Work styles: From solo to employed

I have sold out! For the first time in fifteen years, I have changed work styles and have a proper job. It’s part time, but it means I am no longer just flying solo.

For those who have been self employed for a while and can’t recall the detail of having a job, it goes something like this.

You get up every morning and prepare yourself to get to work at a time decided by someone else.

You wear clothes and present yourself generally in a way decided by someone else so you fit in.

There is a good chance you will sit in a cubicle or some other desk set up decided by someone else.

Everything isn’t yours, instead you share resources with others.

Some of the people there are employed to tell you what to do, how to do it and when to do it. Even if you already know.

There is a policy or procedure for everything and they are not decided by you.

There are people there you would never meet in any other circumstance because you have designed your life to guarantee it.

There are people there that you think are stupid, ignorant or both and you have to talk to them.

You go to meetings because they are on.

If you need help, you can’t call someone you have been paying for years and pull in a favour. You can’t call anyone for help. You have to do everything yourself.

You can’t watch Oprah while you work or stream ABC radio or do your banking online with your feet on the desk.

You can’t get up and go to the kitchen when you’re hungry or bored.

People don’t make an appointment when they want to see you.

You’re not the boss. And even if you are, someone else is the boss of you. You might not even have met them.

Tempted to change work styles and join me?

Karen Morath of M Power consults, trains, speaks and coaches in public relations, personal effectiveness, life balance and all things empowering.

04 Apr 08

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Do you still feel you have that entrepreneurial spirit, and will take the extra mile? Heather Smith from BRISBANE | Read my articles
Sorry, not tempted. Even though I have been ill for 4 weeks I at least can work in my dressing gown without anyone knowing and rest when I need to. It's hard, but your list above dissuaded me completely from joining you out there. :) Still hanging in here from Springwood
Heather
you bet I still have the entrepreneurial spirit! Having a job just gives me a different sandpit to play in... Karen Morath from Melbourne | Read my articles
Hi Karen, I couldn't face it myself, but I'm a cranky old git and its bad enough having me as a boss, without trusting someone else!! However, if it suits where you're at, then go for it - being solo means you KNOW that you have the CHOICE to do what YOU want. It doesn't have to be a physical condition, as its a mindset i.e. you're working the hours you want, for the money and other benefits you are happy with (social, stressless, security....) - have fun and remember, you're always welcome back to the rollercoaster! Grant Hyman - salescentral from Sydney
I love that perspective Grant. I can be flying solo somehow even though I am being paid to follow someone else's rules, because I am a soloist wherever and however I work. Are you sure that isn't the same thing as a square peg in a round hole?
Karen Morath Karen Morath from Melbourne | Read my articles
Gee Karen that is a whole lot of negatives you have mentioned. [not like you at all] Many may go through this situation and feel exactly like you do. But, I would like to focus on the positves and make the most of a difficult time, no one has sold out at all. After all if one has been working as a solo and needs to make a change and if that change is to go back being employed by a big corporate company or your local corner store, then it must be a positive stepping stone to lead you towards that goal. Just maybe, the change is still part of the journey for us soloists. I really feel that if anyone has read your views then it may just make the situation just that little bit worse for them, so if some have just be strong it is only a little speed bump. I don't mean to be critical Karen, I s'pose I am just an optimist and would hope that if someone out there has had to make this change, think positive and use this time as a key time to know that what you are doing is OK for you and the next big challenge is just around the corner so keep thinking soloist. Karen I love this web site and I have made a similar change as you, sure it's "different" after so long doing the solo hustle ,but, We are still who we are and always will be. I hope you get through it ok, so I will catch you in the sand pit, see ya at big lunch Kazza.
Steveo. Steve Brewer from Brisbane

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