Searching for Work: Exploring Aspects of Employed vs Self-Employed

Let's face reality. The chance of being ghosted by what appears to be a potential employer, only to realize the job you applied for doesn't even exist, the job search experience can seem discouraging and frustrating.

Some may feel the situation could be less likely to happen if individuals did their due diligence and performed more in-depth research concerning the company and the position in question. But recognizing fake opportunities presented through well-known companies becomes a challenge. However, for those who are their own boss, such action isn't needed.

Why? You are the employer, which means you're not on the other side of the fence applying for imaginary positions, just to end up wasting time and possibly even money if any expenses were incurred during the process.

There are still similarities related to being employed and self-employed. When it comes to securing work, potential employees are interviewing for positions, freelancers discuss what they have to offer, and how it can benefit potential clients or customers.

“Do the Potential Client and I Share the Same Views and Expectations?”

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 An advantage of self-employment, however, is the ability to see if the potential client or project aligns with their interests or values. If it doesn't, they can easily decline the offer.

However, an employee may not discover this until they are already well into the job and realize it's not what they expected. This leaves them having to suffer and ride out the storm until they can find another position that they are sure will be a better fit.

“Networking to Gain More Business”

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 The self-employed person can often make time to network with other companies about what they offer in exchange for what the other business has to offer in return. For example, you have a mortgage company and a credit repair company. Home buyers go to a mortgage company to purchase a home. There's only one issue: their credit. 

Since the mortgage company works with the credit repair company, they refer the potential client for credit repair services, which puts them in a position to make a purchase. This is a win-win for both companies. 

This is only one example. I could do an entire article on companies that can benefit from networking with each other to bring more business. 

Networking is one of the ways you can work towards giving yourself a raise when you want it. After all, the more clients you serve, the more you get paid. When you’re simply employed, your pay increases at the discretion of your employer.

“Enjoy More Flexibility Being Self-Employed”

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Self-employment also comes with the benefit of setting your schedule to work within the days and hours that you desire. As an employee, you only get to work the schedule that your employer allows you to work. 

Flexibility is one of the top reasons so many people choose to work for themselves vs. someone else. The assurance of not being bound to punching a time clock, approved time off, and fixed schedules is rather intriguing.

Let’s do a quick recap and look at some key points you read throughout the article for job search, as employed vs. self-employed.

   

 Employed                                                Self-Employed

        * Working for someone else                        * Working for yourself

* Accept what the company offers  * Client accepts what you offer

* Can’t choose your team                           * Choose who you work with

             *  Fixed pay                                                  * Control your income

             *  Fixed Schedule                                         * Flexible schedule

  

“Choosing What Works for You”

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Some may prefer to work for someone else, which is fine. If you find a company that aligns with what you are looking for, that’s wonderful. Those who have no intention of working for someone else find self-employment more beneficial. 

There may be mixed reviews when looking at which option is best. However, it all depends on your goals and what is important to you.