Is it really worth it, working for yourself?

I chose to become self employed when I became a Mom. I had many jobs from the age of 16 and most of them I really enjoyed. I had a variety of roles over the years from my first job when I was 16 working in a sports shop, right up until my last job as a teaching assistant in a Primary School.

However, when I decided to become a parent, I didn't want to miss out on my girls growing up. I was lucky in that we could manage if I didn't go back to work but I wanted to still work and earn money for our family. So, I set up a frames business from home. I made personalised gifts and light boxes for 3 years and although I did fairly well, it was hard juggling it around 2 small children. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I decided photography would be a better option to fit around my family.

There are, however, pros and cons to working for yourself. Here are mine...

PROS

You can choose your own work hours

I can literally fit my work around my family. I never have to miss taking the girls to school or picking them up and if I do have to on the odd occasion, that's ok. I know how much work I can take on in a week to not make me be snowed under with photo sessions and editing so I can balance out my weeks to ensure I get a good work/life balance. I can fit work around special occasions like family get togethers and birthdays so I don't have to miss out because of work.

You can work at your own pace

I can take my time to get things right without a deadline to meet. I don't work very well under pressure and would much rather go at a pace that I can cope with and know I have everything perfect. I hate rushing and with a job like mine, if you rush, it shows! If I have to drop everything to sort a problem or pop out for something, I can pick right back up where I left off without clearing it with the boss - although my boss is really cool and would always say yes ;-) ha!

You can plan holidays whenever you want and you don't have to compete for dates

The only downside to this is now having to take them in term time which is so expensive! But it means I get to spend the school holidays with my children and never have to worry about childcare. I never had a problem competing for holiday dates as I mainly worked in schools but my husband would sometimes request holidays at work only to find out they had already been booked off by someone else.

You can decorate your work space to your liking

I am quite particular about interior decor and so having my own little home studio means I have been able to decorate it to my taste. I work well in my own environment and can show my style through my studio as well as my photography. I actually smile every time I walk in there and feel proud that I created that space. It's my happy place.

You get to meet new people all the time

It's nice that I get to meet so many families who all have different stories to share. And who doesn't love talking about babies?! I certainly do! I always try to make my clients feel welcome and I am genuinely always interested in hearing all about their birth or their family. It is nice to meet so many new faces and so many of you make me feel valued, too.

I get lots of time with my girls

This is the main reason I went this route. I wanted to be able to spend more time and by that I include 'quality time' with my family. Yes I do have to work the odd weekend but I try not to book too many in as those days I want to be enjoying my girls. I obviously don't see much of them all week as they are in school so I use that time to fit in my photo sessions and also editing. Editing can take some time if it is done properly. I like to take my time and adjust things correctly so my clients get the absolute best images. These memories are precious and it is my responsibility to preserve them.

CONS

There is no holiday or sick pay

Yes it is great having flexible working hours to fit around the family and my needs but if I don't work for reasons such as holiday or because of illness, I don't get paid. Believe me, it is worth it though because I need that time off as much as the next person so you just have to kind of accept, it's part of being a one woman show.

It can be lonely, sometimes

I do miss having a work family at times. I made some of the best friends in the workplace and I am lucky they are still very much a part of my life now but moving on to this job meant I would have to lose those daily connections and chats. Don't get me wrong, I am lucky in that I meet new people every day for photo sessions and I love those chats. But having a work team that you see day in, day out and can bounce ideas off, that is sometimes something that I miss. You never know, I may have my own little team one day! :-)

You are in charge of EVERYTHING

Being your own boss is such a great feeling but with it comes ALL the responsibility. You are in charge of the marketing, the business side, the record keeping, purchasing, sales, photography, creativeness, EVERYTHING. As well as taking care of a family. It can be hard sometimes. But I always think about how lucky I am to have all the other pros of being my own boss and they far outweigh this downside.

Overall, I wouldn't change it now. I have loved working as part of a team for many years before now and am lucky to have gained fantastic experience, fantastic friends and been a part of something bigger. But now, the time is right for me to branch off and go my own way. I have dreams, big ones, and I will not give up until I get there. I have found a huge passion for what I do and I intend on continuing to be educated in this profession and developing my skills year on year.

There is a beautiful, photography studio, in a stunning location with my name all over it. I will keep on reaching for it and it will be mine...

Someday x