Entrepreneur

15 Reasons to Boss Yourself Around

The Benefits of Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities

It’s no myth that finding employment can potentially be both difficult and stressful for anyone. If you happen to be a person living with a disability, finding a suitable job can be even more challenging.

Those of us who are living with a disability must learn to think outside the box when exploring career options. People often think that having a job means going to a place of business and working for someone from 9am until 5pm. I am here to let you know that is not always true.

Despite what we are led to believe by mainstream society, there is not only one path which every human is supposed to follow. We are all unique people with diverse interests, skills, abilities and barriers. Why limit ourselves when it comes time to find employment?

We have options people! Good ones! Let’s start thinking outside the box and maybe even over, under and around it...

People often have dreams of owning their own business; however, most don’t go past the “thinking about it” stage. This may be due to the popular belief that entrepreneurship is an unrealistic goal which only people who have large sums of money can achieve. Or they may brush off the thought because of the stories they have heard of the stress and uncertainty involved with self-employment.

People living with disabilities may be more likely to have an even more negative outlook on entrepreneurship because of the struggles they have had to face finding conventional employment. That point, dear reader, is exactly why self-employment is a viable option.

If you can’t find a house you like, build your own; that’s a saying I like to use. It means that if you are finding it difficult to find and/or maintain a typical job...be your own boss!

I’ve put my mind to work and have come up with a list of 15 beneficial reasons as to why people with disabilities should consider self-employment when trying to find work. The list is not in any particular order because certain material will be more or less favorable depending on the individual.

You are your own boss. The power of control will be within your grasp. What a concept! Ownership is wonderful, regarding both your life and your business.
There are supports out there to help you get started. Many organizations are willing to guide you on the road to self-employment.
You create your own work hours. Depending on what type of business you plan on running and where, you’ll be able to tailor your working hours to your life.
You will be able to provide your own accommodations. No need to worry about the potential hassle of paperwork and uninformed employers.
You would have a chance to be a source of inspiration to others. People living with disabilities often have set low expectations for themselves based on stigmas perpetuated by our culture.
Getting a chance to network and increase your social skills. Meeting people increases the possibility of progressive opportunities that may come your way.
You would have the opportunity to develop and expand upon your entrepreneurial spirit. This probably will have positive effects on your personal life as well.
Being able to find a need within the community and fill it. People often notice gaps in their community; with self-employment you would have a chance to craft something meaningful.
Knowing that you will be adding to the economy and possibly creating jobs. Self-employment enhances the individual and society.
You will likely establish a sense of pride and independence that cannot be matched by mainstream employment.
If your business is based out of your home, travel will not be necessary on an everyday basis.
You would be in a safe environment of your design. This is often very important to people living with a disability. Being comfortable leads to peace of mind, which is invaluable.
You wouldn’t necessarily have to further your education. People seeking typical employment often have to upgrade their skill sets to find a decent job.
You would have no need to disclose your disability to an employer. While a lot of people are comfortable disclosing, there are many who find it very uncomfortable, especially while job hunting.
You’d be pursuing a personal passion, interest or goal. How awesome is that? The feeling of doing work that really means something to you is amazing.

There you have it folks. I’m sure that as you read this list, you thought of benefits that I did not. There are so many wonderful perks of being self-employed that it was hard to keep the reasons for it to a limit of 15! I hope what I came up with has inspired you and got you thinking beyond that nasty old box.

Composed with Passion by: Melissa Revels