A lot of people think employment is more secure than self employment, but the downturn has shown us that this is no longer the case. I have been self employed for nearly fourteen years and wouldn't have it any other way. I am naturally honest, direct and objective, and these qualities provide benefits to companies with fresh insightful and incisive thinking, and for me self employment suits my values of freedom, choice and space. It can be stressful too, but for me, the pros outweigh the cons. How about you?

Self employment isn't for everyone, but there's various different types that suit varying degrees of financial security and preference; associate work; contracts/interim; freelance; franchises & licensing and marketing yourself to get your own work. It's important to know yourself and choose the type that suits you best, so that self employment is enjoyable and works for you.

The 'job for life' no longer exists and I have seen more and more people want to get off the 'corporate escalator', have better work life balance and more meaning and purpose through their work.  The younger generations - called 'Generation Y' and the 'Millennials' present a challenge to engage and retain for employers. A blend of employment and self employment will become the norm in the future, and so companies need to address their barriers to flexible/part time working, or they will lose the people they want to keep.  One of my frustrations with companies is that they ignore this very real issue, avoiding or not making time for 'career conversations'. At the moment employers hold the power, as employees are staying safe in their jobs, but the tide will turn.