How to make the transition from self-employed to employee easier

woman working on her fashion designs

So you’ve been your own boss for so long already, and now you want to become an employee again?

After enjoying the freedom of setting your own schedule and being the one calling the shots, going back to the 9-to-5 and reporting to someone else can be quite a big change.

So allow me to share some tips to help you make the switch from controlling your destiny to being part of a team again as seamlessly as possible.

Reacquaint yourself with the differences between self-employment and employment
  • Less flexibility but more stability

When you are the boss of yourself, you can set your hours and take leave (almost) anytime you want. But as an employee, you now have fixed work hours and a limited number of days off. The upside is you will have a steady income and (better) job security. No need to worry too much about when the next paycheck is coming.

  • No more “multitasking”

As self-employed, you’ve probably handled everything from sales to accounts and business development. Now you can focus on specific job roles and responsibilities. This means there’s no need to run across departments in a day until your brain is fried. Let the relevant departments handle their parts.

  • Following orders

So you used to make all the decisions? Not now anymore with bosses and company policies to follow. So it’s time to make the switch from speaking to listening and meet project deadlines set by superiors. But at least you no longer need to carry all the weight and pressure on your shoulders.

Preparing for the transition
  • Do a self-assessment

Sit down and think about what skills you’ve picked up as an entrepreneur. Things like problem-solving, time management, and handling pressure are attractive to employers. Recognize your strengths and how they can benefit your new company. This will boost your confidence in interviews and help you negotiate a good salary.

a woman having an interview

Image Credits: sng.ac.jp

  • Emphasize relevant experience

When job-hunting, focus on how your entrepreneurial experience will make you a better employee. For example, highlight how you independently built a business from scratch, innovated new products or services, won customers, managed finances, and hustled to overcome obstacles. These stories demonstrate a growth mindset, resilience, and leadership potential—qualities any boss would value.

  • Be open to change

The hardest part may be getting used to fixed work hours, less flexibility, and having a boss (again). But go in with an open mind. View your new role as an exciting opportunity to better yourself, without the stress of being solely responsible for a business.

Adjusting to the new role
  • Follow the schedule

Gone are the days when you could start work at 12 pm if you wanted. Most companies expect you to be at your desk during fixed hours, whatever the agreement is. Make sure you’re on time and take your breaks when scheduled. If you need to come in late or leave early, inform HR in advance.

  • Work with your team

Whether it’s your cubicle neighbor or a whole department, get used to collaborating. Communicate openly, share ideas, and help each other out. Having a good rapport with coworkers will make the daily grind more enjoyable.

  • Complete assignments by deadlines

As an employee, you will be given tasks, projects, or sales targets to finish by certain dates. Don’t drag it out—your colleagues and managers are depending on you. Try your best to meet all deadlines and let someone know ASAP if there are any issues.

After so long calling the shots for yourself, you now have to listen to someone else. But if you go in with the right mindset, open to learning new things and adapting to different working styles, you should be fine. Remember, be flexible, and focus on the work and not the politics. Your experience from so many years working alone will serve you well. This job may turn out to be better than you expect if you give it a proper chance. Take a deep breath and dive right in. The water will feel warm in no time.

Read More...

How to Handle Dishonest Employees

It is challenging to maintain a perfect record of accomplishment of hiring the right people. Occasionally, a bad apple slips into the basket. You can end up with an unpleasant employee in your team. Whether this employee is difficult to work with or is dishonest, having this type of an employee is any employer’s worst nightmare.

The simple answer to how to handle dishonest employees is to get rid of him or her. However, you have to resolve matters following the established rules and principles.

#1: GET UNQUESTIONABLE PROOF OF THE DISHONEST BEHAVIOR

If you are someone mediating a case of dishonesty, your first step is being absolutely certain that the act took place. You should look for evidence while using legal methods and fully respecting privacy laws. Another employee’s words are not strong enough evidence to conclude that you are dealing with a case of dishonesty. You need to cover all the bases.

#2: BE DATA-DRIVEN

It is easier to detect dishonest and corrupt behavior when everything is measured and tracked. Expenses need to be closely tracked. Accountability can also be put in writing such as having an Equipment Accountability Form. Apart from receipts and expense sheets, you can perform a background check on the employee in question.

You need to find out if the employee in question has a history of dishonest behavior or if this instance is an isolated case. You can contact any of his or her former employers to get a wider perspective.

#3: ASSESS THE IMPACT IT HAS ON YOUR ORGANIZATION

After examining the facts and realizing that you are dealing with dishonest behavior from an employee, the next step is to evaluate what the consequences are for the company. Realistically, evaluating the potential impact of this situation can help you make a plan on how to handle it appropriately.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: DISCUSS THE MATTER WITH THE EMPLOYEE

Once you are certain that dishonest behavior took place and you have investigated the impact it can have on the organization, you need to openly discuss the matter with the employee in question. Such a discussion can reveal the motives behind the employee’s behavior and even resolve the entire issue in situations when the damage was minimal.

#5: SET CLEAR CONSEQUENCES FOR THE DISHONEST BEHAVIOR

Set clear consequences for the dishonest actions, starting from a probation period up to termination. Knowing there are clear and well-defined consequences can help you take action and move ahead. I am not saying that it is easy to do, but it is a crucial step to making things right.

#6: ENCOURAGE OPEN FEEDBACK AND TRANSPARENCY

Build a culture that encourages transparency and openness. Workplace transparency is open communication between leaders and employees. Leaders shall commit to openly sharing expectations, mistakes, setbacks, feedback, revenue, and other metrics.

If a team member thinks something seems out of the ordinary or something seems off, he or she should bring it up and comfortably escalate the matter to the manager.  Leaders can lead by example through giving constant feedback or constructive criticisms. 

