Important questions to ask yourself before self-employment

Considering self-employment and thinking ‘am I ready?’ Let’s take a look at some key questions you can ask yourself to figure out if it’s time to take the next step into entrepreneurship.

What is self-employment?

First of all, what does being self-employed mean? If you’re exploring this career path for the first time, you may be wondering what it actually means to be self-employed (aka an entrepreneur).

The term self employment is pretty self explanatory – it means you are employed by yourself. So instead of being employed by a company, you run your own business and maybe even employ your own staff.

A form of self employment you might have heard of is freelancing. This is where you sell your skills and services (e.g. web designing) to other companies on a flexible basis.

Why do you want to be self-employed?

One of the biggest questions to ask yourself before taking the plunge into entrepreneurship is ‘why?’. What is your motivation behind it? Some examples could be independence, flexibility, creativity, money etc.

Answering this question will help you explore how you can make self-employment work for you. Remember that you can rely solely on being self employed or be employed and have your own business on the side, so take the time to weigh up your options.

To figure out if you want to be self-employed and what would work best for you and your needs, take a look at the pros and cons of choosing this career path.

Am I ready to be self-employed?

Before becoming self employed, try answering these questions to see if you’re ready:

  • Does my self employment choice fit my lifestyle and needs?
  • Do I have a solid business idea, and will my business be likely to last based on it?
  • Do I know how I will fund my business and will I be able to keep track of the money?
  • How and where will I find customers/work?
  • Can I afford to be self employed? Do I need to consider being employed too for security?
  • Do I have the skills I need to succeed? Read about which skills you need here.
  • Do I know where to get support?
  • Do I have a plan B, and will it support me?
  • Do I believe in myself and my ability?

If your answers to these questions make you feel confident about your decision, that’s a sign that you might be ready for self-employment.

Who can support me with self-employment?

There are many resources and services out there ready to support you with starting a business. From funding and grants, to advice and mentoring, there is always help available when you need it.

Explore this list of help and support for young entrepreneurs.

Discover Youth Friendly Employers

McDonald's Early Careers You probably knew you can get McDonald's Apprenticeships. Did you know you can also study for a FREE Management Degree? EXPLORE Haven Joining Haven is more than just a job. Our early careers are a breath of fresh air! EXPLORE Royal Air Force There’s nothing like a career in the RAF, it’s not just a job but a way of living. EXPLORE Pret Apprenticeships & Careers When you apply for a Pret Apprenticeship or junior role, you’ll belong to a community of achievers. Get support on your own unique career journey! EXPLORE Careers in Eyecare From healthcare lab to high street fashion - you don't need a degree to open your eyes to eyecare careers EXPLORE Get Into Teaching You can get a teaching degree for FREE with apprenticeships! EXPLORE Severn Trent Careers Discover opportunities for apprentices, graduates and undergraduates in the office and beyond! EXPLORE Coach Core Apprenticeships See how Coach Core Apprenticeships get you into sport careers EXPLORE IHG Early Careers Discover how you can grow your career in hospitality! EXPLORE Careers in Racing Horse racing is a great career choice! British Racing is the 2nd largest spectator sport after football. EXPLORE Catch22 Youth Services Want to overcome barriers in life, whatever your background? Want employers to give you a chance? We can help. EXPLORE Environment Agency Careers Our work helps to protect and improve the environment to make it a better place for people and wildlife. Join us! EXPLORE Essex Youth Service Aged 13-25 and live in Essex? Get involved in fun activities, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and online Plan B Traineeships. EXPLORE Surrey County Council Careers Thinking about rewarding apprenticeships and early careers in a diverse environment? Fire up your career with SCC! EXPLORE Working in local government Local government touches everyone's lives every day EXPLORE NCFE Vocational Qualifications Young people get amazing perks when they work for the NCFE, with apprenticeships and more. The training is great, too. EXPLORE Coca-Cola EuroPacific Want to work for one of the most well-known brands in the world? They work hard to develop their young people! EXPLORE VHR Technical Recruitment The VHR talent academy can help you get into a successful technical recruitment career - with NO experience! EXPLORE ABP Foods Apprenticeships, graduate schemes and an AMAZING early careers academy in the world of sustainable food EXPLORE Aspiration Training Traineeships & Apprenticeships in childcare, dental nursing, teaching, health/social care, and business admin EXPLORE Generation: Free Skills Training Get FREE skills and careers training today! Generation gives you skills and connects you with employers to find a job fast. EXPLORE Historic England Discover early careers in heritage for all backgrounds, skills and interests. EXPLORE Martin Brower Careers Break into business, admin and supply careers with Martin Brower. Don't settle for the status quo. EXPLORE Prezzo Restaurant Careers Prezzo offers so many early careers, from cooking great food and giving great customer service to managing like a boss! EXPLORE The British Library Work experience, internships and apprenticeships with The British Library open up a WORLD of possibilities. EXPLORE
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Email us at info@youthemployment.org.uk or call 01536 513388.

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