Explore the pros and cons of being self-employed with insights from volunteer Youth Ambassadors and Special Guests attending our Youth Voice Forum.
‘What are the positives and negatives of self-employment compared to working for an employer?’
Answers to this important question have been compiled by young people and youth-friendly experts as part of our regular online Youth Voice Forum, with thanks to all attendees including Chair Charlotte Jeffreys, Special Guest Ellie Taylor, and our amazing volunteer Youth Ambassadors.
Is it hard to leave the security of an employer and become self-employed?
Ellie: Before I worked for myself, I worked in veterinary practices. Making that transition is quite scary. Working for somebody else, I am guaranteed a wage each month. If I am sick for any reason, I would be entitled to some form of pay. Confidence is needed to make that big transition.
When you first start out with your business, you might not make any money straight away, even for a few years. If you are sick, you might not have anything to fall back on. That transition can be very big and scary but it’s about believing in yourself, in your ideas, and finding a good network of people who can help make your ideas a reality.
You get a better opportunity to grow as a young small business owner
Ed: I think being self-employed gives you an opportunity to grow, not just financially but as a person and growing your skill set more than you do from traditional employment. When you are self-employed you are doing lots of things at once rather than one specific job and that can definitely have a huge effect.
You have the freedom to make your job work best for YOU – which can help if you live with chronic conditions
Ellie: As a small business owner you get freedom and flexibility. I suffer from a condition called endometriosis and it was one of my biggest struggles when working for somebody else. I knew every month I would have to have a lot of days off work, and that can cause a lot of friction. When I was working for myself, I had so much more freedom and flexibility, and I have managed to create a little team who are amazing. They are so understanding and they are able to take over for me when needed.
Volunteer with us
Would you like to volunteer with us if you are aged 16-24 and care about your future? You can build your skills, confidence, and CV online or at exciting local events near you as a volunteer Youth Ambassador. You can also take part in our regular Youth Voice Forum.
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