Taking the plunge into self employment is very exciting and a little scary. Be prepared to be successful, and learn the art of facing the fear of self employment.
Facing the fear of self employment isn't easy, but it is possible to be prepared (and, hopefully, be successful). It's very daunting to face fears and take the plunge into becoming self-employed. Many professionals are their own worst critic, and they'll second-guess themselves at every turn. Is this idea good enough? Is this business plan sound? Will success follow? And, worst of all: what if I fail?
Facing the Fear of Self Employment
Fear is something that everyone has faced at one time or another. Those who are self employed know something about facing those fears already. When there is no one but oneself to rely upon, fear becomes a close companion. Business success, or failure, has a more direct effect on financies than it ever has before.
Be Prepared to Be Successful
Self employment seems scary because it feels that suddenly, there is nothing to "fall back on." There is no day job and now you're working for yourself - but what if you don't succeed? It seems so much worse, now, so much more insecure. But is it, really? You have always affected your own business life, your own finances. You've performed well at previous jobs and supported yourself just fine - how is self employment really that different from what you've done in the past?
There is a trick to facing fear. Whatever you fear, simply ask yourself, "what's the worst thing that could happen?" Once you think about that, and think on how you would deal with the worst if it did happen (and that almost never happens), you'll feel much better. Fear has a way of becoming much larger, in our minds, than even the thing we're fearful of.
When it comes to self employment, the best way to face fear and move forward is sound planning: be prepared to be successful. Know yourself, and know how best you work. Work out a schedule based on self-employment needs and goals, and stick to it. Find jobs, make money...what is there to be fearful of?
