Updated on September 19th, 2018
No matter which way you look at it, the labour market has changed considerably over the course of the last decade or so. More specifically, we’ve seen the number of active freelancers and entrepreneurs rise, with small businesses set to emerge as pivotal catalysts for growth post-Brexit.
In total, there were 5.7 million small businesses trading in 2017, with these ventures accounting for 99.3% of all private sector firms. These entities were responsible for 60% of all private sector employment during this time, while their combined annual turnover was a staggering £1.9 trillion.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the different avenues available to aspiring entrepreneurs and list three ways in which you can be your own boss.
1. Become a Cab Driver
While cab driving has always been a popular way of working independently, it has arguably never been easier to establish yourself in this market.
While the controversial Uber brand may have lost the right to class its drivers as self-employed due to the level of control that they exert over them, traditional firms continue to work with freelance drivers on a regular basis.
At the same time, service providers such as Cab Direct have made it easier than ever for self-employed drivers to locate affordable vehicles that are fit for purpose.
This means that drivers can focus on securing the necessary insurance coverage and establishing a working schedule that suits their unique circumstances.
Make no mistake; this remains a viable career option for people in the modern age, and one that will benefit from sustained demand over time.
2. Become a Freelancer Web Designer or Copywriter
According to most experts, content creation remains one of the most in-demand freelancer skills in the digital age.
This makes sense when you consider that the number of active websites and online channels continues to rise, while companies that operate in competitive markets often use copy to stand apart from their rivals.
Web design is also a coveted skill, as product-oriented firms and service providers become increasingly active online. The latest figures suggest that e-commerce will be responsible for $4.5 trillion in sales by the year 2021, and this will require brands to invest in high quality and unique website designs if they’re to achieve success.
These skills can lay the foundation for a successful freelance career, while also affording you the opportunity to build businesses and employ others.
3. Open a Beauty or Hair Salon
Moving into the beauty industry has proved to be an extremely popular route to entrepreneurship, even as technology has changed the nature of commerce and the job market.
The same can be said for haircare, which is a sector that continues to benefit from sustained and universal demand.
These industries offer a number of natural advantages to aspiring entrepreneurs, not least because technicians can initially establish a mobile business with minimal overheads.
From here, they can accrue income, build client bases and develop a recognisable brand, before leveraging this capital to open retail outlets and salons.
Few businesses are as easy to scale as hair or beauty salons, while there are minimal barriers to entry in terms of skills and cost.
This makes for an attractive proposition, and one that is appealing to aspiring business-owners or people with a desire to work independently and become their own boss.
