Well, 2 years, 1 month and approximately 2 days since that fateful day, but who’s counting ;) Anyone still around from back then? Or have I since scared you off? Haha… Time sure does go fast, jeez… And it’s been a wild ride to say the least.
I’ve also learned a $hit ton in the process which I’m really grateful for. Both good AND bad things, but much more than any of the previous 30+ jobs I’ve had COMBINED. It’s amazing how things come into perspective when all of a sudden you’re responsible for your own paychecks every two weeks, haha… Not to mention your own health insurance, taxes, scheduling, vacation days (what are those?) and a ton of other things I can’t think of right this moment.
But 2 years down without ever applying for a job, and so far so good! I still very much enjoy being my own boss, and even more so blogging to you fine people here every single day :) Not to mention all the fun it is creating projects left and right as my heart desires. Like our latest one, Take Our Stuff, where we’re giving away a 1940’s smoking jacket this week! (Shameless plug, sorry.) Needless to say it’s been a blast so far.
With all the pros though, surely comes the cons. And lately they’ve been creeping up more and more than before. In fact, the idea of going back to a structured 9-5 where I get benefits and work on *other* people’s problems is a lot more exciting to me than it was two years back, I’m not gonna lie. I miss having coworkers and eating lunch out and sitting in traffic for two hours and all that sexy stuff! Oh wait.. . haha… most of that sexy stuff :) But you can’t have your cake and eat it too, right?
That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far actually: there’s no such thing as a “dream job” where you get to do whatever you want making tons of money without doing any of the crap work. The truth of the matter is that in EVERY job (or project/blog/etc) there will always be poop to shovel up! Whether you do it yourself, or you pay someone else to do it for you – which, btw, still falls down on you shall that person not do such a great job cuz owners share in both the successes AND failures of their companies. It’s not all tits and glitter running a small biz, it just looks that way on the outside. (You like that phrase I just made up? ;))
Here are other thoughts on self-employment from over the years too if you’re interested:
- How I give myself paychecks
- How I got myself health insurance
- How I feel about quarterly taxes ;)
- The biggest con of working for yourself
- What I thought after month 3 of self-employment
- What I thought after month 6 of self-employment
I guess I had a lot of stuff to get off my chest today :) And as much as it kills me to say it, I no longer think being self-employed is the end all be all. It’s just one of the ways of getting from point a to point b. And some will prefer it and be better at it than others, while at the same time there will be those who excel and love 9-5’s too! At the end of the day cash is cash, so as long as you’re earning it and being as happy as you can along the way, then I say the more power to you. Shoot, maybe I’ll be back in the “real job” market again one day? An opportunity is an opportunity as far as I’m concerned now. I’m getting wiser as the years progress ;)
Anyways, such are my thoughts today on my almost 2-year Bossiversary :) Mostly good things to report, scattered with some sprinklings of reality. Now I think I’ll go and celebrate by playing with my baby for an hour or two… he bumped his head yesterday and dad’s feeling quite responsible for it :( A nice reminder though that life is more important than working 24/7!
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PS: That pic up there? It’s my blogger den :) Complete with personal library to boot!
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Your den looks like a wonderful place to spend your day.
How do you stay focused without a timeclock to punch and daily task list and ringing phones and clients calling your name? Budgetting my time at home is not my best skill and I find it easy to get distracted or just have a nap before the work is done.
It can be hard, no doubt about it. I just down a ton of coffee and sit at the computer blaring music until every last item is done for the day. Even if it means coming back after dinner/baby time/etc. It also helps to have your office totally separated out from your “normal” rooms – so moving down into my basement and fixing it up to look more officey has also helped :)
Thanks for the perspective. It seems that so many people are so firmly in one camp or the other that a balanced perspective on self employment can be tough to come by.
Happy belated bossiversary!
Yeah, and us self-employed tend to think we’re the $hit too and that everyone’s missing out – which of course is not that accurate ;) The important thing with any career is to be as happy and successful as possible – and that can look a number of different ways.
Normally I’d say boo on the company for laying someone off but for you I must say congrats!!
Do you think you’re starting to get jaded with self employment because maybe you’re taking too much on? I think if you went back to a non-flexible 9-5 office job for a while you’d start to regret it as your kid gets older from everything I’ve read so far here.
Yeah, perhaps… But it’s VERY hard to shut off your brain and just work on one single thing when you’re on your own – cuz the potential for growing bigger and better has no limits whatsoever and once you get a taste you want to just kill it :) But you’re right, I don’t think I’m quite ready for a 9-5 just yet, maybe a little part-time action first to get a nice balance of both worlds – we’ll see.
