A lot of people decide to go into the home business environment with a lot of false hope, thinking that working for themselves will be a piece of cake. Be aware of the many myths surrounding working for yourself and consider how you will deal with the realities…

Myth: I won't have to work so hard and I can cut down my hours
Truth: Chances are that you will work even more hours than before and certainly much harder, however the upside is that you will be doing it for yourself, not someone else. Working to achieve your own dreams and goals will make you more enthusiastic, which will hopefully overcome the exhaustion that you may feel!

Myth: I can make a lot of quick money by inflating my prices
Truth: You will be working in a competitive environment, competing against established companies. Customers after all will not only shop around for the best deal, but will also take quality and service into account. While you will have the freedom to set your prices as you wish, your customers will still make the final decision.

Myth: I will have a lot more free time
Truth: While you will be able to work out your own schedule and work flexible hours, in order to get your business off the ground, you will certainly have to put in many hours, particularly at the beginning, until your business is established in the market. Working for yourself might also mean doing everything for yourself, from filing to banking to dealing with clients, which will leave little time for yourself.

Myth: I will never have to report to anyone again
Truth: While you won't have a boss in the traditional sense of the word, you will still be accountable to your clients and potential customers, each of whom will place different demands on you. If you can keep all of these people satisfied, you will be on the road to success.

Myth: I can pick and choose what I want to do
Truth: Unlike the normal office environment, there will not be specific people assigned to certain tasks - you will have to do it all, no matter how boring. All businesses come with a fare share of administration, and it is essential that you keep this up to date - falling behind could mean lost files, lost messages, and lost clients!

Myth: Having my own business will limit my potential
Truth: While you certainly will be under more financial constraints than established companies, your success depends on how much time and effort you put into your business. Remember that there are always people out there to help you - if a client needs something that is beyond your expertise, hire a temporary contractor to complete the job.

Remember, having your own business is hard work. What you put in is what you get out. Don't be put off by the initial trudge - it will take you at least 2 years to get things off the ground. But keep at it, once you have got things going, you will be in a position to get permanent help, and provided that your client service remains at a high standard, a steady income from existing clients will give you the space to expand your business and focus on your core activities. When in doubt, do your research and ask for advice. Go for it and good luck!

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