Latest Research On Self Employment...what a load of poppycock!

I’ve just read this article, it has caused me to suck my cheeks in, scratch my chin and declare hog wash out loud! It states that “Rising coverage of entrepreneurs in the media is helping to persuade more people to consider a career as their own boss”.



See below for the full thing



http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=418572&SubjectId=2





What a narrow, unbalanced perspective this report takes. I don’t necessarily disagree that some TV programmes have made lots of people think about self employment.



However, I would argue, but don’t have the statistical reporting to back it up, that shifts and changes in the way we live our lives today and the way work is now structured have led far more people down the path of self employment than any form of media ever could.



If I take a look at my friends, contacts, and clients and reflect on their reasons for self employment a much broader and more realistic picture emerges.



• Self employment up until quite recently, (even 5 years ago) was seen as quite a high risk strategy in comparison to a permanent job. Yet the world of having a permanent job today means working long hours with little security as to your long term employability. In fact many people now perceive that having their own business gives them far more security than a proper job.



• Women who want to return to work after having children are finding self employment offers them far more flexibility than returning to their old jobs.



• Organisations don’t want to commit to long term permanent employment contracts. In times of uncertainty, shorter, fixed term contracts are more favourable. For insurance and tax purposes very often people have to be employed on a self employed basis rather than via an employment contract.



• There is a growing population of people who when made redundant after long service don’t have the financial incentive to need to work, for them running their own business offers more rewards.



These are a few of my experiences having working with lots of people who are contemplating, or have already started their own business. Phew, after my little tirade I’m now off to watch Dragons Den!