I love your honesty. This hits home because as I try to make it in the blogging world, I’ve sort of become obsessed. I am still in a 9-to-5, but work on my blogging and DIY projects from 9pm until sometimes 3am, and I literally work until my head aches and even then, I want to work more, because of those bigger and better things I see down the road. It’s very exciting! But you’re right– there is no dream job. Every job has its downfalls. And I sooo would miss the interaction I have with coworkers and that time to just zone out at a desk somewhere outside of my home. Lol Thanks for the reality check!
It’s always good to know what you’re getting into more before taking that leap :) Though on the other hand it’s nice to go in more naive too and be all bushy tailed! Haha… You’ll find out how it is soon enough though, I’m sure – your sites are doing great!
I have a hard time working on one thing at work (corporation work)…… I’m always switching tasks, like every five minutes.
like, on your blog? (oooooooh, busted! ;))
Congratulations on 2 years! I loved the way you summed up how there are different ways to get from a to b, and it is different for everyone!
Congratulations J on reaching the 2 year mark! Self employment can be a great way not only to earn your money but to create a work schedule that works for you and the family. Having some flexibility with your schedule can be great, especially with a little one.
Congrats!!… right? This is like one of those Facebook posts where someone’s sick or sad and you debate whether or not to click Like to show support, or if you’re afraid the person will take it literally that you *like* that they’re sick. Oh, I’m the only that thinks that? Cool.
The grass is always greener. Having jumped from job-to-job over the last few years, it’s never been more clear to me that work is work. But it’s nice to hear a be-your-own-boss-er that will admit the realities of working from home.
And just in case you were doubting, no water cooler chat will ever be better than hanging out with your current little “coworker.”
Haha, true that! Although I wish I could understand what the heck my little coworker is saying all the time! It’s like talking to a pile of cuteness :)
That’s, like, the coolest response ever :) spot on!
I also got laid off – and I’ve been self-employed now for 9 years – making far more than I ever did as an in-house employee. And I love, love, LOVE it. Get to be independent. Don’t have to work unless I like the gig (I recently rejected a “dream client company” because I hated the commute to their offices and their environment).
Most importantly, it’s been the biggest professional growth opportunity of my career. I’ve learned so much in the past few years outside the bounds of what I would normally have done in prior jobs.
Nice!! Way to go on turning down that dream client – it’s very hard to do. And just means you *know* yourself real well now! I recently turned down two “dream” opportunities too to get in the media more recently, but it just didn’t feel like a good fit so I passed and moved on. The old me would have said yes and probably hated that I did later, haha…
Nice article. I am just starting a part time after being out for 7 mos. I taking care of a parent. Tried to do some independent stuff. My new gig is with a firm I know well so I am happy for it. Good to see others making self employment work.
Also how about “stars and glitter”. I was put off by your phrase. I am guessing only another guy would think that is funny.
Congrats on getting back into the work force at a cool place! That’s always ideal :) As for my phrase – sorry it turned you off. It’s just the way I speak and I tend to not think what some words actually *mean* haha… it just sounded funny to me ;)
I’m a woman and I think it was pretty funny! Where else would you get to hear some awesome stuff on a blog? :) Rock on, J.
Thanks, friend :)
Wow, thanks for sharing. It’s been about 9 months for me and I’m still enjoying self employment immensely. Being able to spend time with the kid makes a huge difference though. I don’t miss my co workers at all. Once the kid goes off to school, maybe I would consider working for someone else again, but it would have the be a dream job with a big paycheck
I agree with you that being self-employed is not for everyone. I am self-employed since April 2012 and am for the most part location independent but at times I do miss commuting to the office and socializing with my former co-workers and the company RRSP match and other goodies I gave up…ah well you can’t have everything. But my current work situation overall is a good fit for me so I’ll run with it until I decide it may be time to do something else.
Pretty awesome man, congrats… yes, I’m still around!
Also love your blogging den. Very coffee shopesque. I covet your library!
Hey friend!! Glad you like my den – you’re welcome to come and work here with me any time :) In fact, that’s one of my larger crazy ideas one day to do when I have millions to spare: Build an “internet house” where anyone’s welcome to come in and work/blog/hang out/etc. It would be so much fun!
I have a pretty crazy big house that I have thought about turning into a internet house of sorts, or something like that. If you are ever in upstate New York you should crash in.
