The Hidden Health Benefits of Self-Employment: A Personal Journey
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Chapter 1: A New Perspective on Life Expectancy
Until recently, I was unaware of the significant advantages that self-employment could offer for both health and well-being.
The human lifespan is inherently limited, influenced by genetics, with the oldest recorded individual living to 122 years. The average life expectancy in the 21st century falls below 80 years. Reflecting on these figures, I often feel as though I have squandered a considerable portion of my adult life working merely to survive in the corporate realm.
While there are numerous advantages to working for large corporations, I have come to regret the time spent there, feeling as though my skills, time, and efforts were undervalued. I earned money primarily to pay bills and set aside a small nest egg for retirement, but in exchange for the hours and energy I invested, the returns seem trivial.
Though financial security is essential, it does not equate to health, happiness, or life satisfaction. Maslow's hierarchy of needs illustrates that true fulfillment extends beyond mere monetary wealth. I know individuals with substantial bank accounts who live in unhappiness, often willing to trade their fortunes for improved health.
In this narrative, I aim to share my thoughts on the shift to self-employment in a balanced manner, offering insights that others in similar situations might find beneficial.
Section 1.1: The Psychological Toll of Long Corporate Careers
From my observations, three common threats contribute to stress and anxiety in our lives. The anticipation of the future is a primary source of anxiety.
Anxious thoughts can manifest physical tension, often compounding if left unaddressed. As discussed earlier, these threats include lack of information, fear of uncertainty, and a sense of lost control. These psychological pressures have long influenced my mindset.
Even as a child, I harbored a desire to be self-employed, but fear and economic constraints hindered my progress. During my early years, I lacked awareness of alternatives to the corporate path. The fear of financial instability overshadowed my decision-making, and witnessing many small businesses fail only intensified this fear.
Additionally, limited resources and the absence of the Internet during my first two decades of work made self-employment seem even more daunting. The accolades and recognition I received in the corporate sphere bolstered my ego, obscuring my ability to see the bigger picture. In retrospect, those fleeting rewards left me feeling empty.
Section 1.2: The Advantages of Self-Employment
Since leaving the corporate world after 40 years, I have reaped numerous benefits, which I categorize into three key areas. Here are three reasons why I wish I had ventured into self-employment four decades earlier.
Taking Charge of My Time and Efforts
In the corporate realm, I exchanged my time for income, working a minimum of 40 hours a week, plus additional hours on weekends for skill enhancement. This left little room for personal time or family.
Now, I don’t trade my hours for a paycheck; instead, I focus on outcomes. I have the flexibility to determine my working hours based on my goals. For instance, I might spend four hours seeking contracts, ten hours executing projects, and two hours on follow-ups, effectively working only two days a week while gaining three days for personal pursuits.
Experiencing True Freedom
It wasn’t until I left my job that I truly understood what freedom felt like. Initially, I feared boredom and missed the corporate hustle, but within a week, I realized the joy of having my time to myself.
As my stress levels decreased, my creativity flourished. Without the burdens of commuting and corporate expectations, I set my own schedule according to my needs and desires. This newfound autonomy was liberating.
Boosting My Income with Less Effort
Ironically, as I reduced my working hours, my income increased. I am not advocating for easy money; rather, I mean that I can generate the same income with less time invested.
In my corporate role, I received less than 10% of the profits I generated for the company, while the remaining 90% went to them. Now, I retain 100% of the value created from my efforts. This shift allows me to achieve the same results in just four hours, leading to a more fulfilling and less stressful work life.
Concluding Thoughts
While I regret the lengthy tenure in corporate roles, I find fulfillment in self-employment at this stage of my life. However, this path may not suit everyone. For instance, I have a friend who faced severe health challenges due to entrepreneurship.
Despite my social disadvantages as a migrant, I benefited from a high IQ and emotional intelligence, which helped me navigate difficulties. Earning a living is crucial in today’s world, but it is essential to find ways to do so with less time and effort.
Reflecting on my past, I realize I could have mitigated the risks associated with self-employment significantly by addressing the psychological barriers I faced decades ago. I am thankful for the time I now have to focus on health and well-being while financially supporting my family through self-employment.
Takeaways for Aspiring Self-Employed Individuals
From my experiences and observations of successful self-employed individuals, here are some key takeaways:
- Embracing self-employment can lead to various physical and mental health benefits.
- If done correctly, self-employment allows for greater flexibility in scheduling based on personal goals and lifestyle.
- Self-employed individuals may encounter fewer toxic emotions that often permeate crowded workplaces, such as envy and gossip.
- However, they must still navigate demanding clients and partners, making social awareness and emotional regulation crucial.
For those interested in pursuing a writing business and generating passive income, I've compiled resources based on my years of experience.
Thank you for considering my reflections, and I hope you find pathways to a healthy and fulfilling life.