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The Myth and Reality of Being Your Own Boss

Tanisha Perkash

In an increasingly digital world, the idea of shedding the daily commute and being your own boss, setting your own work hours, is a vivid picture of entrepreneurial freedom. This boom, fuelled by technological advancements, has given people countless opportunities to work however they want and whatever they like; many through these technological advancements have transformed passions into professions and have escaped the matrix of unemployment. But the million-dollar question is whether this idea is truly valid. Could it truly be a path to liberation? Or are these just rumours?

Success in one’s own business

The promises of entrepreneurial freedom are indeed beneficial. Reduced overheads are a major draw without the need for commercial rent, utilities, and extensive office equipment, and there are no start-up costs, allowing anybody to work and earn and making it very accessible from any place and anywhere. The flexibility to manage our own schedules is the main powerful motivator. 

Imagine crafting your workday around school runs and personal appointments, or taking a midday break at any time during work; no one is there to stop you. Another significant advantage is the absence of traditional 9-5 working hours, allowing you to pause work at any time and resume later. As an individual entrepreneur, you can work or start a home-based business from anywhere. However, the very freedom that attracts many people can also be an illusion. This is because a physical office once clearly delineated the boundaries between work and personal life. 

Sometimes, home business owners or entrepreneurs find it stressful to work all day on calls primarily related to their work, as this often leads to a lack of connection with the outside world and minimal human interactions, which can be extremely harmful to their health. And study research proves that self-employed business owners and entrepreneurs have to deal with more responsibilities than a physical office, as sometimes these businesses will cost them their weekends too for work.

Risks and dangers

Looking up close to home-based businesses requires a lot more effort and energy to run the business successfully; it also requires conscious effort to mitigate these risks. Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is almost impossible in these scenarios; in an office setting, one must be well-mannered and wear a suit and tie, which can enhance productivity. In contrast, working from home allows for a more relaxed approach, where you don’t need to prepare or wake up early, potentially leading to negative health effects. But most importantly, entrepreneurs can prioritise self-awareness, recognising the signs of stress, and self-care over relentless work!

Hard work brings success to any job

No matter what the work is where you work, if you are not a hard-working person, you won’t be successful in life. Working from home is primarily an opportunity for individuals with a business mindset or for those who have struggled to find a job after multiple attempts. While a home-based business may sound appealing due to its greater freedom compared to an office job, it carries significant risks of bankruptcy since you must invest your own savings to operate it; in contrast, an office job can promote a healthier lifestyle. Freedom truly blossoms rather than being watched and staying under someone’s watch, but the shadow of exhaustion can be draining.

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