Self Employment Ideas Guide

Being self employed does not necessarily mean uncertain income and long hours in order to ensure the success of the micro-enterprise. Instead, it can be a highly rewarding experience both in monetary and non-monetary terms...
Self Employment Ideas Guide
Self employment is an uncharted territory for most people. Many a times, self employment is synonymous with huge initial investments without guaranteed returns for a certain period of time. Hence most people don't want the responsibility of running their own business. However, being a micro-entrepreneur does not have to be a costly proposition. The following ideas for self employment require less investment both in terms of time and money.

Self Employment Ideas

Massage Therapist: Becoming a massage therapist can be great option for people who like the idea of healing others. A six-month certificate program in massage therapy can prepare a person for a fulfilling career as a massage therapist. This lucrative career allows a person to open shop right at home. A person can also choose to be on-call and charge an additional amount for the services rendered. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, in the year 2008, 36% of Americans opted for massage therapy in order to relieve stress. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects at least a 20% increase in the demand for massage therapists before the year 2016. Some of us would have heard the story about a woman who was employed as a part time in-house masseuse at Google. She was paid a weekly salary of $450 and given a bunch of stock options. She ended up becoming a millionaire within 5 years, by cashing out her stock options. Who knows, lady luck may be waiting to smile upon us and we may be the next masseuse turned millionaire !

Auto Mechanic: A short certificate course can prepare a person for a career as an auto mechanic. This is a great option for men who love pottering around in their garage. US Small Business Administration (SBA) can be approached for loans. Becoming an auto mechanic is a wise decision during recession, since most people would prefer having their car repaired rather than buying a new one.

Weight Loss Coach: This is a lucrative option for people who want to stay in shape and at the same time help others lose weight by committing to a weight loss regime. The federal government is willing to provide a grant of $65,000 to women interested in starting a weight loss business from home! Women interested in becoming weight loss coaches have to commit to an effective self-designed weight loss program and use themselves as role models to market their business. Obesity is a wide spread phenomenon and most people find it hard to control their bulging waistline. As a weight loss coach you will never be out of work if you can deliver results.

Freelance Writer: This is a great job for people who enjoy writing. All you need is a laptop, and if you have a knack for writing you are all set to become a freelance writer. A freelance writer may be hired on a contract basis for services like resume writing, creative writing, technical writing, proof reading and copy writing. A person can bid online and can initially try and offer a low price for the service rendered. If you are good at publishing, business will definitely pick up and you can make a decent living.

Self employment is an ideal option for people who want flexible work hours or for for women who want to work from the comfort of their home. Most money making ideas do not require a great deal of investment and hence are ideal for people who have been recently laid off. Finding a job during recession can be a daunting task, since employment opportunities are limited. Moreover, people receive less benefits and are expected to work for longer hours at lower wages. The above mentioned self employment ideas can help a person beat all odds and turn him into a successful self employed micro entrepreneur.

By Aparna Iyer
Published: 6/26/2009
 
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