Hi, I am working in a web design company for the last 3 years but I never thought of working for myself online until a few days back when I met a friend of mine earning pretty good online. He left his job about 1 year back and now he is working full time. Now, I want to work like him and start a web designing service of my own and earn money. I know I can do well. But I would like to know what are the cons and what are pros. I thought I will get some idea from you guys here. Pros: 1) Flexible Time (No tension and no need run around boss for a leave) 2) More money (I think I was earning much less compared to what I have been delivering) Cons: 1) At home all the time (This may prove boring and monotonic after some years, In day job, at least I can change office or company and meet new people) 2) No Girls anymore (I can't meet any new girls since I will be mostly at home. Seriously, how you guys meet girls when you have a full time online job?, I would love some comments here) 3) Not very reputed. Please guys, I need some input. If things turn out to look like okay, I will start a website withing a few days and start advertising my web designing service. And in a few months, I will quit my day job. Best regards, Alex
My Granddad was a leading manufacturer and would often advise people in your position "if you can't sell it then don't bother". This is so true. You could be the most gifted web designer in the entire world but if you can't open, negotiate and close a deal then stay where you are. To make a good living you'll have to design 2-4 websites per week but first you'll have to get the contracts and when you've finished you'll have to get the money in and produce your account - you'll be working 80 hour weeks before you know it. The other problems with website design is that everybody is doing it and everybody else knows someone who will do it cheap.
It all depends where you live. Some of us here live in third or second world countries and we can earn decent money from our homes. I don't know if anyone from USA can earn enough money online, unless he has some high quality website(s). Anyway, Pros: 1) Decent money depending on where do you live 2)Work on the place you like (house, or cafe depending on which you prefer) 3)Easier to find jobs 4)You don't have to pay commuting expenses 5)Arrange your time as you like 6)No boss to stand over your head 7)You might learn something new eventually Cons: 1)Back pain (I have it and it can be horrible sometimes) 2)Competition (somebody may except to do something 5x cheaper than you) 3)Scams (yes you can give negative itrade, but you still worked 6 months for nothing and you're 500 bucks short) 4)Boring jobs (face it, data entry isn't exciting as it sounds) 5)Obesity (if you tend to eat snacks and such while you're working) 6)No health insurance or pension fond 7)Social Life (you'll forget about it soon) 8)Virginity (you'll learn to accept it ) As for my opinion, online jobs are great. I like working with computers and working alone. Most of my friends can't find a job, and even if they do they do they work like crazy for minimal wage and they get fired before they get paid. So yea, online jobs can be boring, but at least you sit at your home and earn more then most of people. This may not apply to other countries. Oh and don't forget sore back...
I agree with all the pros and cons of above but I still say that nothing beats working for yourself Make your own hours, control your own income, no boss telling you when you can or can't take off, working hard to make yourself richer instead of busting your tail to make someone else richer. You can control your social life etc, you don't need an office job to get out and meet people. Take up new hobbies and you will meet more people. For instance, join a bowling league Nothing beats being your own boss
Thanks guys for the reply. This forum is really active @1associate: Yes, I know it can be hard but I have already talked with my friend and he told me it can be done. In fact he is even ready to share the projects he is getting right now. And I don't need to earn like $5000 a month, just some 1k is more than enough for me. I am a software engineer from a top institute and when I got a job in java web designing, I was offered less than $500 a month. Now, I am earning some $600 for a 9 to 6 job with a horrible boss. So, I think working for my own will be a much better option in terms of money and flexibility. The only thing I was worried about was how to get to meet new people. Let's face it, money, girls and time are three very important things to me. With my present job, I don't have money and time but I have girls. With online job, I will get money and time and no girls But yes, the hobby thingy that mreb1010 sounds really a good one. Please keep your opinion coming...
You're about right with the pros and cons. You definitely have to work a bit harder to stay connected to people. However I love my internet job and wouldn't have it any other way. It gives your life so much flexibility. My mother recently became ill and I am able to take her to hospital and doctors appointments without worrying about taking time off work. You can also work as well if you really want to. If I want some extra cash or am just bored, I can do a few hours at my former job. If you want success online, then limit yourself to these forums as you can spend more time reading about how to succeed, rather than implementing anything!
i don't see any cons, if you can automate what you do, you don't have to sit in from of your comp all day long you're working for yourself, you don't have stupid bosses, you say when it's enough and do something else "7)Social Life (you'll forget about it soon)" - it's not true at all, you have to find the balance (you should automate your IM work with bots, freelancers and you have much more time for your social life then if you do a 9-5 job)