how did u start off ?
what made take the lunge ?
where u in full time employment before? how did u manage a mortage and moving for regular income to irregular income ?

I got a job (on here) as a designer for a magazine that was on a self employed, freelance basis. This means that I'm self employed as I have to do my own tax and whatnot.

It's quite scary, but on the plus side there's plenty of places who will help you! Even the government (because the more you earn, the more they get!)...

Hi dinkdankdo10,
Starting a business is a pretty difficult time. My dad started out on his own, and I now work for an organisation that offers support, advice, mentoring, networking and FREE (yes free) desk space for eligible businesses. A lot of our clients have taken the plunge and have found the balance really difficult, but ever so rewarding.

Even if you don't qualify we won't leave you high and dry, we'll make sure we can put you in the safe hands of someone who will help.

www.shefftechparks.com or 0114 2211800

An old employer rang me out of the blue with a contract I couldn't refuse. If only I could get my paperwork in order now :suspect:

You've taken the most important step to being self employed - asking others how they did it! You'll soon see that it isn't as impossible as it may feel.

I left full time employment as a technology consultant and went freelance 12 months ago. I got an accountant to help me set up my company and use agents to find work though I'm branching out into finding my own work through networking.

There is tonnes of help and support available.

A really good book to get is "Start your business Week by Week" by Steve Parks...

...he has a website that is a place for support and help --> www.flyingstartups.com

The book really helps you take it a step at a time and takes away a lot of the worries you might have.

I would also go and talk to the Sheffield Enterprise Agency (www.senta.co.uk) and Business Link (www.blsy.com). they are very helpful.

What's your business idea?

i was self employed for many years be under no illusions it is very very hard work do not bother going to these so called business advisors they only offer advice ie how to do a business plan/ cv etc this is not relevant what you need to start a business is money a good idea and knowledge of your chosen trade then put some hard graft in if you dont have money then no one will give you a dime the big boys rule the roost but you can still be successful its just going to take you a lot longer with lots more hard work dont talk about it just do it the school of hard knocks is better than any advisor or university (ps if these advisors are so good at starting businesses why are they working in the main for government funded agencies on a nice salary?}:thumbsup:

see http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=54348

I have been self employed twice. First one was as a wholesaler but big premises and all the bills, staffing issues credit for my customers, 90 & 100hour weeks, bad debt red tape etc etc meant i got out 7 years ago. Went back to full time employment. Very difficult. Two years ago started part time role while still working. No credit no bad debts no stock no staff issues etc etc. Only got a small amount of paperwork, work the hours around my existing commitments, am fully rewarded for my efforts and earn an ongoing commission for the customers i sign today for as long as they use the services and pay the bills. Wish i had found it years earlier

I've generally just read these forums so this is my first post but: I went self employed in May this year while I was in a full time job. It was actually easier than I thought to register etc, then I freaked out in my full time job and 'had to leave'. Anyway, best advice I can give is get all the help you can. It'll reward you. I've only just fully launched my website a few days ago. I'm on way less money than I was but happier because I'm doing what I want to do. But I've had a crazy amount of help from my parents. IE, I was in the process of buying a house which I scrap and moved back in with my parents. Which I'm still at. I used this as my business premises and kept things simple. The mistake I made was thinking of spending money to make money. I've probably wasted a few hundred £'s on things that haven't gone well. But that happens. So start off small so you don't end up with stock you cannot sell or a project you cannot finish. I recently changed the business plan I had in my head - to not lend any money from banks or get into debt with anyone but family and close friends. Which in turn I do favours for them. The nature of my business lets me provide those that helped me and continue to do so with free products of what I sell and in turn because I cannot afford to pay them, they use their skills for free to help me. You've got to have a passion for what you are doing and beleive in it. Outsource as little as possible. Tax is not that hard to master - I have an D in GCSE Math as my highest qualification and I haven't had a problem keeping on top of things or understanding terms after a little reading.

HOWEVER, like I said I only generally read this forum and the reason why I'm here was to look for some work I can do from home or that is flexible so I can do both as I'm very close to running out of money. So family and friends is the key, make sure they think it is a good idea and are willing to help, and if someone offers to help then take it before they withdraw it. :) And Goodluck - all in all, I beleive it's worth it.

Sorry for the long post but I hope it helps.

Hi
I have been self employed for 34 yrs.Ice cream vendor 70hrs a week,taxi driver80-90hrs a week.Then 10yrs ago a friend introduced me to my present job and i haven't looked back.I work 20-30 hrs a week and earn a lot more.
www.earn-more-brass.co.uk

Hi gethical
Have a look at www.earn-more-brass.co.uk we might be able to help you.or june41john46@yahoo.co.uk

In response to original post, what are you wanting to do s/emp, and what's your current situation? I think we'll all be able to offer advice around your circumstances better then. I'd be happy to help.