My top tips on being Self-Employed

I have been self-employed for a long time as a painter/decorator and yes being your own boss has advantages, but it also has pitfalls. Here are my tips on making self-employment work for you whatever your occupation. 

1. Self motivation is vital. It’s the difference between getting work and not getting it. You have to not only sell your ability to do a job well, but also sell yourself.

2. Being self-employed means it’s all down to you. You have to get the work, do the work and everything in between. As a painter/decorator I have to make sure the work is of an excellent standard, plus the customer needs to trust me as quite often I am left at a property on my own. 

3. If you’re self-employed you have to get up in the morning and be ready to work. I have always believed that the customer I am working for is my employer that day just the same as if you were working for a big company. It’s all about showing exactly the same commitment. 

4. Time is key. It’s about organising your time and not over committing. The best way to stay organised and on top of your workload is to keep a diary so you know how much spare time you have. 

5. If you are self-employed it’s important to remember that if you don’t work, you don’t earn. It’s really that simple.

6. It doesn’t matter what you do for a living one of the most important things to keep in order is your paperwork. Do it weekly! It’s quicker and doesn’t leave you with hours of work when you let it go. 

7. Being self-employed has advantages of being able to take time off when you want, but there is a danger you can’t just do it when you feel like it. So many people make that mistake. I equate it to the situation if I was working for someone I wouldn’t just down tools and leave half way through the day. 

8. You have to have discipline in everything you do when you are self-employed. Whether that’s being on time for the job you are doing or simply finishing the job on time. 

Being self-employed is for me is the only way to be, but there are no guarantees of work which of course is what pays your wages. Yes I don’t answer to anybody, but I have no guarantee of wages and it takes a long time to build a reputation and business up to the level where you have regular work. 

If you’re considering self-employment make sure you do all of your homework and be sure to check that what your planning on doing has a demand.