The Ups (and Downs) of Being Your Own Boss

being your own boss

I was listening to a podcast the other day that said an entrepreneur will work an 80 hour week in order to avoid working a 40 hour 9 to 5 job. This made me giggle because it is so darn true.

I will be the first to say that I am so fortunate to get to sit at my kitchen island and program Instagram posts for a taco truck (new client, love them) and then take my pup for a walk. SO FORTUNATE.

The grass is always greener though and as someone who has worked a 9 to 5 for two years and since been an entrepreneur for one year, I figured I’d post about the ups and the downs!

The Ups of Being Your Own Boss

  1. Schedule! While there are nights I work late, I love that I can talk a day off whenever. I can drive to help a friend move, I can go take my dog to the vet, heck… I can do laundry! I also can start my day at 7am in my PJs, which as a morning person, I love!
  2. Client relationships. I can handle them how I want. In my old job I had to report and listen to how the company would like me to manage relationships. I am thankful for my experiences there but I am glad get to handle people in my own way.
  3. I work in my passion. I love being creative. I love creating content for this blog and my social media channels. I now do that for businesses too. Woah.

The Downs to Being Your Own Boss

  1. There is no one to report to. This may sound like a plus but I had a great relationship with my old boss. If I came across a struggle, he was always there to help me. He was also there to kick me into shape when I was slacking. (Side note: If you know any good mentors, I am on the prowl)
  2. Distractions matter. This can differ from job to job but as an entrepreneur, my distractions matter. If I get lost watching instagram stories for 30 mins, that’s 30 mins of productivity lost. In my old job, that did not effect my bottom line (cash flow) like it does as an entrepreneur.
  3. Taking work home. When I used to leave the office, my brain would shut off about work. Now, it’s always running. Plus I work in social media and we all know that never sleeps lol.
  4. Sick days and snow days are still work days. Womp womp.
  5. Paying taxes and saving for retirement becomes your responsibility.

The question I get most about having my own business is, how do I stay motivated? How do I not nap everyday? Lol, I nap if I absolutely need to (maybe like once a month) but I work as hard and often as I do because my husband believes in me. He once told me he thought I’d make more money than him. This is laughable to me but it keeps me going. I want to make him proud and I want to help my clients grow. Plus I feel like its part of the path God has me on. I’m not trying to nap that away.

If you are thinking about being your own boss and have questions, let me know! I am happy to help in anyway I can!

Tilley
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16 thoughts on “The Ups (and Downs) of Being Your Own Boss

  1. Neelab Hussaini

    Thanks so much for sharing this, it is so true.!Blogging is definitely a 24 hour job haha and even though I work late hours I always think about what kind of content I should be posting for my viewers to enjoy reading and liking my photos. Loved reading this beautiful, your such a great inspiration <3

    Reply
  2. Gaby

    So true! I love being my own boss but it’s hard. Sometimes it seems like I’m always working, specially on social media. No sick days at all, because no work=no money!

    Reply
  3. Stephanie A Bills

    I couldn’t agree with you more about distractions! Blogging isn’t my only job so when I get home, and the weekends, are crucial. If I get lost scrolling through instagram or pinterest for an hour, that is an hour of time I’m going to have to make up somewhere!

    Reply
  4. Cameron

    So great! While I have a day job, I totally get this with blogging! You have to motivate yourself to do everything and I never stop thinking of more blogging ideas!

    Reply
  5. Amanda

    I used to work from home and loved that I could set my own hours, but I did miss the office interactions. It definitely takes a motivated person to work from home and be their own boss… you got this!

    Reply
  6. Katie

    I work full time, but I think it would be cool to work from home down the road. I could totally see myself doing that! Thanks for sharing your perspective on this. You bring up a good point about taxes and saving for retirement. I would have never thought of that, but it’s honestly so important.

    Reply
  7. Katie

    I work full time, but I think it would be cool to work from home down the road. I could totally see myself doing that! Thanks for sharing your perspective on this. You bring up a good point about taxes and saving for retirement. I would have never thought of that, but it’s honestly so important!

    Reply
  8. amy

    My parents were entrepreneurs so I can totally see the benefits and downsides of being your own boss! Such an informative post and one day I hope possibly be my own boss as well!
    xoxo,
    Amy | Pastel N Pink

    Reply

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