Self-Employment
Thoughts on courage and personal choice21 total reviews
Comment from Titanx9
This is a well-written essay. You covered a lot of territory and have offered some valuable advice to many who are perhaps on the fence about starting their own business. I am so happy things worked out for you. I like how you came up with the idea of toilet paper - great job!
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2012
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This is a well-written essay. You covered a lot of territory and have offered some valuable advice to many who are perhaps on the fence about starting their own business. I am so happy things worked out for you. I like how you came up with the idea of toilet paper - great job!
Comment Written 23-Jul-2012
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2012
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Almost every person or earth consumes paper products daily. Seems a much easier item to sell. Need trumps want any day.
Comment from Cumbrianlass
Brilliant, Ingrid. I love the utter honesty of this piece. As usual, your penchant for reporting shines. You would, in my opinion, have made a great journalist.
We're self employed, so I know how tough it is. We've ridden several economic storms over the past 18 years. But there's a certain amount of freedom that, in my opinion, is worth the hassle of being your own boss.
Bravo. Great write
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Only a couple of teeny weeny things:
To be terminated by a company() bespoke of the person's idleness, sloth or incompetence
Customer()s
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2012
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Brilliant, Ingrid. I love the utter honesty of this piece. As usual, your penchant for reporting shines. You would, in my opinion, have made a great journalist.
We're self employed, so I know how tough it is. We've ridden several economic storms over the past 18 years. But there's a certain amount of freedom that, in my opinion, is worth the hassle of being your own boss.
Bravo. Great write
Av
x
Only a couple of teeny weeny things:
To be terminated by a company() bespoke of the person's idleness, sloth or incompetence
Customer()s
Comment Written 23-Jul-2012
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2012
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I shall put out traps for the menace that plagues my ability, perhaps bait them with run-on sentences. Will let you know how the hunt is progresing.
Comment from Espresso momma
So well spoken friend. I am certain with the countless who are looking for work, maybe self employment would be an option to consider. It's nice to read about one who makes a decision and sticks with it as you did. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2012
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So well spoken friend. I am certain with the countless who are looking for work, maybe self employment would be an option to consider. It's nice to read about one who makes a decision and sticks with it as you did. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 23-Jul-2012
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2012
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If you believe you have sales abilities and have enough confidence to give it a shot, most companies, even those not hiring, will take on someone willing to work for commission only. Shere yor ideas of self employment with me on PM and I'll gladly be your sounding wall.
Comment from ajdevore
Thank you for sharing this interesting slice of your professional life. I wish I could be as optimistic about the future as you.
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2012
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Thank you for sharing this interesting slice of your professional life. I wish I could be as optimistic about the future as you.
Comment Written 21-Jul-2012
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2012
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Well send me your sorrows and doubts to PM and I'll tell you the truth. Do you have ideas or dreams? ingrid
Comment from Chrisfiore
Greetings SE, I think everyone should be self-employed at least once in their lifetime. It definitely gives you a different prospective. While I worked for other people, I never requested a raise. I always felt that my work quality and ethic would obviously merit one. There was a time when I actually refused a raise (my boss was dumbfounded and gave it to me anyway).
But while being self-employed, you realize that not everyone feels the same way you do. Most people think that their employer can "afford" their lack of motivation or that they have certain "perks" coming just because they have shown up for work. Employees feel justified to "slack off" because they have been "overlooked". Some take it upon themselves to help themselves to extended breaks or pay without production. The majority feel they aren't getting paid enough for the work they are doing.
In my nearly 35 years of being an electrician, my total time of being unemployed might amount to 2-3 weeks. When a worker actually works and feels he must earn every dime of his pay, he usually has employment when the others are standing in line looking for compensation.
Sorry. You got me started. ;) Chrisfiore
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2012
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Greetings SE, I think everyone should be self-employed at least once in their lifetime. It definitely gives you a different prospective. While I worked for other people, I never requested a raise. I always felt that my work quality and ethic would obviously merit one. There was a time when I actually refused a raise (my boss was dumbfounded and gave it to me anyway).
