A year of self-employment

September 26, 2018

The 11th October 2018 will mark my one year anniversary of being self-employed.

It’s been such an up and down journey, but overall, it’s been a very positive experience.

In August 2017 I accepted redundancy from the company I’d worked for since I was 17 years old. It was a very daunting time, but I looked upon it as an exciting time. A time to start afresh, a new chapter. A chance to do something different that would make my life, and the lives of my family easier.

On the 11th October 2017 I completed my very first self-employed job. I started up my own business as a cleaner. Whilst it’s not the most glamorous job in the world, I have to admit that I enjoy it.

I get to meet new people, chose my own working hours, go on holiday when I like and I’m my own boss which means I also decide how much I get paid.

Of course there are downsides to being self-employed. I get no holiday or sick pay. As such if I do go on holiday or if I’m sick, I don’t get paid, but with careful planning and organising, it’s something that I’ve managed to deal with well so far.

I think I’m very lucky that I’ve built up a good base of customers that are consistent, and I’m hoping this will continue long into the future.

I enjoy the flexibility that my job offers me. It means I can wave my children off to school. I don’t have to get up at silly o’clock. I actually have time to go for a run, have a shower, and even wash my hair, dry it, have breakfast and a coffee before I start work!

The best bit of all though, is that I’m home in time to pick my children up from school. If they have a concert or sports day, I can work around that to make sure I’m there for all of the important events in their lives.

I’m not sure if this is something I’ll be doing forever, but for now, it suits and I’m enjoying it so happy almost one year self-employment anniversary to me!

 

19 Comments

  • Sigrid Chu

    September 26, 2018 at 7:38 am

    Hello Emily,

    A big congratulations to your one year self-employed anniversary!

    Thank you for sharing your story. Many of us would like to follow the same path and yours is an inspiration.

    I wish you many more happy self-employed anniversaries to come!

    Best,
    Sigrid

  • John Adams

    September 28, 2018 at 6:35 am

    Well Emily, I think I definitely helps in any relationship where there are kids if one of the partner is self employed. I don’t have quite the same status, I run my own limited company but it’s virtually the same thing. This means Mrs Adams knows that if one of the kids falls ill and can’t be school, I am on hand o take care of it. I may have to work until to compensate but it works for us. It’s the flexibility that I really appreciate. I also can’t imagine myself going back to the corporate world. Thanks for hosting #thatfridaylinky

  • Chloe

    September 28, 2018 at 6:39 am

    Hi, gosh that first year as flown by. I am glad that it has proved successful for you and it fits in perfectly around family life #thatfridaylinky

  • Enda Sheppard

    September 28, 2018 at 9:51 am

    Really is quite an achievement, working and yet having the flexibility to be there for your family. WEll done and continued good fortune #ThatFridayLinky

  • Ross – The Stented Papa

    September 28, 2018 at 9:55 am

    Massive congrats Emily. Going S/E takes guts, balls, determination & respect. It’s such a huge decision which based one what you’ve written above, is working out for you so far. And long may that continue. I’m now in the exact same boat as you. I went S/E at the start of September when the nips went back to school/started montessori. I’ve nearly 3 hours in the morning and then again at night after bed time. Not easy but a great sense of achievement after you’ve had a win. Best of luck with your cleaning business.

  • Suzy Stanton

    September 28, 2018 at 10:45 am

    Congratulations! Taking the leap to being self employed takes a lot of guts and it sounds like it’s suiting you and your family perfectly #ThatFridayLinky

  • Jo

    September 28, 2018 at 10:56 am

    Congratulations on your anniversary. I am so glad that it has given you lots of new found freedom! #thatfridaylinky

  • Han-Son

    September 28, 2018 at 11:29 am

    One of the hardest steps to take is that first one – and you’ve done it – smashed through it – and now running! Well done Emily. #ThatFridayLinky

  • Tracy Albiero

    September 28, 2018 at 1:25 pm

    Good for you for finding something that lets you still be a parent. Your kids will remember that! #thatfridaylinky

  • Emma MacDonald

    September 28, 2018 at 1:52 pm

    Congrats to you, that’s awesome! I have just took the leap too and left my part time job to become a full time blogger (I say full time but I just took 8 days off to honeymoon in Mexico!). It’s daunting but so far I’m happy. Well done again xx

    #ThatFridayLinky

  • Claire Rocks

    September 28, 2018 at 2:14 pm

    Congratulations on your first year of being self employed! I wish you all the best many more years!

  • Dave Pearson

    September 28, 2018 at 3:36 pm

    That’s amazing and something many people can aspire to.
    #ThankLinkyFirday

  • Mummy here and there

    September 28, 2018 at 4:29 pm

    Well done, I’m not sure I would be brave enough to go self employed. Glad it has worked out well for you X #thatfridaylinky

  • Calleen Petersen

    September 28, 2018 at 5:55 pm

    Congratulations!

  • Dynamic Dad

    September 28, 2018 at 6:39 pm

    Congratulations on the anniversary! It can take a lot to stick it out – here’s to another successful year.

  • Lexie

    September 28, 2018 at 7:16 pm

    There are pro’s and con’s of any employment situation! I’m glad that being self-employed is giving you the freedom to enjoy some time with your family.

  • Jeremy@ThirstyDaddy

    October 2, 2018 at 1:53 am

    congrats and happy anniversary. Thats an awesome achievement

  • Alan Herbert

    October 2, 2018 at 11:39 pm

    Has it really been a year!!

    Delighted it is working out so well. Although I don’t think there was ever a doubt it wouldn’t be a success.

    #thatfridaylinky

  • Musings of a tired mummy…zzz…

    October 4, 2018 at 12:03 pm

    Wow, a whole year! I am currently considering my employment options as I’m just so tired with 3 jobs and my blog so I want to find something that fits around my family but still provides an income. My husband tells me not to worry and that he will support us all but that doesn’t seem fair. #thatfridaylinky

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