Self-employment is now very common and is how a lot of people make their living. Whether you’ve chosen to go your own way due to layoffs, lack of jobs with flexibility or because it’s what you’ve always wanted to do, it’s not easy.
Being self-employed means that you (and your accountant!) are responsible for every aspect of your business. You’ll be dealing with sales, marketing, finance, and many other areas, as well as your actual business activity. And unless you work with a professional firm like Accountants East London to do your taxes, it can all become too hectic.
The results can be extremely rewarding, both financially and for your own personal life. In order to succeed, having the support of those around you is vital and can make a huge difference. Yet there are often a lot of misconceptions when it comes to your partner and your family over what self-employment means and the support you need to make it happen.
Get your partner on-side
It’s not uncommon for there to be some misconceptions between partners when one of them is self-employed and the other isn’t. If the employed partner comes from a more old-fashioned school of thought, they can often think that self-employment means that you’ll have a lot of free time and can drop things in an instant to deal with the kids or other matters. Over time, this can build resentment, especially if you’re busting a gut to get your business off the ground.
The same can happen with family and friends too. They expect you to be able to drop everything you’re doing at a moment’s notice and may even raise an eyebrow if you say you’re busy.
The best thing you can do is be clear with your partner from the outset. Or, if you’re internet dating or using chat line trials, mention that you’re self-employed and see if this sparks any type of reaction from them.
Agree on how much time you’re going to devote to your work and what responsibilities you both have so that you’re not unfairly taking on all of the home and family admin as well as trying to make a living for yourself.
While you might think this is unnecessary, and that you’ll just naturally fall into a groove as your business picks up, this is unlikely to be the case.
Tell friends and family, that even though you have control over your own schedule and work from home, you will still need to devote time to your business. After all, if you aren’t working, you aren’t earning.
If you find it difficult to articulate yourself, many successful freelancers have documented their struggles online in videos or in articles. Find some that represent the things you want to say and show these to your partner. It might help them understand what you’re trying to do, what your struggling with, and what the end goal is.
Find your tribe
Even with a supportive family and friends, it’s always great to have a community of people who really get you. There are many groups out there that you could join. These include industry-specific groups or local meetups. If you’re a Mum who has started their own business, there are great groups such as Mums In Marketingwho are supportive and a great place to look for advice and referrals.
These groups can be a great place to vent your frustrations and find out how other people deal with these same situations.
You’re sure to be able to find a group structure that works for you, whether that is face to face, virtually or on social media. You’ll find both practical and emotional support in these groups. Not all are the same, so if you’re not quite getting the vibe you’re looking for from one group, don’t be afraid to try another.
Learn to say no
Most of us are people pleasers at heart. We don’t like to say no, even if it means that we’re causing ourselves stress or resentment in the process. Being self-employed means that you’re in charge of your own time, your own schedule, and every decision you make. Being able to put boundaries in place in order to protect your business and your mental health is very important. So the next time someone unrealistic demands of you, because they don’t understand how being self-employed works, say no. You don’t necessarily have to be confrontational, just explain why. In most cases, people will understand.
Ask around the freelancing community for recommendations on the best coacheswith experience in the area. It’s always good to get a direct referral from someone who has directly benefited.
Consider using a coach
Let’s face it, having your personal, family, and professional life together at the same time is a dream for many of us. Modern life can often seem overwhelming and leave us feeling like a failure.
This is where a business and life coaching services can come in and make a huge difference in your life. A business coach can help you put goals and action plans in place to achieve them. However, most of us also have other responsibilities and interests we need to take care of them too. This is where a life coach comes in. They will help you make progress in these aspects of your life.
Decide what success looks like to you
Nothing is more frustrating than chasing someone else’s dream. You can’t strive for something if you don’t know what you’re striving for. What do you want from your freelance career? Do you simply want to replace a paycheck from employment, pay the bills and be able to spend time with your family? Or do you want to build a larger business with much wider goals? There’s no right or wrong answer, but the way you go about this is very different.
Final thoughts
There are so many great benefits to being your own boss,but it’s a lot easier if you have the love, support, and understanding of your partner and family. Being able to set boundaries and address issues will ultimately help you achieve your goals and thrive in your chosen career.