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Why Don’t More People Consider Self-Employment?
Unless you live under a rock, you probably know the economy is shot. And while some are hopeful and believe things will improve, other’s aren’t so sure. Between high transportation costs, rising food prices, and other inflation issues, many people need a way to make extra money.
Since most people who seek second employment also have full-time jobs, they’ll likely look for work in the evenings or on the weekends, and make (on average) between $6 and $8 an hour - if that. Deduct taxes and the cost of gas and they’re fortunate to walk away with $5 a hour.
I realize everyone doesn’t have the entrepreneurial spirit, and when backed up against a financial wall, their first reaction is to grab the Help Wanted ads and find work. But with so many different ways to make extra cash from home (freelance writing, virtual assistant, affiliate programs etc.), I often wonder why more people don’t consider self-employment.
Maybe it’s because they don’t realize how simple it is to make money from home, or perhaps they’re afraid. Then again, I believe some people are anti-self-employment, and they basically don’t want the responsibility that comes with working for themselves.
I’ll never forget a conversation I had with someone a couple of years ago. This person was having major financial troubles, and they had been in search for second employment. Around this time I had come across this great blogging opportunity that paid a fair per post rate ($5/per 100 words). And the best part, writers could post on different topics and there wasn’t a cap. She could have easily blogged for one hour each day and made an extra $100/week.
This blog network was looking for several new and experienced bloggers, and I forwarded her the contact information. Her response, “I don’t think so, I’m not a writer.”
I know writing isn’t for everyone - I get that. But what I don’t understand is why she wouldn’t give it a try. One of two things could have happened. She could have hated the blogging gig, in which she could have stopped. Or she might have enjoyed it, and discovered a simpler way to earn extra cash. Instead, she took a minimum wage hostess position.
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I’ve had similiar conversations very recently. Some of the reasons are that people don’t want to worry about taxes, and they don’t feel they’d use their time wisely.
I suppose some people just need to do things “the way they’ve always been done”. Everyone is not open to trying new things, learning, and stepping out on their own.
I can’t say I totally understand but I just shrug and say ok.