But while being self-employed, you realize that not everyone feels the same way you do. Most people think that their employer can "afford" their lack of motivation or that they have certain "perks" coming just because they have shown up for work. Employees feel justified to "slack off" because they have been "overlooked". Some take it upon themselves to help themselves to extended breaks or pay without production. The majority feel they aren't getting paid enough for the work they are doing.
In my nearly 35 years of being an electrician, my total time of being unemployed might amount to 2-3 weeks. When a worker actually works and feels he must earn every dime of his pay, he usually has employment when the others are standing in line looking for compensation.
Sorry. You got me started. ;) Chrisfiore
Comment Written 21-Jul-2012
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2012
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Don't be sorry. I'm glad I triggered the thoughts. I agree with everything you say. Then there's the 'back pay' where employees feel they are screwed over and have 'entitlement' to help themselves to product or office supplies as a way of evening out the score.
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I'm glad you are up and around, dear friend. Got a project you are working on? Do tell... ;)
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No, wish I did. Need something to turn my crank, but son moved in the middle of heat wave and it knocked me out.
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Hmm... I'm working on a piece tenatively titled, "So You Think You Can Dance On My Grave?" It's about a a person who was a jerk all his life that decides he'll reward anyone who can think of nice things to say about him. Any suggestions? ;)
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I hope it starts at the funeral with a coupl of old bitties at the back of the mourners with a sentence like "I know we sholdn't speak badly of the departed, but did you ever meet such a horrid man?'
Reward how? Like a genie wish? A stroke of good luck? The recipient has to know or suspect where the reward came from to make it work...maybe even another jerk who plls out something positive o say, gets his reward and just like positive affirmation starts to collect rewards untill he himself is reformed...just spouting.
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No, if the person knows there is a reward coming they would just speak pleasantries to ensure said reward.
I'm thinking the guy would have to be rich and found out he had a terminal disease. Realizing his days are numbered, he wants to know if there is anyone that thinks he has been good despite himself. He is set to ruin all his enemies but will anonymously reward those with a million dollars who honestly saw the good in him.
Spout away, noble sage...
there was a movie about a very rich man who had invaluable art who when he died ordered it auctioned...millions of dollars worth, but there was one painting his son had made...he predeceased the father and was considered by dad's contempoaries a loser. The stipulation was that his son's painting had to be auctioned before the masters were put up. When the actioneer began the bids all the salivating bidders grew impatient and wanted it dismissed and move to the others. The auctioneer stood firm and said no others would be up for bid until the son's art was sold. Finally the butler who had known the boy bid and purchased the painting. Much to the relief of other dealers in the room who were anxious for the good stuff. But the auction was cancelled as the man who died left specific instructions that whoever purchased his son's work got the entire collection for the sam price, millions of dollars worth of art, just so that someone would remember his son.
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Cool story, I'm not familiar with it.
My story would be about a guy who WAS a big heel but secretly did some kindness that went unheralded. Starting from a list provided by the dying man, the hero would have to determine who saw their beneficiary as a good man, even though by all outward appearances, he was an asshole. ;)
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He was probably both. Make sure you make his 'prickerdom' ruthless and real, perhaps even a reason...he doesn't suffer fools...hates bigots or ass kissers...but make the nasty side very real, don't diminish it and you can use one or more characters (best done with dialogue) for proof.
The fact that his kindnesses were not known is perfect...he wasn't trying to win a popularity contest...so when he does something, says something, he means every biting word. Just don't turn it into a chiche, no widows or orphans. Taking his boots to the homeless, dropping them off, even with a twenty inside, strolling off as the bum salutes the man...at any rate, great potential, wonderful story line, can't wait to see how it comes together. Hey, maybe because the title include cancing on his grave you can bring in a ballerina who was sponsored secretly and she never knew who her benefactor was. Sounds like a good write once you figure out where you're going with this.
