It’s been almost 2 months since I started my new job, and I’m happy to report that I’m really happy! Ironically, I’ve had an interesting career story ever since I decided to switch career paths from Commercial Banker to Digital Marketer in early 2011. My transition resulted in a year-long stint of being “unexpectedly self-employed,” until recently when I pursued my ultimate goal of working for a digital agency.
Like many young entrepreneurs, for a long time all I thought about was being self-employed. It seemed like the perfect situation as an outsider. I dreamed of working from home on my own schedule. Freedom, flexibility and more money. Once I got there, I realized how tough it was to run my own shop – especially without a plan of any kind. So to those of you are self-employed but doubting your next move, or those who are spending their days in the office fantasizing about being self-employed, here’s some insight from someone who has done both.
If you are self-employed but considering going back to work for someone else, whatever you do, don’t think of yourself as a startup failure.
8 Things I love about NOT being self-employed:
1. Stability.
Oh stability, how I’ve missed you. The first year of being self-employed often means a financial roller coaster: feeling on top of the world for sending out your first big invoice, not knowing when your next client is coming and sometimes not being able to collect on the invoices you sent. At first it is awesome to see all that revenue on the books. Then you remember all the expenses you have to pay and realize your employees may be earning more than you. For me, the company credit card became a fall back plan on the instability and I’m paying for that now.
There’s something to be said for being paid every two weeks. It’s much easier to budget and to set and achieve financial goals. Being paid twice a month is also great for your anxiety! No worries about where your next dollar will come from. Don’t knock the idea of being paid like an employee – it’s quite wonderful!
2. Bigger clients.
For me this has been a good thing, although I can understand that bigger clients aren’t for everyone. Working for an established company often means getting to stretch your skills and practice with bigger clients. As a marketer, working for smaller clients was a great experience, but there’s no doubt that bigger budgets and more resources allow you to put more programs and initiatives in place. Bigger clients are a great way to challenge yourself and grow your skills.
3. Working in an Office.
This one might be my favorite part of going “back to work.” Technically I ran MCG Media out of my home office. While we met at coffee shops, client offices and even in my kitchen fairly regularly, the focus just isn’t the same of being at an office every day. During the last several months I considered renting a desk at an office co-op and I probably should have. Showering, getting out of the house and maintaining regular office hours really is better for my productivity. It also allows you to draw a line between work and home. If I did it again, I would definitely rent office space. Have a look here for an example of how these types of office spaces work.
4. New Friends.
Being self-employed can be extremely isolating, especially if you are working as a freelancer. There’s no “water cooler talks,” lunch dates, awesome brainstorming sessions with co-workers or happy hours. My new office is full of great people who I look forward to growing friendships with outside of the office. The social interaction is something I really missed and I’m so glad to have back.
5. More focus on your craft.
I went into business as a digital content creation and marketing service, yet I often felt I was learning more about bookkeeping, sales and operations. When you have to worry about prospecting, selling, hiring, managing, accounting AND perfecting your craft, the focus isn’t always there to focus on the service you are providing. Today I love that part of my job is staying up to date with the latest in digital marketing. I have more time to read and learn outside of work and when I’m communicating with my clients it’s all about my craft.
6. Awesome company parties!
Yep, I’m including this little treasure of corporate employment into the list. We just had our holiday party on Friday and it was a blast. We had so much fun doing a white elephant exchange, playing games at the office then going to an amazing dinner followed by a bar. I got to know so many more people on a different level outside of the office. We all had just a bit too much fun. I missed this more than I realized…
7. The ability to enjoy your side hustle.
Now that I can contain work to the office, I enjoy my hobby aka side hustle more than I did while self-employed. I got up at 5am today to write this blog post, something I would not have had the time or desire to do while self-employed. I also appreciate this blog and my other hobbies much more now that they are a contrast to what I do during the day.
8. Not stressing about collecting on invoices.
And the final point I’ll make about the perks of working for a more established company is not stressing about invoices, collections and overall financial health of your employer. While department profitability and proper billing are still heavy on my mind at work, it’s not even close to the same level as it was before. Regardless of which clients are paying their bill on time, being an employee means you are always getting paid, something you appreciate a ton after not having it.
For those of you who are thinking about taking the leap to self-employment, or for those who have gone from self-employment to corporate employment, I’d love to hear YOUR thoughts.
What did you love?
What do you miss?
What make you think “the grass is greener on the other side?”
