Three Intangible Benefits To Being Your Own Boss

While monetary gains can make becoming an entrepreneur seem enticing, there are numerous intangible benefits that are just as, if not more, important. The following are three of the reasons why I chose to become my own boss that I think you should consider as well!

1. A healthy work life balance.
   I`ve heard it time and time again- “In order to be a successful entrepreneur, you need to work yourself to the bone.” I’m not sure who said it first, but I don’t completely agree with them. Yes, as your own boss, you are going to need to work hard, maybe even on evenings or weekends. But I do not believe that 24 hours of your day should be focused on your business; it isn’t healthy for you or your company. As I was taught as I child, you need to work smarter, not harder. Schedule your time so that you have set hours to complete your work, but don’t forget about the other aspects of your life as well- friends, family, working out, vacations and hobbies. Having a fabulous business isn’t worth it if you don’t have the time to reap the benefits. It’s all about moderation and balance in your work and personal life.
2. You can pursue your own dream and not someone else’s.
   While it may initially seem exciting to help someone advance their business and pursue their dream, that feeling dies off for many people when they begin to wonder “what about MY dreams?” Making the decision to pursue your ambitions and do what you love is a liberating experience that I believe everyone should have. Even if it’s not for the rest of your life, taking time to do what you’re passionate about is important.
3. A sense of pride and accomplishment.
   Working for yourself, no matter what industry you are in, will be stressful and may make you questions your sanity. But the sense of pride and accomplishment that will come from being your own boss will greatly outweigh that. I know from experience that I now take pleasure in doing things for my own company that I used to hate doing when it was for someone else’s. Simple things, such as invoicing, administration and inventory, can be transformed into rewarding tasks when you are doing them for your own business. Embrace this feeling and know that everything you are doing (even the boring things) are to better your business and improve you life. It’s this sense of accomplishment that makes the difficult times worth the struggle.

While we all need to pay our rent, there is more to life than making money. Becoming your own boss is a big step in anyone’s life and shouldn’t be made on a whim. But, if any of the above reasons resonated with you and made you feel like it’s time for you to go out on your own, then I wish you nothing but the best of luck. I can’t wait to see where your own dreams take you!