

Cons of being your own boss

1. Your consumers are your boss. Your clients are your boss.

Many times, during the years that I have been a real estate consultant, I have finished late at night, tired, stressed preparing files to satisfy my clients who trust me for credit approvals for their homes.

I have never been able to follow the normal worker routine, in which you either do it or you have a reason for not doing it. I need the business, I need the money, so I have no choice. My clients are in control.

Even with time in this career, having built a business that sells to dozens of clients each month, the clients are still in charge.

We need to complete documents, make new sales, plan marketing activities, send quotes online all the time. We need to stay updated and trained. But above all, meet the marketing deadlines, with delivery dates, finances, everything.

In a business, the health of the business is also your boss.

2. Your commitments – with suppliers, allies, commercial activities – are your boss.

You can’t afford to miss your commitments and still be successful. Your word is your most powerful asset.

Meetings, deadlines, and promises are commitments. You really can’t run a business without them.

3. If you have employees, in some way your employees are your bosses.

You lead and, like it or not, leadership is leadership. Which means that your employees will be watching you.

You cannot do less than what you ask of them. As a boss that is probably the most important factor in the so-called corporate (or company) culture.

If you leave early, everyone will leave early.

4. You spend your own money.

Do you remember point three on the pros, about making decisions about your equipment, technology, bandwidth, etc.?

Great, because remember that then you have to pay for everything you decide you need. It comes out of your budget, not your employer’s budget, because there is no employer.

When times are tough, you may not need certain comforts; so the question is can you afford it?

5. You earn what you earn.

You have no guarantee of your salary or compensation. It all depends on you, your business, your customers, your market and your commercial offer.

The sole proprietor, startup founder, or small business owner doesn’t have an employer that establishes a stable compensation plan for him. Therefore, there is no real guarantee of how much you will have next month.

conclusion

Even with all the disadvantages that may exist, I consider that be your own boss It is something that is worth it at all costs. As long as you are aware of the challenges it implies and that you commit to being responsible to yourself and your resources.

On the other hand, if even with all the advantages you do not feel comfortable, nothing happens, remember that being a boss is not for everyone.

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