If you’re not happy with your job, you’re not alone; close to a quarter (24%) of British workers describe themselves as being unhappy in their occupation.
Not only that, but according to research conducted by Investors in People (IIP), almost half (47%) are considering moving jobs in the next year, and better pay isn’t the biggest motivational factor - nearly two-thirds (63%) of workers say that greater job satisfaction is what they’re after, compared to less than half (48%) who are purely after better pay.
So numbers aside - if you’re unhappy in your job, you might be considering a change of career, perhaps even becoming your own boss – but before you take the plunge and go at it alone, check out the pros and cons of being employed and self-employed.
Being Employed
The Pros
- Secure salary, with potential bonuses and the possibility of promotion
- Paid holiday and sick leave
- Benefits such as employer pension
- Social interaction with other employees
The Cons
- The daily commute and office politics
- A set amount of holidays each year
- Set hours that can restrict work/life balance
- Limited freedom to make your own choices
Being Self-Employed
The Pros
- Not having to answer to management
- The option to fit your work around your home life
- Escape from the office politics and commute
- Being able to set your own goals and take your business as far as you want it to go
The Cons
- Added overheads of running your own business
- Loss of earnings for taking holidays
- Lack of job security/secured income
- Potential stress of never being able to switch off from work
Changing your Career
If the pros outweigh the cons and you’re ready to go at it alone, you might have to re-train for a new career and undergo some vocational training. You’ll also have to work out how committed you’re going to be to your new career, as this will affect your working hours, income and work/life balance.
For instance, setting up a career as a personal trainer means your clients’ varying working patterns will mean there is scope to be training people from 6am to 10pm and so you’ll have to be prepared to work early mornings, late nights, and weekends, else severely restrict the number of clients you can take on.
Another consideration will be where you will train your clients. If you’re looking to use a local fitness centre, you’ll have to be prepared for them to take a cut of your earnings and so it may be worth considering converting part of your home, though then you will have additional overheads, or taking equipment to your clients’ homes.
You’ll also have to consider how and who you market yourself to – setting up a website and utilising social media and word of mouth is a given, but you need to work out whether you will specialise in a certain type of client, or take any that come your way. And will you have a company vehicle that will promote your services while you’re out and about?
If you feel that you are better suited to working for an employer then here at The Training Room we are in partnership with leading UK Personal Training employers; and can open doors to some fantastic career opportunities for you.
No matter what career journey you decide to take, re-training as a personal trainer will open up a fulfilling career with hours and earning potential that are as flexible as you want them to be.