Advice from the self-employed on here

[Miniliteman]

Hi,

could any of you give me some advice (on all area's) about being self-employed?
I have been working for several companies since I got my engineerings diploma many moons ago but I feel now is the time to have a go at it for myself.
Well I could have a fellow-accomplice (?) who should do all the work ....

What are the things I will have to look out for?
Insurance? EC regulations? Tax?

All advice/thoughts appreciated.

Thanks, Leon.

[roths]

Leon

I'm an accountant by trade....got my own practice... so can give you a few pointers or things to think about/things to avoid..drop me a PM if you're interested....

Cheers

Simon

[68 Bullit]

1 Self motivation
2 do what you can yourself first and grow into the employer-partner scenario
3 Remember a partnership can be the worst ship that ever sailed
4 lead by example
5 Set firm rules and regulations for yourself and employees ( no gray areas)
6 Work your butt off
7 Time is money so don,t give it away free

Sorry can,t help you with the Tax thing etc. different over here

[pushrod]

Self employed -
No holidays
No sickness
No pension.

If you don't work, you don't get paid.
Holidays cost twice as much as you have the loss of earnings as well as the cost.
Fall ill and the money stops.
No top ups to any pension plan.

In reality you don't become your own boss as you still work contracts to other people/firms who will expect you to be there 12 hrs a day 6 days a week ect.

The only up side is you can make a lot of money! I would have no doubt that your lifestyle will suffer. In employment when the shit hits the fan you still 'punch your card' and go home at 5. Self employed people are phoning their wives and cancelling anything they had planned that evening.

I've been both sides of the fence and for an easy life stick with employment.
For a hard life and loads of dosh, go self employed.

[richard wilson]

iwent self employed last year and to tell the truth it was the best move i ever made,iam lucky in the sence that i dont have any big bills at the end of the month so takes the pressure of a bit, the main thing i wud tell u is make sure you get paided for wot you do,have been caught a couple of time with nopayment on jobs i done but now its strickly no cash no keys,and get your self a dammed gud accountant

[fast eddie]

as above spot on,good acc a must!!!!

[Andyc]

be aware of the bigger companies as the take their time paying but other wise its a good move all the best

[Frosticles]

iwent self employed last year and to tell the truth it was the best move i ever made

Turned professional board member as never seems to any work at all.......

[richard wilson]

Turned professional board member as never seems to any work at all.......

you need quality time as well kevall work and no play makes me a dull boy

[Andyc]

as thats Kevs problem

[richard wilson]

as thats Kevs problem

any work is a problem to kev

[Andyc]

fpmsl

[Frosticles]

any work is a problem to kev

Damn right. I HATE WORK.

[richard wilson]

Damn right. I HATE WORK.

we have noticed that kev

[npikey]

Trust No One !