by Wordy

Created on: February 26, 2009

I started my own business five years ago, and believe me, it's had its ups and downs! But I'm still here five years on and I'm still loving it. Why?

Perhaps we should get some hard facts on the table to begin with. Working for yourself can be tough, lonely and stressful; it can cause you sleepless nights and you can find yourself working longer hours than you ever imagined; you'll have times when you worry about how to pay the bills this month and you'll agonize over whether or not to place that advertisement/buy a new computer/take on a new member of staff etc.

And you will probably find it hugely rewarding.

Chances are you'll start out in business doing something that you love and are good at, and who wouldn't want to make money doing something they love. You'll be your own boss and you will make all the decisions. You may well leave behind frustrating company policies and trivial office politics and work on your own terms.

You may have plans to build a sizable business that you could one day sell to fund your retirement; just think how rewarding it would be to see that business grow and prosper under your guidance, the company you have built from nothing providing a livelihood for others, not to mention the financial rewards.

On the other hand, you may go into business in a small way, providing a good living for yourself and your family and providing a work/life balance that you would never achieve working for someone else. You choose the hours you work, perhaps to fit in around childcare or activities, you choose the type of work you do and who you do business with, you choose when to go on holiday, and for how long. You might decide to run your business from home, giving even greater flexibility to fit your work around your life.

Whichever of these scenarios applies, you will undoubtedly learn lots of new skills and meet a whole new network of people. Opportunities you didn't know existed will present themselves and your life will change in ways you never imagined. Mine certainly did. I started working for myself to enhance my job security (working previously in an industry with little job security) and provide a good income to fund a nice lifestyle. I have achieved these objectives, and so much more besides.

Working for yourself is a challenge, and it's not for everyone. But if you are the type of person that thrives on new experiences and is not afraid of hard work, then you will enjoy it immensely and find your life enriched by the experience.

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