Just wondered if there were any other self employed people in need of letting off steam. It can be a lonely little world when you're trying to generate and then do your own work by yourself. I find I take any little problem very personally but the only other people who really understand the concept of allways having work on the brain are other 'own bosses'.
so if anyone else gets like this :x or :( or even :D or maybe you have :idea: you may do well to share it on the forum and see if there is some other Sheffield person to help you out.

Boy or boy do I know what you mean, after being self employed for 7 years, I know I have become very insular. I recently joined the Sheffield Business Club, although I have only been to one breakfast meeting, it was a joy to realise that out there in Sheffield there are many many small businesses in the same situation. It was also difficult going on my own, but I was made to feel very welcome. I highly recommend it.

I'm trying to find out if anyone in Sheffield is interested in setting up regular networking sessions to bounce ideas around, showcase products and discuss business and Sheffield in general. Let me know what you think. I'd appreciate your input.

Cheers

I have only last Monday become self - employed. I have the support of my family and my husband wants to quit his current job to come work at the shop - but for obvisou reason he can't yet.

It hasn't been too lonely yet though.

Moon Maiden

Hello to you other brave people, don't get me wrong though, if the benefits didn't out way the hard parts I wouldn't be doing it, and I certainly wouldn't be looking into setting up a second venture.(Although sometimes I think I must be slightly mad).
The buisness club sounds interesting, do you have any more details? I too though would be very daunted going on my own, little old me in my jeans. What kind of stuff to you talk about?
Good luck with the shop Moon Maiden, you'll have to tell us where it is and we could all pop in and be among the first of many to buy from you!
The support and networking idea could be pretty good too. My only worries with looking into my new buisness was that if the wrong person latched onto the idea they might come along and do it before me.
Here's a liitle thing for you, the Inland Revenue sent me a form today, I allready filled the same thing out three months ago. When I rang some bloke eventually realised that they hadn't linked my part time work earnings and self employed earings together. Sometimes I can't believe how much fuss and effort goes into tax returns for them to not read all the information. Also this year they owed me money and sent me a form to pay it to them!! not a happy bunny, it took ages untill I actually got it, I should have asked them for interest, they would have.
Also (sorry...rant raant..) business bank acounts, whats all that about, i have one but am begining to think that their sole purposes is to near cripple teeny buisinesses like mine. Does anyone use a personal account and if so did the bank make a fuss?

The shop is called 'The Shades' and I am near Bamforth Street tram stop in Hillsborough, Langsett Road.

Bit different I guess - my shop is magick & occult supplies, has also been classed as new age and gift ware - but I canne see many people buying altar pentacles for their grannie.

Although I am sure buying a broom & cauldron for the mother-in-law may go down well :lol:

Moon Maiden

"Although I am sure buying a broom & cauldron for the mother-in-law may go down well"

How about a concrete block for her head, i'll be happy to supply?

My workshop is just round the corner and it's my mates birthday soon, hmmm, reckon i'll call in some time soon.

are any of you still self-employed?

I almost forgot that there are other people out there,

Yeah i've been self employed for 5 years now and i dont know if you agree but i think it's less astle to work for an employer and let someone else have the astle,i think being self employed is a convinience and thats all....well it is for me anyway !!!

I've been self-employed for - dear god - most of the last 30 years. ....

I was self employed for 14 years. I work for a large corporation now and I'm happy to be 'just a number' again- much easier! Go home at the end of the working day, no worries, they pay the managers to do that. :)

since spring 1993.
Redundant twice in 3 years so I decided to jump in with both feet.
Taken a log time and many mistakes but just about got the hang of it now :D

I love being self employed, I could'nt work for anyone else now. I just like the fact I make all the deceisons good and bad.The fact that I don't have someone looking over my shoulder saying do this, do that is worth the hassle alone for me.

I've been a self employed Joiner for the last 6 months and i'll tell you, it's bloody stressful! The money is fine, in fact, it's better than fine, but once the work dries up you are in $h** state :(
If it weren't for working with my brother who has a lot more experience in being self employed, i think i would have gone back to a standard daytime job by now.

Here's hoping the next 6 months are better than the last 6 months :?

Vidster the first 2 years are full of ups and downs - one minute you're swimming in money and the next you're struggling to put food on the table. It's damn hard work that's for sure and I have no doubt in my mind it affected my ability to enjoy my personal time for at least a year.

