12 Realistic Reasons to Be Your Own Boss

Discover reasons to be your own boss and get one step closer to running your own business, selling your own stuff and taking control of your schedule, with the following list we have compiled for you.

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably thought a time or two about what it would be like to be your own boss.

According to Pew Research Center, 10 percent of the U.S. population is self-employed.

Although self-employment may seem like a small percentage of the workforce in the U.S., there is an increasing number of people that wish to be, or would prefer to be self-employed. 

Many articles indicate all the trouble-free reasons why you should be your own boss… the shorter hours, the bigger paychecks, the less stress… and then reality kicks in. Although this might be true for some entrepreneurs, it’s really not the case for most.

So what really makes it worth working for yourself? Here are twelve realistic reasons to be your own boss.

1. You Call the Shots

Of course, this is one of the more obvious reasons because you don’t have to be a “Yes Man” to anybody other than yourself! You make all the calls, and you get to decide which direction your business will grow… without the heavy hand of a superior beating down your ideas!

2. Realize Your Self-Worth and Abilities

Being a business owner will push you - push you into areas outside your comfort zone. You’ll work harder and longer than you ever thought you would. But what’s great about it, is that you’ll love that work and actually have motivation to do the things you’re doing. You’ll become strategic and develop a mindset you never knew you had (or never been able to use before!).

3. Your Success Depends on You

A lot of people will say, “Oh, you can work as little or as much as you like!” Okay, let’s be real… if you want to make money, you’re going to be working… a lot!

Phil Robertson didn’t always have the care-free days making duck calls as portrayed on Duck Dynasty. How did he start out? With a Master’s Degree he wasn’t going to use… with an idea he had… and with a work ethic like no other. He fished, and that’s how he paid the bills and put food on the table. He did what he could, and what he had to in order to keep things going at home as well as grow a business. He knew it was going to be hard, and it was… but it paid off!

4. Take Control of Your Schedule

I’m not going to say you can work less, (I’ll reiterate, if you want to be successful, you’re going to be working a lot) but now you’ll have the freedom to control when you put those hours in. Take your kids to school or dance practice. Have family time - work at night when everybody else is in bed. You are the one to decide where and when you have to be somewhere, when to take your lunch or when to go home. It’s up to you!

5. Work-From-Home Possibilities

Depending on the type of business you choose to start, you might have some work-from-home possibilities. Which is great! Well, it is for some people, or it could be distracting for others.

If it’s just a laptop you’re working from, an at-home office is definitely a possibility, or even just a cozy couch! For others, you might begin at home or in the garage, but later grow to have your own office space or work space outside of the home.

6. Express Your Creativity

Being your own boss allows you to be creative… either as little or as much as you want to be. Be creative with your ideas to grow your business, marketing plans, designs, craftsmanship, etc. You can make it your own!

7. Enjoy the Work

Like I said earlier, you’re going to be working… a lot! But what makes all that work worth it? The fact that you’ll like what you’re doing. When you make the decision to start your own business, you’ll probably base your business around the things you enjoy doing, things you’re good at, or something you have an interest in. Because of that, you have motivation to work longer and harder to achieve your goals.

8. Become an Expert

Working for yourself allows your learning possibilities to be limitless. You’re in the trenches doing all of the hands-on work, knowing every aspect of your business. You’ll probably be doing most of the work yourself, whether it be crafting, landscaping, creating amazing products, designing things, or selling books… you’ll know all the ins and outs of your area of business and become an expert in your field.

9. Leave a Legacy

Developing and growing your own business from the ground up is definitely an accomplishment, but what’s even more of an accomplishment is developing a legacy; something that only comes from expertise, work ethic and trust. Leaving such a mark on your community is a highly distinguished honor and something to take pride in as it becomes a family tradition passed down from generation to generation.

10. Age Doesn’t Matter

That’s right! Age isn’t a factor when starting your own business. All it takes is an idea and motivation.

Of course, different stages in life have different obstacles to overcome. Those who are in their younger years might have difficulties finding money or funds. Those in their 30s or 40s might have a difficult time balancing business time and family time. Those later in life might have a hard time finding energy for all the work, or keeping up with an ever-changing fast-paced world.

However, that’s the nature of an individual with an entrepreneurial spirit, a willingness to push past fear and overcome obstacles.

11. You’ll Have a Story To Tell

One of the greatest ways you can inspire others to be their own business owner is to tell your story. Yes, you have a story to tell.

Those late nights, those looming moments of doubt, the days when your bank account reads $0.98, but you still poured everything into your business—they’re all a part of your story. And what a powerful thing it is. It’s a reminder, a motivator, an encourager. You’re a success because of your failures. Your story is the premises on which the foundation of your business lays and the preface to your legacy. Be proud of it!

12. Feeling of Accomplishment

One of the greatest things about being your own boss and being a business owner is that overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. You have a personal reason to get up in the morning, you have a job you enjoy and you make a difference. You have a sense of completion and freedom from the burden of the everyday grind.

Being your own boss is one of the most enjoyable and hardest decisions you will ever make. There’s no time like the present to take that leap and enjoy the benefits as well as prepare yourself for tough times. Create an idea, establish your goals and get to work. You’ll be glad you did

Want to read stories from real people who became their own boss? These three entrepreneurs found success when they started growing their own businesses at the Shipshewana Flea Market. Download the case study.