Comments on: Tips For Becoming Self-Employed & Staying That Way

By: The Secret Most Voiceover Talents Won’t Tell You - Arielle DeLisle – Voice Talent

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 05:48:44 +0000

[...] Taji has blogged about his day job and I applaud him for being a great example of someone who can and does balance [...]

By: Tips For Becoming Self-Employed Part II | TVE

Tips For Becoming Self-Employed Part II | TVE — Sun, 16 May 2010 07:40:49 +0000

[...] Tips for Becoming Self-Employed & Staying That Way. but the fact remains that this is a pretty big subject and allot of good can be distilled from the Internet-Collective of thinkers and those-who-have-taken-that-path before us. [...]

By: Islam Shazly

Islam Shazly — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:02:48 +0000

Great article, since I’ve been self employed for a while I can confirm all the above points, especially saving for the lean months and the proper payment agreements. It’s very difficult to keep up with both of these points but they are a MUST.

By: Paul Strikwerda

Paul Strikwerda — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:54:09 +0000

Well put, Taji! Most people are not cut out to be their own boss. They lack self-discipline and cannot handle the uncertainties of a freelance life. At home there are a million distractions, and family members don’t always understand why you can’t just do that chore or run that errand. After all: you’re in the house.

Financially, new freelancers aren’t necessarily prepared to handle all those things that used to be taken care of by their employer: taxes taken out automatically, health insurance, paid vacation, sick days, personal days, retirement plan, life insurance… and let’s not forget a steady, fixed income.

Yet, more and more people join the force of independent contractors, temp workers, permalancers and part-timers in a society that’s still based on old ways of organizing labor. Dreams are great, but without planning, a strong work ethic and solid business skills, they can easily turn into a nightmare.

By: Mahmoud.Taji

Mahmoud.Taji — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:31:12 +0000

There is so much more info out there… so many more tips… but I honestly can’t go past the 1,600 word mark on articles. I think maybe I should make more parts for this article just to fit in the collective wisdom online!

By: Kim

Kim — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:27:24 +0000

Thanks again Taji,

You’ve put into words what has taken me three years to learn. This will help the young up-n-comers!