The times are gone when people had a steady nine-to-five job
which they kept for most of their adult working lives. Today,
with the advance in modern technology and the erosion of the
actual spending power of the take-home pay, combined with the
fear of redundancy, many people are turning to the idea of
running a small business from home.
Mrs. H. worked as a graphic artist, first in an advertising
company and then at a printer. She was made redundant when
her second child was born and felt reluctant to look for a
new job with low pay and no job security. Her parents helped
her invest in a computer with the necessary appurtenances,
with which she started a small business from home. She
juggles the housework with her office and has no regrets
about her dismissal from her former employment.
In contrast, Mrs. A, who has been self employed for years,
recently decided to return as an employee. Although she is
still doing some freelancing because of the low pay and job
insecurity in employment, she prefers to leave the main
responsibility to someone else.
Working from home has several advantages. You save time and
money by not having to travel to work each day. Women do not
have to worry about questionably unsuitable company and
environment, nor about leaving their children for long hours
at a stretch. For both men and women, there is the additional
convenience of flexi-time which tips the scales in favor of
working from the home.
Mr. G. does not like working for others. He and his wife run
a small printing business from their basement. Their partner,
who does the computer work, lives in another town and sends
the work by email. Recently, they decided to expand a little
because since they have few expenses, they can plough all the
resources back into the business.
However, being self employed and working at home is not all a
bed of roses. Firstly, especially for women, there is the
discipline required to separate the two vocations of home and
office. Then there is the danger of making expensive mistakes
if one is not too sure of how to run a business. Also, not
all customers pay their bills on time, a fact which is very
hard for a business with only a small cash flow to absorb.
There are many opportunities for earning a little extra at
home. A person can take any hobby or anything s/he is really
talented in, and see if there is a demand for that particular
field. Studying the yellow pages could also inspire someone
to begin a new venture, but one has to be good at the job. If
there is the demand and if the person makes a good name for
him/herself, the business will thrive.
For instance: someone decided that he wanted to sell shoes
from home, but knew absolutely nothing about the subject. His
wife found a temporary job as an assistant in a shoe store.
She learned how to fit the shoes and about the various
styles. She observed the other assistants and found out the
names of the various manufacturers. In the end, she decided
she did not like dealing in shoes, and they had to think of
another option.
A woman wanted to sell hosiery but was not sure whether there
would be enough of a demand. She bought a few dozen pairs of
socks and tights but saw that the customers were few and far
between. She had not invested too much money and was able to
cut her losses easily.
Some people in Israel even sell furniture and electrical
appliances from the home. They do not have show rooms, but
well presented catalogues and a persuasive manner has helped
them build up a business. This would probably not work in
England or the States where they have huge mail order
catalogues and internet which would undercut any private
salesman.
Job Centers and employment agencies in several countries will
advise you on how to set up a small business. In England,
they even give you a grant towards it, if the paperwork is
right. Advisors in Israel, too, will help you work out how to
sell yourself or your product, how to run the financial side
and discuss the legal aspects with you.
They will also advise you to use the services of an
accountant. Although this is an extra expense, it is far
from a luxury. He will keep your books and tell you whether
you are making a profit. He will show you how you cannot use
all the money coming in, as you will need to invest in new
stock. Furthermore, he will keep the tax man happy. In every
country, there are some pre-tax allowances. The accountant
will be on your side and show you what you can or cannot
claim against expenses.
If you are thinking of starting out on your own, get advice,
discuss it and go for it. You will be one of many thousands
throughout the world who are engaged in new ventures from
home or from the car!
