Replies

1. 
   GACC_DAllas | Mar 11, 2001 07:19am | #1

   *
   It depends.......

   It's a toss up.........

   I've done both things............

   But I still can't decide.............

   Ed.

1. 
   calvin_ | Mar 11, 2001 08:51am | #2

   *Working for someone else-they worry about the job.Working for yourself-you do.

1. 
   Jim_Walters | Mar 11, 2001 12:04pm | #3

   *If you're as independent as I am, you have to work for yourself. If you're a team player having someone else bear the burden would be nice.

1. 
   Dan-O | Mar 11, 2001 01:42pm | #4

   *Hi D.C., There is little ditinction. When providing a service you're always working for "some one else." What is better? Being the owner operator of a small residential const./remodel co. or being an employee of same? Almost always its a natural progression. Working for yourself will challenge you in new and different ways. Working for some one else has some saying "I should be doing this for myself!"If your skills are good enough to have a go at it under your own name, why then it only makes sense to take the leap. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. What's "better?" I heard a story about a business that was in trouble. The self employed carpenter extolled "...and once I get back on my feet.." To which he was asked if he knew what was required to get back on his feet. And that was of course to get off his ass! Ha Ha.

1. 
   Tommy_B. | Mar 11, 2001 04:01pm | #5

   *I think God is the only person who works for Himself.The rest of us are always working for someone. I think employee is easier as at most you work for a few people. As a contractor, I figure I work for everybody. A tougher job by far. Alot of it is about responsibility. But another facet is that when you work for everybody, it becomes a twenty four hour job. You have to constantly market your company, and protect its image. Even something as simple as a trip to the grocery store is different as appearance is always important. I can't think of anyone being an employees 24 hours a day.

2. 
   Dan_Dear | Mar 11, 2001 05:38pm | #6

   *Many years ago, actually decades ago, I read a book whereas the author stated that we always work for ourselves. He was correct. His point is that the better we perform, regardless of our position, we benefit directly. The typical proof is when we read about the "rise" of someone from mail clerk, to department head, to assistant VP, to VP and finally to CEO. That rise does not happen just cause the guy or girl has a nice personality. It happens because they showed capacity, committment, good judgement, experience, and more. No different from those we promote from tradesman to Foreman and then to Super. I used to tell new employees that they work for themsleves, and that the more "value" they create of themselves to my company, the more responsibiity I can delegate to them which includes more money, more perks and more "say" in how the busines is to be run - if they want it. And that more "say" is based upon the judgement and attitude s/he has exhibited. I know of one man who started 5 years ago as a field carpenter at $14 per hour who is now a Production Manager receiving a salary and perks and bonuses worth over $100,000 per year. He worked for himself and increased the value of himself substantially which transferred to his "value" being increased substantially to the company as well. Too many employess do not realize this concept of natural progression of "value increase".For each of our employees, there is a small paperback book they should read entitled, "How to Think Like A Boss." and another entitled "The Indispensible Employee."Thru ESOPS, stock options and more, the differences between being an "employee" and an "owner" begins to vanish more and more.

3. 
   Mark_McDonnell | Mar 11, 2001 11:07pm | #7

   *Good points Sonny, I agree. My brother, with two master degrees, works for a big company and I've always shared with him the concept that we are all "contractors" in the sense that no employer is forever. We are all working toward our next "new job".Being self-employed, I have the attitude that I'm getting hired and fired dozens of time a year. Finishing the job means getting fired.The worst thing that can happen to a guy doing a job on his own, is to earn $1000.00-or more in one day. You spend the rest of your days trying to duplicate that day and that feeling.I love working for myself, even if it means I'm at the mercy of others. And what sweet mercy it can be.Luck

4. 
   D.C. | Mar 12, 2001 12:57am | #8

   *All responses had good points. I've also have done both, and it's still up in the air as to which is better.Thanks guys.

2. 
   D.C. | Mar 12, 2001 12:57am | #9

   *
   Just curious about what you guys think is better, working for yourself or someone else? Both have their ups and downs.