Overcoming the Employee Mentality: A Guide to Embracing Self-Employment

Are you ready to cast off the chains of the 'employee mindset' and embrace the freedom of self-employment? If so, you’re not alone. I was in the same position just a month ago, working for one of the world's most renowned gaming companies. The only motivator that can propel you out of your 'employee' mindset is a series of critical questions. By answering these questions honestly, you will find the courage and clarity to make the leap into self-employment.

Identifying the Source of Your Discontentment

The key to overcoming the employee mentality begins with pinpointing what draws you away from it. Common reasons include:

Nasty boss: Does the constant bickering or hostile environment in your workplace make it intolerable? Unfriendly work environment: Are you surrounded by toxicity, where no one genuinely cares about each other or the work? Unsatisfying compensation: Are your current efforts not yielding the returns you deserve or desire? Unfulfilled business idea: Do you have a burning passion or great business idea that you constantly feel the need to pursue? Desire for control: Are you frustrated with having to work under someone else, and do you want to work for yourself instead?

Anticipating the Unpredictable

One of the biggest fears is what will happen if you lose your job. To address this, ask yourself:

Would you look for a different job in the same field in the same country, or explore opportunities abroad for better income and working conditions? How does the prospect of 'tosphoring' sound? Would you take a break and reevaluate your goals, or would you immediately start your business venture? Would you be open to becoming a leader within your current company, taking on a managerial role to better your career pathways?

Addressing Commitments and Financial Concerns

Transitioning to self-employment comes with both risks and long-term benefits. Consider your responsibilities and how you will manage them:

Are there children or dependents you need to support educationally? Do you have a mortgage or long-term investments that require regular contributions? Are there elderly parents or siblings who rely on your income? Are you prepared to go without income, and what are your fallbacks in terms of support or sources of income?

Every individual's situation is unique, making your financial planning crucial. Evaluate your options for passive income, part-time work, or continued support from family members.

Exploring Your True Passions and Values

The most significant step is finding what truly motivates you. Consider the following motivations:

Money and Power: Are you driven by wealth and influence, aiming for investor status or high-profile corporate roles? Money and Happiness: Are you more inclined towards running your own personal business, or finding your dream job that brings you joy? Happiness and Power: Do you value family and contribution, perhaps as a housewife or working for a non-profit organization? Uncertainty: Do you need to explore more to understand your values and passions, starting with "Rich Dad, Poor Dad"?

Visualize a world stripped of all societal constructs. Imagine being the sole progenitor of your existence. Are you capable of surviving and thriving without the support of language, education, society, buildings, money, law and order, or even politics? This thought experiment can enlighten your path toward true freedom and self-reliance.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey to self-employment is a transformative step. By answering these critical questions, you'll gain the clarity needed to break free from the employee mindset and embrace the future you envision. Remember, the path to self-employment is personalized, and the key is to cultivate self-awareness and purpose.