Once you're past that first 18 months to 2 years and you've built up a client base etc. things get much better. You've just got to stick with it :)

Just wondered if there were any other self employed people in need of letting off steam. It can be a lonely little world when you're trying to generate and then do your own work by yourself. I find I take any little problem very personally but the only other people who really understand the concept of allways having work on the brain are other 'own bosses'.
so if anyone else gets like this :x or :( or even :D or maybe you have :idea: you may do well to share it on the forum and see if there is some other Sheffield person to help you out.Yay! I can have a little moan ! I've been self employed for 16 years and like you say it's "work on the brain" for the majority of the time. I sometimes ( esp' during difficult times ) find it hard to switch off. Although being my own boss does have it's benefits, it is also very trying and holidays are just a fond memory. I wish you and all the other likewise people all the best. Keep the faith:thumbsup:

Holiday - what's one of those? I will get one this year though.... honest :)

Holiday - what's one of those? I will get one this year though.... honest :)How's about a week in Newquay in 1996. That was my last! BUT this year I am going to push the boat out and hopefully going to see the Northern lights with a very special lady. It might not be everyones cup of tea but I'm looking forward to it. Hope you find time for summat ;)

I got to see the Northern Lights years ago - great view from the flight deck of the plane :)

I love being self employed, I could'nt work for anyone else now. I just like the fact I make all the deceisons good and bad.The fact that I don't have someone looking over my shoulder saying do this, do that is worth the hassle alone for me.
Ive worked in 3 salons before i got my own and i can honestly say i never had any of my bosses breathing down my neck at any time....

When i said it was less astle working for someone else i meant that self employment is 24/7...you know what i mean don't you ?
When your employed you do your job and go home end of !!!!
Good luck to Vister with the next 6 months

hi every1 i am new to this. i need to know how to start a new thread, can any1 help please.

Vidster the first 2 years are full of ups and downs - one minute you're swimming in money and the next you're struggling to put food on the table. It's damn hard work that's for sure and I have no doubt in my mind it affected my ability to enjoy my personal time for at least a year.

Once you're past that first 18 months to 2 years and you've built up a client base etc. things get much better. You've just got to stick with it :)

That's what my brother keeps telling me fnkysknky. I recently made some business cards and we've started leaving them with people. Another month or two and we're expecting things to pick up again.
I am writing this year off completely as regards to luxuries like holidays but next year i am determined that my daughter is going to get her first holiday...

Bear in mind that last year was awful for most of the retail trade as well - no one had any money to spend for what felt like a long time. A lot of the places I get materials from were feeling the pinch and for a good part of last year most of them spent their time moaning about lack of customers :) It's good to see that they all seem to be doing better now as well.

It's a shame B&Q, Wickes, MFI etc. are all struggling at the moment....... not :D

I've been in business for sometime and though it took a few years research but you know what? Brilliant! I love being in my own business and love it went it gets hard and competitors come in because I got no problem with competition. It only pushes me to another level to find I got what it takes.

But what I like most is I determine what I want to earn, me and my family are doing the business, together, and I made lots of friends, and I determine how many hours I want to work and I got a brillaint system, where I duplicated my 24 hours in a day to thousands. Man was it difficult at first just getting used to doing that but when I got it to a tea, boom, my business is gone fast. It's never smooth but it's better than kissing some bosses butt and finding myself staring at a wall at the age of 60, wondering what happened to my pension. :gag:

Life happens once, and I ain't letting it slip away by working for anyone. I'm fighting all the way but making sure I have some fun too.

One thing I'd share; if you're smart, you'll realise you don't build a business. You build people and people build the business. Meaning, you need to get to know your customer, be friends with them, build relationship with them and they stay with you. You service them 110% right, and do it again and again. And they will spread the word. BUt also always have a vision what you want your company to be, and have vision. If your customer don't fit the vision then don't cater it for them. Stick to your vision and be loyal. You can't be a master of everyting but you can provide awesome 1 service and do it right, and word will go all over place and you'll reap the rewards.

Look after your staff, or your distributors and no matter how hard your business goes, always pay your staff first. They are people, they got families and people don't care how much you know but how much you care.

I met a lot of directors act so big, talking "busy" and even nasty on phone but I also seen them go down because their attitude stunk.

Holiday - what's one of those? I will get one this year though.... honest :)

I had no holiday for 8 years and then it was just a few days in wales.
Last year I went crazy and took 4 weeks in malaysia.
This year it's 7 weeks.
I can't aford the time away from work but I can affort the stress less so stuff the lot and I'm off.
I love my work and I love being self emplyed but take it from me - TAKE A REST OR CRACK UP.
Another self employed mate has just burnt himself out so that made my mind up to go for the full 7 weeks.

That felt good to get off my chest

I am thinking of going self employed but not sure yet what it is i want to do. I have had a look into market trading and other things. I havent got a trade or specific skills but have a good eye for sales.

I love being self employed, I could'nt work for anyone else now. I just like the fact I make all the deceisons good and bad.The fact that I don't have someone looking over my shoulder saying do this, do that is worth the hassle alone for me.

Ditto - same for me. 21 years with a big multinational organisation then had enough. 7 years self-employed now and loving it, although it can be fraught sometimes.