Career Advice

Employment vs. Self Employment: What to Consider

We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners.

The UK is undergoing a revolution when it comes to self-employment. The pandemic, combined with the increased availability of high-speed internet and changing demands, has made it possible for a large number of people to make the switch to self-employment. As of 2019, there were around 5 million self-employed people in the UK, up from 3.2 million in 2000, according to data from the Office for National Statistics.

So, what might tempt you to make the switch to the world of self-employment? And what factors might you need to consider before doing so? Let’s take a look.

Responsibility

When you’re self-employed, you have absolute control over every aspect of your business. This includes finance, marketing, sales, equipment, and operations. This contrasts with a salaried lifestyle, where these decisions might be taken on your behalf by a larger organisation. Of course, with this responsibility comes a duty to oversee things like safety, and to invest in personal protective equipment and other essential items.

The pandemic, combined with the increased availability of high-speed internet and changing demands, has made it possible for a large number of people to make the switch to self-employment.Click To Tweet

Tax

If you’re self-employed, then you’ll be responsible for paying the right amount of tax, rather than relying on PAYE. This means keeping records, which in some cases might justify hiring an accountant or administrative assistant.

“Self-employment provides several benefits. First of all, the earning potential is generally much higher than in a traditional job. A survey showed that some freelancers make 100% more on their own than they did while working at a full-time position.” – Are You Self-employed?

Income

Self-employed people should expect a little bit of inconsistency when it comes to payment. In some cases, this inconsistency is more pronounced and may require a little bit more judgment and prudence. For example, if you’re an artist doing a single one-off project over many years, you might lack a reliable income on a month-to-month basis, and be more vulnerable to interruptions.

Perks and Benefits

If you’re self-employed, then you’ll have to pay for everything – which means no built-in perks and benefits like company cars, holidays, pensions, and sick pay. This means that your take-home pay will be effectively much less than you’re bringing in. If you fall suddenly ill, or you’re injured in a workplace accident, then you could be left without any means of generating an income. You can offset this risk with the right insurance – but then this will add to the amount that you pay each week.

Freedom and Flexibility

One of the greatest perks of self-employment is the freedom it affords you to set your priorities and to strike a healthy balance between your personal and professional lives. If you have commitments with family, then you can build your schedule around them. If you want to work every hour of every day, then you’ll have the freedom to do that, too. You can sometimes even refuse work because you don’t feel like doing it – which is often frowned upon when you’re being employed by someone else.

What's next?

home popular resources subscribe search

You cannot copy content of this page