Being your own boss is not, however, without significant challenges. Potential concerns include, but are not limited to:
- Lack of financial security or predictability
- Isolation from peers or co-workers
- Lack of clarity about job demands and expectations.
- Tolerating financial uncertainty
- Finding the right balance between business and leisure
- Obtaining much-needed support and encouragement from friends, family and peers
- Combating those feelings of loneliness and isolation that can lead to depression and anxiety.
- Look to your support network for encouragement, constructive feedback and companionship.
- Have a financial backup plan.
- Have a well-thought-out, written business plan. The more planning you do with respect to short- and long-term goals and tasks, financial expectations and daily work routines, the less vulnerable you are to stress, anxiety and depression.
- Implement your plans. Be flexible where needed. Successful self-employment requires openness to learning, growing and adapting to changing needs and conditions.
- Make it a priority to strike a healthy work/life balance. Regularly set aside time for social activities, your family and yourself. Each day should leave some room for non-work related activities.
- Don't ignore the basics! Sit down to a healthy breakfast and lunch. Get dressed for work every morning. Don't lounge around in your pajamas, as that can easily detract from viewing yourself as a vibrant, productive, successful business owner.