7 survival tips for becoming self-employed

Has the routine, structure and hierarchy of corporate life got you yearning for some freedom? To be your own boss – become the master (or mistress) of your own destiny – instead of working for the benefit of someone else?

Or maybe you've already made that leap and are experiencing the benefits that self-employment can bring: greater freedom certainly, the excitement of being able to shape your own future and drive your work forward – without someone breathing down your neck. Not to mention the flexibility: the ability to work from home more; less time spent in the nightmarishly time-consuming rush hour; no difficult manager to answer to; and the option to take time out when everyone else seems chained to their office desks!

The reality of self-employment

There is, of course, a downside. In fact, many people who have tried being self-employed simply find the isolation, lack of structure and unpredictable income difficult to cope with. One friend of mine who tried it for a year said:

"Trying to work from home without an inbuilt routine drove me mad – I realised I'm just too institutionalised for this!"

However, depending on the kind of person you are and your personal objectives when it comes to work, it is possible to overcome the challenges of being self-employed. The key is to be self-aware of the main issues you are likely to face and to have some tried-and-tested strategies to deal with them.

Because once this significant step has been taken, the option of going back into the world of employment is, for many of us, just too unpalatable!

From someone who has made this transition (and now works as a coach supporting fellow freelancers), here are some survival tips.

1. Remember you're not alone

One of the main issues for the self-employed (particularly sole traders) is perceived isolation.

The lack of interaction with workmates, workplace banter and staff socials can be hard to adapt to.

A good way to recreate this is to arrange regular meet-ups with other freelancers, even if you're simply working independently but in the company of others. Joining networking groups can also be invaluable, not only for winning new business but also for developing your own expertise.

2. Stay focused on your desired outcomes

Take time to focus on the result you want from every piece of work you undertake, including the bigger picture of what you wanted to achieve by becoming self-employed in the first place.

Make this part of your action planning.

It's an excellent way to keep your attention on the benefits of completing projects, whether that's income, experience or opening the door to future opportunities.

When things become challenging, your desired outcomes can become one of your greatest sources of motivation.

3. Create workable action plans

As a coach, one of my roles is helping people set goals and identify the steps needed to achieve them while overcoming the perceived barriers.

Personally, I'm a great believer in action planning. I create longer-term, weekly and (often the night before) daily action plans that help me prioritise my work and structure my day.

Crucially, these are realistic "to-do" lists, not endless wish lists.

There's nothing more demotivating than ending the day having completed only a third of an unrealistic list.

4. Structure your day (and take breaks!)

Many successful freelancers advocate getting up early and tackling their most difficult task before checking emails or social media.

That approach won't suit everyone, but I can certainly say that my most productive days are those where I reach lunchtime feeling I've already achieved something worthwhile.

That gives me permission to take a proper break and helps carry my motivation into the afternoon.

5. Create an environment that helps you focus

Your workspace has a huge influence on your ability to concentrate.

After years of working in a cluttered office, I recently spent time decluttering and found it transformed how I felt about working there.

A good desk, a comfortable chair, suitable technology and an organised filing system are often all that's needed.

Like many people, I also find that changing my environment from time to time and working in cafés or shared workspaces gives me a fresh perspective when motivation starts to dip.

6. Celebrate your achievements

When you work for yourself, there's no manager to congratulate you, no promotion waiting and no annual pay rise.

Recognising your own achievements becomes your responsibility. Take time to celebrate your successes. Reflect on how far you've come and acknowledge what you've achieved.

The more you recognise your progress, the more motivated you'll be to keep moving forward.

7. Beat procrastination

Finally, procrastination can be one of the biggest challenges facing freelancers and business owners.

It's easy to convince yourself that now isn't the right time to grow your business because the house needs cleaning, the gym is calling, or your part-time work has taken over.

If you find yourself making excuses, stop.

Refocus on the outcomes you want to achieve.

Set your goals. Take the next step. Start making the changes you want to see.

There really is no time like the present.