Why self-employment?

Can’t find a vacancy in the sector where you want to make your mark?  Perhaps you want the freedom to able to pursue your passion?  Or maybe the idea of working for someone else just doesn’t feel right?  Whatever your reason, self-employment could provide the solution you’ve been looking for. 

  • Get paid for doing what you love

Many students and graduates work with us because they are looking for a way to make their passion their livelihood.  

  • Create your own unique opportunity

Maybe you’ve spotted a gap in the market for something totally new, want to explore the business potential of your research project or have a unique skill you want to make use of.

  • Get experience and noticed

Worked for someone else and decided you can do it better?  Going freelance or setting up on your own can also be the most realistic way of breaking into industries such as performing and creative arts, media and IT consultancy.

  • Develop a wider range of skills

Being self-employed almost always means taking on greater responsibility than you would as an employee.  The experience and skills you’ll gain will help to make sure you’re in demand by future employers.

  • Be your own boss

Benefit from being in control by working to your own timescales, deciding what to pay yourself and making a difference to your customers. 

Weighing up the risks

Deciding to become self-employed is not without risks.  Rise Up is here to help you identify and understand what they might be and how to approach them.  Some of the common risks and disadvantages are listed below, but because every business is different, some or all might not apply to you.

  • Regularly dealing with things you might not enjoy, e.g. marketing, finance, paperwork, legal issues 

  • Reduced job security, e.g. no employer contract

  • Irregular income and no sick or holiday pay

  • Increased pressure to make the right choices and business decisions

  • Meeting the demand for your product or service

Find out more

The Careers Service can offer advice on whether self-employment is an option for you and can support you all the way to business start-up and beyond with our Rise Up services. 

Just investigating what it would take to be your own boss can boost your employability, so drop into the Elevator and chat with us – no appointment needed.