Let’s say you’ve been out on disability for a while and you’re starting to feel better. At last, you and your health care providers have figured out what’s been wrong and you’re managing better. You might still be working and love your job, but you’re wondering if you might not be able to continue working at the pace required. Or, you’ve been out on disability for a while and you’re not sure that you want to go back.
Since more and more people with a chronic illness have access to drugs to help them manage their symptoms (just watch TV and you know they’re busy creating them then cranking them out), the question to continue working for a company or go out on your own becomes much more of a personal choice. This is good news.
But, a funny thing can happen. This little unplanned break from full-speed-ahead may create just enough gap to cause you to wonder, could you start a business? Here are some questions you can ask yourself:
1. What are You top 5 values? If security ranks up at the top, a job may be the way to go. If freedom and self-expression ranks in the top 5, self-employment may be the way to go.
2. Do you possess interests or skills that could be turned into a business you could run from home? Not sure, do some research.
3. Do you enjoy learning and a challenge? Yes? Self-employment could work. No? Maybe not.
4. Do you have any tolerance for risk when you’re well? Low to none, stay with an employer. Moderate to high tolerance, self-employment could work.
5. Do you have any savings or back-up support?
6. Can you renegotiate your situation or position with your employer if you need to? If so, would it be worth it to you to give it a shot?
7. Are you an Internet geek? A writer? A project manager? Have a salable hobby or craft? Hm, maybe you could set out on your own.
I could go on and on here. Our book, Women, Work and Autoimmune Disease has an entire chapter devoted to outlining and exploring the things you need to think about if self-employment is an attractive option. (Have you pre-ordered the book yet?)
I’ll end this post with something from Michael Katz, author of “It Sure Beats Working.” Included in his “10 Really Good Reasons to Quit Your Job and Start Your Own Business” are: dancing to your own music, never having to retire, and finding your purpose. Hey, that has nothing to do with sick or well. It’s a lifestyle choice.
Joan
Yes! To all you say here, Joan. It’s interesting to note that the rest of the subtitle to MIchale’s book is: “10 Quirky Storeis and Practical Business Lessons for the First Time Solo Professional.” That was certainly me - Lesson #8, Becoming the Leading Expert in Something, was my story. Michael was MY coach and he helped me develop this business. I do owe a lot to him. And, to me - for being smart enough to hire him to help me, when I didn’t have a penny, never mind a buck, to spare. Rosalind
Rosalnd, I’d not been aware of Michael’s book before doing a little research for this post. It sounds like he’s got an excellent perspective on what’s possible for people when it comes to work, in good health and not.
The lesson you highlighted, become a leading expert in something, is key to starting out on your own. Here are some easy questions to help figure this out when someone is stuck.
What do your friends or family rely on you for - that you enjoy doing?
What do you always seem to end up doing at work, no matter what your position?
What life experiences have you had that others would benefit from (you and I have tapped into this one)?
What specialized education or work experience do you have that you could turn into a business?
What are you passionate about in the world?
Keyword searches on answers to these questions will help people know if there’s a business opportunity. Your gut response will help you know if there’s something to explore.