You want to change jobs, but you are not sure whether you would like working for yourself? Here are my top four reasons to be self employed, and to be employed.
Self Employed – Pros
1. Freedom! You work as much as you like, when you like, where you like and dressed in what you like.
2. Money! A successful freelancer or consultant can make significantly more than doing the same job as an employee. And there are tax benefits. For example, one client of mine earned 40 percent more in one freelance gig compared with doing the same work as a fulltime employee.
3. Sanity! A consultant does not need to attend eight-hour department meetings, commute at peak travel times or get embroiled in office politics.
4. Control! You are in charge of your own business. You’re the boss, and you decide how to run your own venture in your own style.
BUT!!!
Employed – Pros
1. Security! Although nothing is ever certain, many companies let the freelancers and consultants go before they’ll cut the employees loose. You are usually less expensive, with more company knowledge, so management likes to keep you around.
2. Training & Development! As an employee in a good company, you have a career plan, opportunities for advancement and you are assumed to be around for the long term. You can get training and education that can make you more marketable in the future.
3. Benefits! As an employee, you can take advantage of everything from a 401K to health insurance to paid holidays and vacation time. As a self-employed person you have to pay for your own benefits. ???
4. Future! As an employee, you can rise in a company to more senior and better paid positions. You even have the potential to run a department or organization with a budget and staff. Many self-employed people never gain the responsibility of supervising a team or running a budget.
David Couper is a career coach and writer who for the last twenty years has worked in Europe, Asia, and the USA with individuals. 100% of his clients have found either a new job or career which is fulfilling for both their heart and mind.
“After meeting with you, I can now say today, no matter what I do for work or how I earn money to live. I proudly can say that I am an Artist and an Educator. That is what I believe in and what makes my heart sing. I am feeling more grounded in who I truly am. So I am on this journey.”
Artist and Educator, Los Angeles, CA
He has successfully coached men and women wanting to change career or develop new opportunities at all levels - including CEOs of major companies wanting a creative challenge, frustrated souls longing to make their dream come true and front-line employees laid off and desperate to get a job.
"David Couper is an honest and sincere coach and an extra special team player. He's like the diamond player in reserve. When you call on him you can be sure that he is going to play full-out for your success and fully believe in you.”
Interactive Hypnotherapist and Fellow of Royal Society, London, UK
David has a degree in Communication, a postgraduate qualification in education, is certified in a number of training technologies, and has a Masters in Spiritual Psychology. He is a member of the American Society of Training and Development, Society of Human Resources Professional, Writers Guild and the British Academy of Film and Television.
“I love your inspiration. Thank you so much. I plan on sharing it with our sons.” -- Award-winning realtor, Los Angeles, CA
David has published seven books. His works on interpersonal skills, counseling in the workplace, and management issues (published by Connaught, Gower, HRD Press, Longman, Macmillan/Pearson Publishing, Oxford University Press) have been translated into Swedish, Polish, and Danish, and published in the UK and the USA.
“Love the work you are doing with X. You really nailed him (in the resume). Very nice work, David.”
Executive, Disney, Burbank, CA
He has dual US/UK citizenship and speaks French and Japanese.
“David offered both advice and encouragement, helping me to understand and adjust to the new context. I have no doubt that his support was vital to my success on that occasion. Without it, would have lacked the confidence required to carry on with what was a very daunting environment.” -- Training Manager and Employee of the Year, Consulting Company, Paris, France
Additional Resources covering Career Change can be found at:
Website Directory for Career Change
Articles on Career Change
Products for Career Change
Discussion Board
David Couper, the Official Guide To Career Change