It this possible? It did happen to me…
Starting a business seems like a daunting task. Ideas, capital, funding, permits, licensing, inventory, websites, sales persuasions, personnel, lawyers, and so on… all are seemingly required to start a business. And it usually is that way.
However, while those all seem part of the normal route to a business, there are alternatives that can bypass the average requirements.
Getting Hired
In my career, I usually worked as an employee. However, one time I was hired at a company. Seemed normal. But their policy was such that new hires were all hired as contractors, and if after a period of time they liked you, they would offer these contractors a permanent position as an employee. If a contractor was not deemed suitable, they would end the contract.
In my situation, during this initial period, I found I much enjoyed the benefits of the contractor life, and when offered I declined an offer to go permanent. I found the benefits of being a contractor outweighed the benefits of being a regular employee.
Being a contractor meant I was running my own business.
I had one customer. The tax and financial benefits of being in business were, to my mind, far more beneficial than the stability I would assumedly get as an employee.
As a sole proprietor, I was responsible for both halves of payroll tax, health insurance, and a business permit. Despite these requirements, to me the benefits far outweighed the requirements. So when they offered me a regular employee position, I declined and stayed a contractor. Fortunately they accepted me as such.
Immediately I felt the difference. I was no longer involved in several company-required activities such as periodic evaluations. I had the freedom to come and go as I needed. I provided an invoice of my hours every month, and I was paid a lump sum.
So It Is
So the contractor probation period when I was hired turned out to be my entry into self-employment. Likely there are many other methods of starting a business.
Where And How
I recently watched a video by a person wanting to live a digital nomad life. Her story was one that was intriguing. After some period of roaming to various counties, she settled down in one that offered a low cost of living and a local population famous for some well-made handicrafts.
So after making some contact with some of these artisans, she made an arrangement with them and started selling their crafts online. Her business took off, and now she sells (and ships) their crafts internationally.
As a result, she has an income, has the opportunity to continue traveling, and now lives in another country.
Then
So possibilities are seemingly everywhere if I know how and where to look. These dyas I am not looking to be a digital nomad, nor am I looking for further employment. I am looking to broaden my thinking on how to look at and for opportunities.
What opportunities do you see around you? Let me know here.
Illustrated is a excerpt from “Das Thier in der decorativen Kunst” (The Animal in Decorative Art), by Anton Seder, published in 1896. Courtesy Archive.org.
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