Mummy&Roo

These days it seems self employment is becoming more and more common with the rise of online selling abilities, rep businesses and the 'Boss Babe' movement. I'm all for anything which makes people feel more empowered and able to handle their own business, no matter what size. I've been in this game for 6.5 years now, although much more so in the last 2 or 3 and I thought I'd share some of my thoughts and experiences on self employment. These are personal to me, relate to my business (small printing & craft business) and life, and are unfiltered, you may not agree with them but that's okay you don't need to. Do not expect help and advice; but don't assume people won't offer There is no sick pay or sick leave, if you aren't working, you aren't earning Not all businesses are the same, don't tell people how to run theirs It's okay to be jealous, just don't let it effect how you work 2 similar businesses do not have to b...

When I tell people I work 2 jobs or that I work 7 days they often say the same phrase after I've explained I run a craft business, that phrase is "but it's not like real work", Sometimes they follow it up with things like "because you're at home", "because you enjoy it" "because you work for yourself" etc etc and they're right! It's not like real work I don't get a day off, hell I barely even get an evening off I don't get to go home from work I work late into the evening when I have to (I just finished and it's past 10pm) I am ALWAYS thinking about work I'm not paid a wage, if people don't buy I don't get paid If people aren't happy with the product it costs me money I have no company There's no HR department There's no sick pay, holiday pay, time off There's next to no company benfits There's no salary or hourly wage There's no escaping the boss The list goe...