I once had a consulting business. I had some great clients and it looked
like I might be in business for myself forever.

Then the clients slowly stopped needing my services, or I didn't have the skills
they needed, or they simply couldn't afford to pay for a contractor. If the clients
stop needing you, your income goes away.

If it's anything, a full time job is security.



>I have been reading the different messages from several of our UT members, and it dawned upon me today that "I sure am glad I work for myself and don't have a job."
>
>I really feel the pain for "many" of those who work in the corporate world. I realize that the majority of people are probably happy in the corporate world. However, I just helped a lady who worked 28 years with Wachovia bank in their mortgage dept, and she lost her job through out sourcing (needless to say, she is not a happy camper at 60 years old). Sure, the corporate worker oftentimes get health benefits that are less expensive than an individual. And they oftentimes get help with a company retirement plan. Outside of those two, I can't think of a single reason I personally would want to work in the corporate world.
>
>What I get instead is FREEDOM, and I love it, and have for nearly 25 years.
>
>I realize everyone can't work for themselves as it does require some things like:
>
>Being a self starter, as there is no one there to tell you to get out of bed and get your work done.
>
>Being willing to invest money and time in yourself to continue your work (no company to pay for those Devcon's, fees, etc.'s).
>
>NEVER settling for less than the best, or your work will dry up.
>
>Realizing you never have an income maximum limit - the sky is the limit, its all in your own hands. Someone has said the definition of a "job" is "just-over-broke" and I guess I don't want to live that way.
>
>Being willing to "spread" out if that what it takes (read: don't "just" be a programmer, but other things that might interest you, or you can help with). In my situation I help with financial services and am finding that is about to surpase my programming income, in addition to giving me new interest and opportunities. This has also allowed me to donate some substantial time to some non-profit causes.
>
>Being a good money manager. Since no company is paying for your insurance or retirement plan, it's important that money is earmarked for those. A person who works for themself should be saving at least twice what a person who works a corporate job should, and that should be no problem as the income potential is so much greater.
>
>And many other things.... the list just goes on and on.
>
>It's not always easy, but it has been a great life for my family and I, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
>
>Please no one take anything I have said negatively... I am just trying to express a "few" thoughts of how it feels on the other side... and its great. Perhaps what I have said will give some of you who are thinking of working for yourself some encouragement, or at least some thoughts of what it takes.
>
>Mel Cummings