Why Savvy Students Should Seriously Consider Becoming Their Own Bosses

By Whitney Sparks


Young people looking for employment are among some of the hardest hit by Canada's recent tight job market, as youth unemployment continues to hold at 14% in this country. As a result, many young people are taking their futures into their own hands by creating their own businesses. Although there are many challenges that go along with being your own boss, students with a flair for business or a creative idea should also take into account the many advantages of entrepreneurship.

Starting your own business can be a daunting task, so it's important to study and explore the various aspects before diving in. Luckily, there are numerous online tools and even business grants for students that can help to kick-start the process. One granting program, the Government of Ontario's Summer Company, offers eligible candidates a chance at up to $3000, counselling and support while starting and operating their own summer businesses. Some of the skills needed to properly run your own enterprise would include marketing, sales, customer service, accounting/bookkeeping, organization, and many more. When applying for grants and using internet tools, make sure they match well with your qualifications and your intentions for the business.

Working for yourself offers the great advantage of a flexible work week, which allows you the opportunity to work different hours from the typical 9-5 work day. Taking a break for brunch with a colleague or working nights instead of days is completely within your control. Admittedly, entrepreneurs often work more hours than their regularly employed counterparts because they are trying to build their business and every hour logged can help create that competitive edge. So, it's essential to schedule some time off from your busy work schedule as well.

Part of the draw to entrepreneurship is the vision of being singularly in control of your own destiny. You can work with associates you admire, take on customers you enjoy working with, make decisions quickly, take chances, be creative and stick to your core values. For most, it's important to have close friends and associates to look to during challenging times, but knowing the decision is yours in the end can be energizing and rewarding as your business continues to grow.

When running your own business, you also run your own finances. You can choose when it makes sense to put money back into the company, and when it makes sense to raise your own pay. Assuming your business is viable and sustainable, the harder you work, the more likely you are to increase your income. So, unlike a regular job, you can have a direct effect on when and how much your money intake increases.

For many new business owners, pride of ownership is one of the most rewarding aspects of entrepreneurship. This is something you built, and motivation to keep going comes from the passion that got you started in the first place. So, when you are considering the options for summer jobs for students in Ontario, don't forget to consider becoming your own boss.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment