Why Working for Yourself Is Overrated (From Someone Who Tried It)
For years, I dreamed of escaping the 9-to-5 grind. Every morning, I’d drag myself out of bed, daydreaming about how much better life would be if I could call the shots, make my own schedule, and answer to no one. Like so many others, I was captivated by the allure of working for myself. So, a year ago, I finally took the leap. I quit my corporate job, set up my home office, and ventured into the world of self-employment.
What I expected was freedom, flexibility, and the satisfaction of doing work I truly cared about. What I got was something completely different.
Here’s why working for yourself might not be as glamorous as it seems — and why I’m here to tell you it’s often overrated.
You Become Your Own Worst Boss
One of the biggest reasons I wanted to work for myself was to escape micromanaging bosses. I thought, “I’ll have no one breathing down my neck anymore!” And while that was true, I quickly realized that I had simply traded one boss for another — myself.
As your own boss, the pressure to succeed falls entirely on your shoulders. Every decision, every misstep, every delay — it’s all your responsibility. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll be tougher on yourself than any manager ever was. I found myself…
