As I reflect back on the past 7 years of having my own business, I discovered that with all the highs and lows I have experienced, there are some tremendous perks to working for yourself that no full-time position has been able to replicate.
1. Flexibility in work schedule – while I probably think about work 24/7, I have the ability to work how I want and when I want. I find that I can get more done in an hour working for myself than I could do in a day working in a traditional office
2. The thrill of the moment – every day it is all about sales and relationships. There isn’t a day that goes by where these two aren’t thought of and usually in the same breath. It is a thrill to wake up every morning to plan out where the next project may be or the next relationship that needs to be nurtured.
3. Working with other like-minded professionals – Many people think working for yourself means working alone; not true! More so than working for an organization, I have found that I have worked more closely with other entrepreneurs and organizations than any time within an organization as a full-time employee.
4. Being “on” all the time – There is no longer a separation between business and personal lives, and that isn’t a bad thing. Sure, it means answering an email on the weekend or making phone calls at odd hours, but it also means the ability to catch a movie in the middle of the day or being able to work a Yankee game into a business trip.
There are more perks that I will talk about some other time, but it is clear to me that working for myself has been a tremendous choice and something I will continue to love for many years to come.
