Writing & Published Work

The New York Post
August 4, 2008

BEFORE YOU LEAP
Thinking of going solo? You need to prepare

By Christina Alex

Sure it sounds great, cutting out the commutes, working in your slippers and setting your own schedule. But self-employment isn't for everyone, and there are traps that the unprepared can fall into. If you're thinking about taking the leap, here are some steps to ensure that it doesn't become a free-fall.

Make sure your niche lights YOU up. "People look at what other people do," whether it's writing fiction or promoting clubs, and assume "they're happy doing it," says Upper East Side kids life coach Jon Levy. Someone else's bliss won't necessarily be yours, so be honest about your personality and work habits. The self-employed lifestyle is deadly for procrastinators who need a boss and a deadline to produce, or for those who can't relax with outstanding bills, says freelance graphic designer Jon Rosenthal, who trained himself to compartmentalize when funds were on the way. Informational interviews are a great reality check before you chuck everything.

Stage a few dress rehearsals. Test working from home for a few days, so you'll hear the incessant drilling from your neighbor's renovation and bake in the direct sunlight. Consider whether you can separate the personal and professional by creating a separate work space, something many home workers say helps to compartmentalize their working hours from their downtime, and promote productivity.

Know your bottom line. Track all your expenses for at least six months to determine how much you need to live comfortably. Ideally, stash away enough green friends for three to six months, says Linda Gnat-Mullin of Brooklyn, who gave up a job as an ad copywriter to become a Reiki instructor. To ease the pressure, consider getting a part-time job to give you structure and benefits.

Consider hidden costs. While having a 9-5 schedule has its drawbacks, there are advantages to having an employer, and it's worth considering them before you cut the cord. Health insurance is a big one, so don't forget that paying for it will fall on you, and price freelance plans. Without a corporate benefactor to kick in Social Security, you'll be on the hook for self-employment tax. And don't forget smaller perks like vacation days or a gym membership your daily workout may now add to your monthly nut.

Cultivate connections. Prepare for going solo by pocketing contact information for your colleagues and business connections even take them to lunch so you're fresh in their mind, suggests consultant Luke Haseloff. Even if you don't expect to have to contact them, it's easier to have their digits on hand than to make an awkward phone call to your old place of business. Forward any newsletters or publications you receive to your personal email or mailing address.

Seek support staff. You may feel like you have to do everything solo at your job, but chances are you discount the brainstorming buddy who reviews your proposals and the cubemate who lets you vent during lunch. Ponder how you might meet those needs as a solo agent, from starting a lunchtime networking group to finding a good shrink.

Find freebies. Free or low-cost resources for entrepreneurs abound, and they can be a boon to those thinking of trying their hand at self-employment. Manhattan health counselor Cynthia Magg touts the Workshop in Business Opportunities' 16-week course for aspiring entrepreneurs, which gently forces you to examine every detail of your endeavor. NYC's Small Business Development Centers offer a workbook to help you write a business plan, and free counseling. Astia nurtures female-founded companies with mentors, coaches and seed money, while Toastmasters clubs provide feedback on your elevator speech.

Learn to sell yourself. "Doing the actual job is one part, marketing and building it up is the harder," says Manhattan career coach Zohar Adner. So don't forget that as a freelancer, landing work will be part of your job. If you're not a natural schmoozer, consider taking a sales course, or work on your people skills through improvisational comedy, with a class at Magnet Theater or The People's Improv Theater.

Start from scratch — really. Make peace with your past ventures positive and negative so this feels like the first risk you've ever taken. Rituals to let go of the past include writing down and burning your regrets; screaming your angst into a roaring ocean; or talking ad nauseam with a friend or therapist until your future looks clear. Says Levy, "When you can fail gloriously, then you can really have fun." 

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