I confesss, I almost always write a story from beinning to end and have no idea whee it's going when I start, but let it lead me into netherlands.
Comment from sweetwoodjax
this is very well written, echo, you did a great job writing this essay about the benefits and downfalls of being self employed. i enjoyed reading this one....
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2012
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this is very well written, echo, you did a great job writing this essay about the benefits and downfalls of being self employed. i enjoyed reading this one....
Comment Written 21-Jul-2012
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2012
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Well, thanks so much.
Comment from Trooper48
A well written story, and well presented. Although I come from England I can relate to every word. I was self employed at one time and found myself paying the tax of former owners of the business which I took over! Life, like writing is indeed a learning process.
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2012
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A well written story, and well presented. Although I come from England I can relate to every word. I was self employed at one time and found myself paying the tax of former owners of the business which I took over! Life, like writing is indeed a learning process.
Comment Written 21-Jul-2012
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2012
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And to think England is the foundation of our laws. Paying someone else's taxes is criminal.
Comment from Mastery
Hi, Ingrid. You should be very proud of yourself and I imagine you are. It takes a lot of confidence and fortitude to go out on your own. This piece is well constructed and sensibly narrated. Good going. Bob
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2012
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Hi, Ingrid. You should be very proud of yourself and I imagine you are. It takes a lot of confidence and fortitude to go out on your own. This piece is well constructed and sensibly narrated. Good going. Bob
Comment Written 20-Jul-2012
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2012
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Thank you. Proud, not likely, perhaps vindicated that at least the BIG decision worked out, but it was a nerve wracking ride. Every time I lost an aount I thought my decision would put me on the streets. It's like many things, you never knoow how it's going to work out until it's all over. If we'd only known we might have enjoyed the ride a little more. Where's our chapter?
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Sigh....Alas,I want it to be so right that I am wrestling with the re-dos oer and over...So sorry....soonI hope. Thanks...Bob
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It's the final chapter you know.
Comment from Suntay
Your shared experience gave me a new way of thinking.
Question: Do you think this type of methods would work in service industies or when the product is like education? It was clear, well written, and informative. I liked it.
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2012
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Your shared experience gave me a new way of thinking.
Question: Do you think this type of methods would work in service industies or when the product is like education? It was clear, well written, and informative. I liked it.
Comment Written 20-Jul-2012
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2012
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Send me a PM and explain your idea and I will give you a very honest answer. My initial response is absolutely if you can fill a niche. I know somebody who became VERY rich by approaching the banks to clean their ATM machines on weekends. Tell me about it. I may not be an expert but I've had a lot of business experience.
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Thanks, I will.
Comment from DALLAS01
You've covered a lot of territory in this write and obviously have all of the experience to back it up. Glad it worked for you. I think the most important point for me was the fact that you began dressing as if you were actually going to work outside your home. I know how I feel about myself is often contingent on my appearance. Discipline isn't one of my strong suits, so I often have to fake it till I make it. So lounging around in my pjs wouldn't work too long for me.
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2012
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You've covered a lot of territory in this write and obviously have all of the experience to back it up. Glad it worked for you. I think the most important point for me was the fact that you began dressing as if you were actually going to work outside your home. I know how I feel about myself is often contingent on my appearance. Discipline isn't one of my strong suits, so I often have to fake it till I make it. So lounging around in my pjs wouldn't work too long for me.
Comment Written 20-Jul-2012
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2012
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Even with you cutting down on the work days makes it a temptation to let it all han out. I've always said 'fake it till you make it' Did you get that from me or are we parellel souls? Is the house sold for sure, for sure?
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It is a saying I adopeted from a twelve step program. closing should be next week. Keep your fingers crossed.
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Wow, I've said that for at least 3 decades and have never heard anyone say it before. I never thought it was original, but laughed when I saw it on the screen. Yes, I will keep my fingers crossed.