I think I shall take you up on that, good sir! Perhaps you can lend a hand when we build the new one one day too? :)
That is a sweet ass den my man! Do you mind if I come over to shoot the breeze with you and Baby J? We can kick it with some Schlitz…and maybe a bottle of milk or juice for the little one.
Also, I love that new phrase! I’m totally gonna use it. I can’t wait until I blast somebody with “It just looks that way on the outside!”
Seriously, though, congrats! You are definitely one of my favorite bloggers and you’ve been a bundle of help to me. Thank you and good luck with the next two years!
Hell yeah doggy! You and the wifey are welcome to come and chill anytime over here. ESP if you bring some good bevies! It would be totally all tits and glitter :)
Congratulations on the 2 year mark. It is quite an achievement. I think you hit the nail on the head when talking about there really is no “dream job”. I thought I had it when I had my ecommerce company, but after 4 years, it ended up being a total drain and almost ruined my family life. I went back to 9-5 because of it and haven’t looked back.
Oh wow, sorry to hear man but GREAT job coming out okay! That’s a hard one to bounce back from, jeez.
Congrats on 2+ years, that’s crazy awesome. I can’t believe it’s been that long, but I’ve been here since before and I’ll be here when you do the next one. :-)
awwww, well thank you kindly girlfriend :)
Congrats, that is awesome. There are way to many distractions in that den for me, I would be so unproductive.
Love the blogger den you got yourself. :)
I am sure that in the last two years of being on your own you learned so much more about work, life, family and money than you would ever learn working for someone else. Way to go, my friend!
Congrats on two years! Nice den. Wanted to pipe in and let you know that I am still here, though I may be quiet.
Yay! Lovely to know you’re still around :) And funny you mention “pipe” there – my blogger den has a few of those on the shelves too! Haha…
Congrats! I am a new-ish reader, and I really like your blog. You keep your posts interesting to read and you comment back to your readers which is AWESOME for readers to feel connected. Thanks! Keep up the good work!
Awww thank you so much!!! You totally win the best comment of the day ;)
Great thoughts and congrats on two years! I took the plunge about nine months ago and I can concur with many of your thoughts. I love being self-employed and running my own business, but at the end of the day it’s still a job and gets our family what we need. It is not for everyone and for those that think they can do it and eat Cheetos and play video games all day they have another thing coming.
haha…. what are you talking about, we can do that! we just have to make up for it at midnight when we’re done playing ;)
Congrats on two years! I’m currently creating a mix of part-time in-office and part-time on my own. The jury’s out on how this experiment will end up but I won’t know unless I try :)
And you’re so right–the sky is the limit; Hell, there is no limit! :)
I’m inching up to 2 years this coming July. I have similar feelings. It’s harder than people seem to think to keep yourself motivated. But I still love blogging more than anything I’ve ever done before, so self-employment is still my thing right now. :-) Good luck and have fun with your baby!
Hehe thanks! And congrats on your almost 2 years too – I remember when you went on your own as well – seems like yesterday!!
I can see how you may miss the excitement solving other people’s problem in a 9-5 job but I would never miss a 2 hour commute myself (doing a 1 hour commute myself) :)
What happened to your colorful blogging desk? ;) lol Anyhow, love your blogging den. Hubby works from home, although not self-employed, so it’s like he’s got the best of both worlds. And it works for his personality. But the downside is that he has literally NO interaction with anyone except via all-day conference calls. He’s not a people person, but even so, it’s got to lonely. Regardless, this work at home set up saves us thousands of dollars a year because we don’t have to pay for Before and After care for our 1st grader. And our other small ones sti go to daycare and he handles getting them there and pick them up. So, that flexibility is golden!
My advice would be to hit the bars a couple nights after “work” with your friends, J. Happy Hour is a magic cure-all :)
AGREED! If only my friends would come up to visit me though :( I moved too far away from then so now it’s hard for us all to get together, bleh… such is life.
Oh, and I still have that green/red leather desk :) You can actually see the edge of it at the bottom of that picture there – I love this thing!!
Ha! Your post announcing that you have lost your job hooked me and kept me on your site. Particularly the picture! Well done and keep it up – I think this is the future and the sooner my generation realises that there won’t be jobs as we knew them the better we’ll be. We will all have to become ‘work nomads’ – I am have a little go and loving it so far.
