3 Reasons to enjoy working for yourself

1. Bullying is no longer an issue or fear you have to deal with in the workplace.

Being bullied constantly over a long period of time is both physically and mentally crippling.  The intimidation makes you question everything you thought you knew about yourself. You second guess all your decision-making skills to the point you really are unsure of what you are doing.  Having Pink Shirt Day in NZ to highlight bullying, frankly is not enough. 1 in 10 employees in NZ experience bullying.  That is a staggering figure, yet nothing seems to be done to the bullies.  They go on about their day wielding their power and intimidating people they believe are beneath them.  I worry where it will all end.  How far does the bully get before someone stands up and says enough?

2. Pick and choose your own hours

After working 40+ hours a week for most of my working life, I am enjoying the flexibility of hours I am working now.  Averaging between 28-32 hours a week  means I am rewarded with a 3 day weekend. I am so relieved to have the extra day at the weekend to catch up with the things I enjoy outside of working. My voluntary work can now be done on my day off which allows me to have my evenings back.  All positives for me.

3. I decide who to work for

This is the most empowering part of working for yourself. I choose who to work for and what jobs I want.  In my previous role, although I only reported to one person, everyone else thought I worked for them. This led to confusion about what I did and for whom.  There is no such confusion now.