Stepping out of your comfort zone can seem a little risky if
you are used to a steady paycheck from a regular job, with a
family or other financial obligations, makes. It doesn't
seem to matter how miserable you are in that job, the
alternative scares the pants off many of us. There is a
safer way of jumping off that cliff and it entails your
current boss.
If your employers business doesn't conflict with your
dreams, then your employer could be your ticket to a
successful freelance business. If you were thinking of
starting a freelance copywriting business, you could
negotiate a contract with your current employer for reduce
your time to half for the first year after you leave. This
would give you a springboard for finding other clients while
still covering your monthly expenses.
You're maybe wondering why your employer would agree to sign a contract
for half of your time. There are a number of
reasons that can result in a "win-win" situation for both of
you.
If you and your employer are on good terms, the chances are
she doesn't want to lose you. It takes time to train someone
to fill your job, train them to the company's way of being
productive, and training costs money.
Even if she decides to replace you, it can take months for
her to gather resumes, interview candidates, and hire the
right person. During that time you can be performing varies
job functions from your home office, perhaps even training
your replacement and providing your boss with a smoother
transition by minimizing the disruption to her business.
On the other hand, if you're not on good terms with your
boss and the company is downsizing, merging, or being bought
out, you can help them avoid the unpleasantness and cost of
firing you. You are actually doing them a favor by
restructuring this in the form of a contract for services
that can be "stretched out" for a period of time if needed.
If an employer has to choose between firing you and paying
severance and benefits versus signing a contract for a time
period, which do you think she'd prefer? Signing and getting
tangible work and services in return without the costs
associated with terminating you is a much better deal for
him. The contract may even be allocated from a different
budget category, making it more affordable for the company.
There's another reason your boss may choose a contract. That
is your knowledge. You are already familiar with the
company, its clients, and services. You're able to provide
the services they need and you understand what has to be
done. Many creative people have used this logic in
approaching their bosses to negotiate their first contract
and go out on their own.
If you're interested in starting your own business your
current job can provide the security you need in your first
year. What better way to get started on your dream?
