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“A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.”

J. Shedd

Dear reader,

Is it risky to start your own business?

In my opinion, the only risk is that you have to leave your own comfort zone. And according to the principle “Better known misfortune than unknown fortune”, we tend to stay in our comfort zone.

Do you actually ask yourself whether there is a risk in taking a job in a company? Or a part-time job to earn some extra money? No. Because you can only win. Either the job suits you and you can earn your (additional) income. Or you gain more experience.

Just like self-employment.

So why do many people hesitate to become self-employed?

Because we are taught to be employees but not self-employed.

In our society (especially in Europe), employees are in the majority and the self-employed/freelancers are in the minority. Only 3% of people in Germany are self-employed. The majority of people are in regular employment subject to social security contributions and/or marginal employment.

Because we learn how to write application letters at school, but not how to become self-employed. Because workers and employees who conform to the system are better consumers. We are not taught at school what self-employment and freelancing are and that you can also have a fulfilling life this way. You can earn a more than average income. How many of you learned at school what a self-employed person or freelancer is?

What can happen in a worst-case scenario?

What is the risk if self-employment is not for you? What if your idea doesn’t work? There is only one risk – that you won’t be able to pay your bills. That’s why many people don’t start their own business – existential fear.

Ideally, you should build up your self-employment while you are working. Then you don’t have this risk. And you will notice whether you are successful after a year of self-employment at the latest. Usually much sooner.

Do you want to follow a well-trodden path all your life? To ask yourself at the end of your life what would have happened if you had implemented your idea? Or do you want to be able to look back and say that you did what you loved to do? That you took the plunge? For yourself? For your family? For a fulfilled life?

If you invest all available time of your day in your self-employment, you can only be successful. Because you have an idea. A plan that won’t let you go. A passion that goes beyond your regular activities. And you invest energy in this idea. Shape it. Think it through. Find new ways and innovative solutions that perhaps no one has thought of before.

Unfortunately, we are usually surrounded by people who are not familiar with the path of self-employment. Or see it as risky. People who have never tried it. Or who have tried something and it was the wrong thing for them. There are many ideas and ways to work independently. Please never let these people stop you from living your dream. Don’t let them talk you down. It’s best to only tell people who are following the same path. That’s why I founded freelanceboosters. To create an environment that motivates you and gives you support. Feel free to write to me at info@freelanceboosters.com if you have any questions or would like help with specific topics.

There will soon be free courses in our community. You can also network with other freelancers there! You can join the community at this link: link

Thank you very much for your time.

Best regards

Tobias