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

Which Suits You Best: Employee or Entrepreneur?

Operating a business can be attractive to individuals with a drive to succeed. However, entrepreneurship is not for everyone. Before take the leap, you should consider the differences between being an employee and an employer.

Let us start with the sense of freedom and independence.

FREEDOM

One of the main reasons why employers open their business is the flexibility of time for family, hobbies, and other activities. They do not have to worry about the possibility of their leaves getting rejected as they hold their time. Enjoying a vacation this weekend without worries in the world sounds tempting!

On the other hand, employees need to abide by the rules or terms set by the company. There is a set work schedule and leave count.

PROFITS AND PAY

It comes as no surprise that the profits gained by the business eventually makes its way to the entrepreneur’s bank account. Parts of the profits can be indulged by the employees through their salaries and bonuses. Some organizations give incentives for their most industrious employees. Consider asking the HR department about it.

In terms of pay consistency, employees receive regular paychecks that entrepreneurs do not. You know how much to expect at the end of the month as an employee. While entrepreneur’s income may vary from month to month or year to year. There is a level of uncertainty for one’s financial future.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Great power comes with grave responsibility. The role of the employers is to protect the health and welfare of its employees. They must create a conducive work environment by providing benefits that will cover their needs. For instance, they can provide healthcare coverage for the employees and their families. This health incentive may improve the productivity of the employees.

The role of the employee is to obey the sensible orders of the employer as stated in the contract of employment. The employee must be responsible and loyal whenever he or she carries out his or her duties. Lastly, the employee must keep sensitive information confidential during his or her time of service.

RESOURCES

Building a business requires an access to a financial capital or other investors. You may need to shell out your savings and earnings not only in the beginning of the business, but also throughout its run.

Owning a business can either eat away your finances or grow it like a flowing cash stream. Are you open to take that risk? This creates a higher entry barrier between becoming an entrepreneur and an employee.

AUTHORITY

Who makes the shots? The employer, or course. The employer has more authority than the employee. He or she controls and monitors what the employee does and how they do it. The authority of the employee can be displayed with the employees who have lower ranks.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The employer also has the authority of terminating the employment contract as justified by the company’s policies. Imagine having that much control and authority over others! If you cannot then, entrepreneurship is not for you.

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

How To Efficiently Evaluate Your Boss

It is not uncommon for a boss to continually evaluate your output and etiquette. While this happens, you are also evaluating him or her. Your mind automatically makes assumptions and perceptions about a person, even if you do not realize it.

To aid in the smooth stream of operations between the employees and the employers, transparency is needed. Evaluate your boss efficiently by following these tips.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Keeping the lines open between the employer and the employee can help address and prevent issues. Observe how your boss communicates with you. Does he motivate you when you perform or does he constantly criticize your work? He must be able to filter personal issues and constructive criticisms.

Feedback is essential in brewing a good relationship. Furthermore, the boss must be able to deal with the mistakes in a calmly and efficient manner.

MANAGEMENT SKILLS

When I was given a leadership position, I thought that micromanaging my staff will help lift their loads. To cut it short, I was wrong. A good boss does not dictate every step of the way. He trusts the capabilities of his employees and does not take credit for the work that they have done. However, he is willing to share the responsibility when things go wrong.

Management skills are showcased through your boss’ ability to discipline unpleasant behavior and through giving proper guidance to those who need it. Your boss must understand the requirements of each job title and maintain order in the workplace.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

Interpersonal skills refers to your boss’ ability to interact with you as an employee. Does your boss care about you and the company’s expectations? Does he recognize your achievements and contributions to the team?

A good boss must be able to encourage you and your co-workers to meet the same goal. He must be able to clearly communicate the expectations, which are in line with the company.

Image Credits: pixabay.com


When evaluating your boss, ensure that you incorporate both positive feedback and constructive criticisms. Confidentiality is highly encourage to enable you to have honest reviews.

Lastly, put yourself in his shoes! Consider how you want your boss to conduct performance reviews and give the same courtesy to your boss.

Sources: 1 &2

Read More...

Which Suits You Best: Employee Or Entrepreneur?

There are definite perks when you become your own boss. When you are the boss, you call the shots! This does not mean that you will disregard the opinion of others and that of your clients. Simply, you need to interact harmoniously with your team, your business partners, and the clients. No man is an island, no matter how many coconut trees you own.

Being a boss fits a certain type of mindset. Consider reinventing yourself as an employee if you do not meet the Entrepreneur mindset.

THOUGHTS ON INDEPENDENCE

An entrepreneur welcomes the idea of working independently. Business owners are willing to take full responsibility for completing their own tasks on schedule. Not to mention, self-employed individuals who work at home spend most of their time without a staff supporting them.

On the other hand, employees set their minds to tasks given by their bosses. They are expected to complete these tasks within a given schedule.

THOUGHTS ON GOALS

Business owners plan, market, and oversee the success of their businesses. Running a successful business entails formulation a well thought out business plan. Write a simple mission and vision statement for the company to direct their goals to it. Having a specific set of goals directs the actions to a unified path.

In contrast, an employee follows the short and long-term goals that someone else set.

THOUGHTS ON MONEY

Business owners need to operate based on the financial situation of the company. Are you knowledgeable about the operation costs and profits? Can you create a fair paycheck while tackling risks? A key factor in starting a business is being able to handle the financial ups and downs. Take money management classes or hire financial professionals to improve your financial support.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Lastly, employees take away the responsibility of building a successful business. Sometimes, they overlook the financial risks of building a profitable business. When this happens, the business owner must step in to mend things.

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...