Most of you on the fodbusiness maillist have decided to become your own boss. Various reasons pushed you to this step. I've heard many of the reasons involve too little pay for the job done, cost of having a job, too little time at home with family, not enough career advancement potential. This list can be very long.

I also hear of the trials and tribulations involved in being in business for yourself to have equal disadvantages. The disadvantages seem to fall in the same category as those which you originally left "employment."

A friend told me "whereever you take yourself in life, you take along your problems." I believe this is true. The challenge is overcoming the "you" in employment or business...as the two are the same.

Many self-help books have been written on this subject. To read them can be enlightening; to act upon the information can be life-changing. We must see ourself as others see us before we can adjust or modify behavior capable of leading us to success.

Recognizing our personal assets, working on our shortcomings and relying on ourselves can be the most rewarding of change. I need to first ask myself some tough questions. If I am being paid $5.00 an hour to do a certain task in employment, can I also earn $5.00 an hour on my own. If I can't make the same income I was earning, then how can I justify my employer paying me $5.00 an hour? 

Start at the most simplist of questions and work toward the honest answer. Get extra education, obtain specific skills, learn how to market your skills. Make a plan to reach that goal. 

Once you are sure you have reached that goal, go to step number two. Step number two is different as it involves dividing your personal change into categories. Those categories then surface as (1) working 40 hours a week - not 70 hours, (2) having time for family (3) paying for your own medical, vacation and retirement benefits, and (4) learning how to delegate tasks to others more capable of handling the task than you, and paying for such services out of your profit margin.

We all need to remember the simple things in life have reward. Whether you are employed or self-employed you are an employee. Every opportunity lies with you, and every opportunity is planned.

So the next time you feel that your business is not doing well, or your employer doesn't pay you enough money, stop right there and take charge of the situation. Evaluate where you are, what you can change, and redesign the pattern. Make sure you are in charge of your own destiny at all times.

Deb Nyberg, Webmistress
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