Wow, really?? That’s so cool! Though that picture wasn’t exactly *me* for what it’s worth ;) It just captured EXACTLY what I was thinking in that moment, haha… Man… I can remember that entire feeling soooo well! Amazing the things that get imprinted in your head over the years…
This perspective is so refreshing and I am glad that you have given a balanced view. I started my blog a couple of months ago and still work my 9-5, which at this time is something that I can manage. I just wonder how I would feel if all I had to do was the blog. Would it still be something I enjoy doing?
Probably not :) BUT, all the other perks would blossom and you’d start loving those things more – like all the freedom, and hanging out with your kids (if you have any), etc etc… I guess you wouldn’t really know until you gave it a shot which is the scariest part! But if you had a backup like your old employer would always hire you back, then that would be pretty sweet ;)
What an awesome post! Love your man-cave, by the way!
I am wondering the same thing: If I quit my job, am I going to miss all of that other stuff that comes having with having it (the hang at work, the art of busy-work, etc.). Should be interesting to find out! It’s happening soon….
Nice man, way to set things up like that! You’ll have to do a post on your 2 year bossiversary and share it with us :) I’d be interested in seeing how others feel at that mile mark.
I know where you are coming from 1000%! I left my career 8 years ago to work with my husband in a company we bought. Originally it was never the plan for me to join him in this adventure, but he was struggling and needed my help and I couldn’t have my busy career and effectively help him, so I quit = scary…both of us with no steady pay! 8 years later our business is going strong. It certainly is not all tits up & glitter (love that btw)…everything we do affects the bottom line. We are responsible for our staffs’ livelihood and our own. Vacation? What the heck is that? We are our business 24/7 365! I do think that working for someone else is “easier” in many ways (vacation, steady pay, benefits, etc), but in my humble opinion it is not as fulfilling as making it on your own! My blogging site (which I run with my girlfriend) is not only a secondary source of income, but also a sanity break from my “real” job. Congrats on your entrepreneurial success!
AWESOME STORY!! Way to go over there – I loved reading every word of that :) Esp that the biz is going strong! I was afraid it was gonna end on a bad note, haha, but yay! I’ll agree 100% that it IS more rewarding owning/growing your own biz for sure. I forgot that’s a perk to it, thx for reminding me :) And may you have continued success as well!! Thanks so much for stopping by today.
Great post, and very honest and truthful! I can totally relate – After owning a business for years, (with partners) I left and decided to make it on my own, but it wasn’t long before the bills added up and the bank account drained… I had to have a real “heart to heart” with myself about getting back into the workforce as I believed this made me a huge failure – but with a disabled child and wife to provide for, I sucked it up and got a job.
That was 8 years ago and I’m thankful I made that decision. My first 2 jobs sucked, but the 3rd (which I still have) worked out perfectly! I earned enough to provide for my family, see my wife through her schooling, spend the needed amount of time with my son (who needs 24/7 care) and got back on track. We’ve been able to buy a nice home, and will be mortgage free in less than 2 years, (been debt free for about 10 now) and once that’s done, THEN I will follow my dream of becoming a home based business again. I’ve learned that “Life’s delays aren’t always life’s denials” – and have started to put my blog together (www.beenthere-donethat.net) which I am spending all my time working on for a proper spring launch. So don’t think it can’t happen, it just might take a bit more time that you thought…
Whew, thanks for letting me get that all out, and I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who felt this way! David
YAYYY!!! Another positive story, I love it! And good for you on sucking it up and just doing what you have to like that. I am impressed. And I can only HOPE I have the courage to do so too if ever in that same spot – that scares the bejesus out of me! Haha… So thank you for sharing that with all of us – it is very inspiring!! And please let me know once your site is up and running and you’re in action again. If I can help out at all let me know :)
Thanks J.Money! The site IS active – but with only one post, just so that I can keep it live to work on and refine it to where I think it needs to be. If you have a chance, take a look, and please read “My Story” and if you have time, and let me know what you think. I believe in my message, and know there are a lot of folks who can benefit from it, the way they do from yours…! Positive, positive, positive!!
Thanks and keep up the great, awesome work! David!
BTW, the site is http://www.beenthere-donethat.net ! Cheers!
cool, will do :) anything that adds POSITIVITY to the online world is way ahead in my eyes than others – so I hope you keep going and def. launch it big-time later!
It still feels good to be your own boss and hold your own time. And bonus if you are actually doing what your heart truly desires and enjoy every single minute you are working. And you have your workplace in the most comfortable way. Who wouldn’t love that?
Yup! Although I’ve come to realize that it’s not possible to love *every* single minute of it, only a *lot* of the minutes :)