You are here: Home/Business/ Want It? Wish It: How To Be Your Own Boss
THIS WEBSITE USES AFFILIATE LINKS WHICH MEANS WE RECEIVE COMPENSATION IF YOU PURCHASE A PRODUCT THROUGH THEM. VISIT OUR DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Ready to be your very own boss? Here’s how to transition from half-hearted “wantrepreneur” to a successful entrepreneur.
Embrace Freelancing
Whether you’re looking for a big career change or chasing lifelong dreams, embracing the side hustle can help get you there.
What’s a side hustle? It’s essentially your second job or freelancing. Sure, it’s not easy. You’ve got to make it work. Embracing the side hustle takes long hours and dedication. After all, you’ll be working on your side hustle after you’ve already put in your normal hours at your routine job. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep moving forward.
One way to progress is by starting small, with baby steps. For example, if you’re a writer but working in sales, you can start small by freelancing. Through freelancing, you can build your portfolio and network with clients at the same time. Eventually, your byline will grow and so will your professional network.
Although you should note that anytime you’re in business for yourself, you’ll have to pay taxes on your untaxed projects. It’s a big wake-up call for a lot of freelance entrepreneurs. Instead of asking yourself, “when is my refund coming,” there is a very real possibility that you owe the IRS. Plan ahead. Experts from the financial website the Billfold cite that the average freelancer’s taxes will amount to about 15 percent of their annual income. Start saving your pennies now.
Turn Your Hobby Into Dollars
Are you an expert baker? Maybe you love to snap photos. If you’ve got a hobby and you’re always working on a side project, turn that hobby into a lucrative career. According to U.S. News and World Report, photography, cooking and baking, writing, pet sitting and even bookkeeping can easily be turned into a second, or perhaps even full-time careers.
However, you have to be careful. You remember the old saying “You’ve got to spend money to make money,” right? At the start, you may have to invest in supplies, materials, product shipping costs, storefront rent or a website designer for an e-commerce site depending on your business goals and demands. These businesses expenses add up.
And while turning a hobby into a career can work for some, be cautious. It can take a while to take off. Consider launching your self-owned business as a side gig, rather than jumping in full-time. Once you’ve saved up, paid for business expenses and established an income, you can go gung-ho.
Work for a Company That Aligns with Your Values
Maybe going into business for yourself right now isn’t an option. Whatever the reason, that’s okay. You’re still allowed to chase your dream. In the meantime, search for a job or career with a company that shares your same values.
Choose a company or organization that gives back to the community or does good for others. You’ll feel good about what you’re doing every day. Plus, you can rest assured that you have a sense of security when you’re working for an established company, with consistent paychecks, benefits and more, which you may not have when you first go into business for yourself as an entrepreneur.
Do you have a hobby that could be turned into a full-time career?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
Finding a company that aligns with your values is important. You never want to feel as though you’re letting yourself down because you need a paycheck 😉
This advice is both true and very encouraging. Especially to me as someone trying to branch out and do small things in a big way. Thank you for the advice.
Honestly, it definitely is scary at first but if you have the fire, it gets less scary every day after you take the leap. It’s worth it and life-changing.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Keeping Your Cats Healthy And Safe This Autumn
These are such key factors in being your own boss. Definitely has been a ride.
I can relate with you on that one. Thanks for stopping by!
These are great points! Am starting my accessories curation this month for my launch next year 🙂
You go, girl! Good luck to you in your future launch!
Good information! Gratefully I have two jobs related to my hobby. I really enjoy doing it. And I will be happy to do my best.
Good for you! I love reading that from others.
Finding a company that aligns with your values is important. You never want to feel as though you’re letting yourself down because you need a paycheck 😉
I couldn’t agree more! It’s just not worth it.
I’m definitely working on the side hustle, but I need something that I am passionate about. Very good read!
Sometimes it takes some brainstorming or patience to finally run into something that really moves you. Glad you enjoyed it!
This advice is both true and very encouraging. Especially to me as someone trying to branch out and do small things in a big way. Thank you for the advice.
I am so glad I could help you out. It’s not easy at first but you will get it all together and you will love it.
Great post, and very helpful and encouraging. So many more people are working from home these days for the advantages it gives.
It has many advantages to those who can handle it. I am glad you found it inspiring.
Blogging started as a hobby for me. Now I get paid for doing something I love.
Doesn’t that feel amazing? Feels like a million bucks to see where you have started and where you are now.
I am working my side hustle, thanks for the tips and I am going to check out some of your book suggestions.
Awesome! I hope you enjoy them and find them as inspiring as I did.
I love being my own boss. I can work when it is convient to me.
Heck yes! That’s the best part.
I would love to turn my crochet hobby into a business. I have always dreamed of being my own boss.
I encourage you to make that a reality. It can happen you just have to start and not look back!
This is perfect timing. I have been thinking of cracking down and getting serious about going into business for myself now that I stay home.
I’m glad this was inspiring for you. Good luck to you on your journey!
I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time; go out on my own and be my own boss, I guess I am just a scary cat. I need to take the leap
Honestly, it definitely is scary at first but if you have the fire, it gets less scary every day after you take the leap. It’s worth it and life-changing.
I think this is great advice! I know a few people who are thinking about going into business for themselves, and this would be a great read.
Please feel free to share away! I’m glad you found it useful.
Turning your hobbies or passions into dollars is definitely a good one – helps you love what you do!
Amen to that! Doing what you love makes a huge difference.
Good information. I’ve been contemplating starting up something … its just that I havent been able to define that “something”.
You’ll figure it out. Maybe start with a list of what you want and go from there.