The 9 to 5 Grind vs Self-employment

In our last article, we talked in-depth about the personality traits most characteristic of an entrepreneur. Now that you have an idea of whether your personality is that of an entrepreneur, it’s time to weigh the pros and cons of ditching your 9 to 5 for the world of self-employment and entrepreneurship.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with working a “9 to 5” job. In fact, for most people this type of career brings them satisfaction. However, for a small percentage of people, there is always the desire to be more than just a number. But, even if you possess the qualities and traits of an entrepreneur, that lifestyle may not be right for you. Let’s dig into this deeper and examine some of the main pros and cons for each avenue.

Predictable Schedule

A significant benefit of working a 9 to 5 or some variation of this is that you have a set schedule, which allows for predictability. Working in this model means that you know exactly what time you start work as well as what time you end. Most likely your place of employment also schedules in your breaks and lunch which means your less likely to skip meals and you also get a guaranteed opportunity to take a mental break…from work at least. In a previous article we talked about the importance of work-life balance, something that have schedule makes somewhat easier to achieve. Predictability ultimately allows one to confidently make plans around your work schedule. For individuals with a young family, this can be especially beneficial if children are in extracurricular activities or have childcare constraints.

Unfortunately, this can be considered a con for self-employment. Running your own business or working for yourself usually means there is no set schedule. Early mornings turn into late nights and very long days. Important meetings or tasks can come up on the fly, so the predictability factor is virtually non-existent. This makes work-life balance especially difficult. Running a business requires full-time involvement and commitment which ultimately means that sometimes sacrifices will need to be made with regards to time. This can be difficult for maintaining relationships and can take away from time with loved ones. It is not impossible though to achieve some level of balance. Check out “Finding Balance as an Entrepreneur” to find out how!

Just Another Number

In an environment where you are not the boss it can sometimes feel like you are just a number. While there are some people who do not mind coming into work and staying under the radar, for others this can trigger job dissatisfaction. Motivation and satisfaction with one’s career are owed greatly in part to how you feel you bring value to the company. If you feel your work is undervalued or your worth is not appreciated, working a 9 to 5 can become mentally taxing.

Being an entrepreneur or working for yourself has the potential to promote more job satisfaction because you are the master of your destiny. As a business owner you have the freedom to create an environment in which you know you will thrive. You also have the ability to create opportunities for you to not only show your worth but also be proud of it.

Growth and Development

As an entrepreneur, you are at the top of the food chain already which can leave one wondering what other opportunities for growth or advancement could there be? The great thing about running your own business is that when you find a venture that works and you identify your niche market, the opportunities for advancement are endless. For instance, if you were in the business of supplying a product to consumers, advancement could look like having your own storefront, striking a partnership with big box stores that will pay you to sell your products or even franchising. If your business is very successful, you could eventually be sitting on a beach drinking pina coladas while someone else does all the leg work.

Working within a conventional work schedule provides many opportunities within certain companies for growth and development and subsequently advancement within the company. The catch is this is no easy task and some positions especially those at the top of the food chain are not readily available. Often only opening should someone retire or be let go. Waiting for opportunities can even take years leaving one feeling stuck. The time waiting for the ideal step up the ladder can be discouraging, after a while complacency can kick in and before you know it you’ve spent 15 years at the same desk doing the same job. This is obviously not the case for everyone and putting in the work can ultimately lead to results, but this is not always the case when you are not the one calling the shots.

Ultimately, entrepreneurship is not for everyone and neither is working a convention 9 to 5 job. Both avenues have their pros and cons, but it is up to you to decide which ones outweigh the others. Whatever you decide, BriteSpace Offices has the facilities to meet all your needs. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or working from home but need to get out the house so you can work, we have an office for you. We also offer a wide array of other services to help with business development as well. Call us to BOOK A TOUR!