Deciding to throw the towel and take a step back is never easy, especially if you love your job. Did you know that approximately 4 million employees in the U.S. resign every month in this year alone? WOW! Imagine being forced to resign because of the circumstances when the pandemic hit. A perfect example is healthcare workers. They are overworked, can’t breathe properly in their protective suits, and get minimal rest due to extended shifts. At the same time, food industry employees are among the most exposed people in the community because they have to face different people every day for 8 hours a day. No wonder it was coined ‘The Great Resignation’ because many people from important industries decided to take a break.
The ‘Great Resignation’ began the shift of the economy. Businesses started to rethink their operations strategy. Instead of hiring employees who will come to work every day and take up office space, some companies provided the option to work from home or opted to hire virtual workers. But, if you’re one of those people who already quit, have you thought about your next step? Are you planning to switch to a different industry? Or maybe, apply for a new job that demands less from you?
Do You Still Have an ‘Employee Mindset’? Why Going Back to Being an Employee Is a Waste of Time
The 4 million people who quit have either decided to (1) pursue their passion and become an entrepreneur, (2) become a freelancer who can manage their own time and work at their own pace, or (3) apply for a new job that is less challenging. If you are part of the population who decided the latter, THINK AGAIN.
Below are three reasons why you should reconsider being an employee:
- Being an employee doesn’t offer as much freedom. You lived through the pandemic, congratulations! If it feels like a second life to you, why waste it working a 9 to 5 job with less quality time spent with family? More than likely, every move you make at work is monitored, and you can only take breaks according to schedule.
- An average person can only focus for up to 3 hours straight. If you’re working a regular job, you can’t take as many breaks as you need. It is a given fact that people can’t focus for 8 hours straight and still stay productive. It is best to be in control of your time and work during the hours that you are most effective.
- You can’t have multiple jobs without any legal implications. With inflation rising, having just one source of income is not enough. If you are still an employee, sometimes, having a side hustle is not allowed by some companies because of possible legal implications. Thus, stopping you from earning more for your family.
Being an employee has its share of pros as well. But sometimes, the things that matter most can’t be found in the four corners of an office with a desk.
The 3 Benefits of Being a Freelancer or Business Owner and Why These Are the Next Best Steps to Your Career
Are you thinking twice about entering the world of business and freelancing? Do you think it is unstable, not lucrative, or expensive? Starting a business can cost, but the benefits you will reap are endless. On the other hand, freelancing just needs to have a personal computer or laptop and an internet connection. But if you are not yet convinced, below are the top 3 benefits you can experience if you choose to be a business owner or freelancer.
- Flexibility. Nothing beats spending your own time in your own way. Being able to attend every family gathering, seeing your child’s milestones, or doing what you love most are just some of the things you can do when you become a freelancer or entrepreneur.
- Work from home. You don’t need to rent an office space and find a prime location just to drive traffic for your business. When you become a freelancer, you have the choice to work at home or travel while working whenever you want. Being a business owner has its benefits too. If you wish to build a business that doesn’t require leasing an office space, you can set up a chief-of-staff or digital marketing agency, depending on your passion.
- Multiple sources of income. The most important question above all is, will you have enough income to support your needs? The short answer is YES! You can afford even your wants. Because you have control over how you spend your time, you have an option to have multiple jobs or be a business owner and freelancer at the same time
As mentioned earlier in this blog, you will reap endless benefits if you choose the path of being a business owner or freelancer. At first, doubts are inevitable. That’s because you want to have the stability of earning like what being an employee can give you. Balancing the pros and cons should still be a priority. But the two major questions are: Do you want to be free and spend your time however you like it? Or do you want to be bound by the shackles of company policies and be a liability?