Running your own business is not for everyone. It takes a lot of time, energy, and resources to start a business as well as grit, resilience and tenacity to grow that business and keep it going. But for those who take the leap of faith and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, the rewards can be immense – energetically, emotionally and financially. The happiness that running my own business brings in all aspects of my life is immeasurable; the time, energetic and emotional freedom that comes from being my own boss is far greater than I considered when I started my entrepreneurial journey in 2009.
Here are the top five ways running my own business makes me happy:
1. Autonomy and Control:
One of the primary reasons why people start their own businesses is the desire for autonomy and control over their professional lives. When you work for someone else, you are working to achieve their vision, their values, and their goals. As a business owner, you have the freedom to shape your company’s direction, culture, and operations. You can set your own schedule, make decisions that align with your personal values, and pursue opportunities that excite you. This sense of autonomy and control can be incredibly empowering and satisfying. One of the primary reasons you start your own business is to pursue fulfilment, which is the ultimate goal in business and life.
2. Fulfilling a Passion:
Many of us entrepreneurs start businesses based on a passion or a cause we care deeply about. Whether it’s a love of baking, a desire to create sustainable fashion, or a commitment to social justice, starting a business can be a way to bring your passions and your deeply held personal values to life. When you build a business around something you care about, work no longer feels like a chore but a fulfilling pursuit that aligns with your purpose in life. You know the saying: do something you love and you never work a day in your life!
3. Creative Expression:
Running a business also allows for an incredible amount of creative expression. From developing a brand identity to designing products, entrepreneurs have the freedom to bring their creativity to every aspect of their business. This creative outlet brings a sense of joy and fulfilment that I never achieved in traditional employment.
4. Flexibility:
Flexibility was one of the primary reasons I started my own business. I have had two kids throughout the life of my business and being my own boss has provided me with the ultimate flexibility in my life. Running your own business simply offers a level of flexibility that traditional jobs don’t provide. Not only in terms of time but in the sense that you are not answerable to anyone else should you decide to attend your child’s school assembly or help out at the bake sale: there’s none of the guilt that you inevitably feel when you leave work early in a traditional workplace.
Entrepreneurs set their own schedules and work from anywhere, allowing them to prioritise their personal life, their health, their hobbies and other things that create general happiness alongside their work life. This leads to a better work-life balance, which in turn can lead to increased happiness and well-being.
5. Financial Independence:
Finally, running your own business can provide a sense of financial independence – your income is as scalable as you choose to make it. While there are risks involved in starting a business, successful entrepreneurs can reap significant financial rewards. Being in control of your own financial destiny can bring a sense of security and peace of mind that traditional jobs may not provide.
So, whether you are thinking of starting your own business, just starting out or are many years into your entrepreneurial journey, there are always opportunities to bring happiness to your work and personal life.
What makes you happy about running your own business?
Leave me a comment below….
About The Author
Jane McKay is a marketing consultant and coach who has been in the business of marketing for more than 16 years. Starting her freelance career as a copywriter, Jane has worked as a brand designer, web designer, and marketing strategist and coach in her business, Jane McKay Communications, since 2009.
Jane has a new, fully aligned focus: personal branding for coaches, consultants and entrepreneurs who want to stand out and amplify their personal brands to build visibility, influence and impact.