1. My job doesn't always feel like work. Being a one-person company, I have to do it all myself (which is fine, because my name is Paige and I'm a control freak). This includes the major stuff like making the jewelry and photographing it, but it's also weird little things like researching what kind of shopping bag I want to use in 2012, and whether or not I need logo stickers. Sometimes when it happens I'm like, "Really? This is my job now?! I should go make some earrings." But I can't just stop what I'm doing, because as menial as some of the tasks are, they still need to be done.
So that's an adjustment I haven't quite made yet. It's actually the cause of item #2:
2. I have a hard time NOT working. Because some of the stuff I have to do feels like I'm just filling time, I constantly worry that I'm not doing enough. Whenever I'm home, I'm either working, or thinking about what I should work on next. I get antsy if too many hours go by and I haven't been productive.
This is a brand new problem for me, since my old job wasn't exactly interesting. And speaking of The Day Job, quitting it has led to item #3:
3. My paycheck is smaller--but that's okay! Even though I'm actually making more money now that I'm self-employed, I sure don't get to keep all of it. There's the cost of materials, Etsy and PayPal fees, monthly advertising contracts, booth rentals at craft shows, mileage on my car, shipping fees... Once all of that is taken care of, then I get to pay myself.
But I'm actually fine with it, because now that I'm busier, I don't shop as much. I think it also has something to do with being happier and needing less retail therapy. I'd rather have a slightly smaller paycheck and love my job than let my brain go soft in a cubicle for an extra $1,000 a year.
So there we go! Three things I've learned so far working for myself. For my fellow self-bosses, what's one of the biggest things you realized along the way? And for those of you who are heading this direction, what are some things you're curious about? Feel free to ask in the comments.
P.S. Happy (Early) New Year! I'll see you in 2012.
This is a brand new problem for me, since my old job wasn't exactly interesting. And speaking of The Day Job, quitting it has led to item #3:
3. My paycheck is smaller--but that's okay! Even though I'm actually making more money now that I'm self-employed, I sure don't get to keep all of it. There's the cost of materials, Etsy and PayPal fees, monthly advertising contracts, booth rentals at craft shows, mileage on my car, shipping fees... Once all of that is taken care of, then I get to pay myself.
But I'm actually fine with it, because now that I'm busier, I don't shop as much. I think it also has something to do with being happier and needing less retail therapy. I'd rather have a slightly smaller paycheck and love my job than let my brain go soft in a cubicle for an extra $1,000 a year.
So there we go! Three things I've learned so far working for myself. For my fellow self-bosses, what's one of the biggest things you realized along the way? And for those of you who are heading this direction, what are some things you're curious about? Feel free to ask in the comments.
P.S. Happy (Early) New Year! I'll see you in 2012.
Nice post! The biggest thing I am still learning is to discipline myself to do the bookkeeping involved in owning a business on a daily basis instead of waiting until this time of year to catch up.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteThe most difficult thing for me is the down-times (like January) - when nothing (or not much) sells. I keep on working and make a little stockpile for the busy times.
Angie (blogging buddies)
This is great! I 100% agree that I would take less money to do what I want, as long as you're paying your bills, the "extras" become a lot less important.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Don't you love working for yourself!
ReplyDeleteI have yet much to learn/achieve in terms of the handmade business. At least I get to experience the joys of running a mature and well developed enterprise, through your testimony!
ReplyDeleteBTW, love the quote on that first image (and the fact that the word "action" is lifting weights in the second!)
Happy New Year!! x o !
this was really interesting to read. i'm more at the point in my life where i'm trying to make my handmade business be a contributor to my income in general. and i'm not sure i ever want it to be full time, but i really connect with a lot of what you are saying - especially it being hard Not to work!
ReplyDeletelol, p.s. i love the line "because my name is Paige and I'm a control freak"
Great post. I could totally relate to your "brain growing soft in a cubicle" comment.
ReplyDeleteI've only had my Etsy shop open for 10 months, and I've learned a lot along the way. My photos and tags are better, but not perfect. My biggest challenge is keeping my cyber shelves stocked while juggling two part-time jobs and family commitments. I've learned I need to reassess my prices. I'm covering costs, but there's not much left for me.
Thanks for sharing! Love that you are sharing this new journey in your life in this space. I can totally relate to the "working all the time" part. Hard to have down time when there is always so much to be done. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips :) I hope to join the self-employed world soon!
ReplyDeleteI agree that a smaller paycheck is worth the extra happiness :)