6 Ways Working for Yourself Can Save Your Life

If you’re lucky enough to have a full-time job, you’re spending at least 40 hours per week at it. This doesn’t include commute times, the time it takes you to put on a suit instead of your comfy yoga pants, and those work-related networking events. Let’s round it up to 50, which is still pretty modest. Now let’s assume you prioritize sleep (which you should) and get at least eight hours per night—that leaves just 78 hours per week when you’re not working or sleeping. Shouldn’t those 78 hours really count? Sure, you’ll have to spend some of those hours taking care of other business like driving the kids to piano recitals, cooking, going to the gym, going to doctor’s appointments and cleaning the house. Now you’re probably down to about 60 hours per week. No matter how you do the math, “work” takes up a big chunk of your life, but it’s really impacting a lot more than you think; here’s how to make the most of it. 1. Love What You Do, and It’ll Love You Back There’s a reason working for yourself is the ultimate American dream. No boss will treat you as well as you treat yourself. If you love what you do and love your boss (ahem, yourself), that positive attitude will spill over into every other aspect of your life. It will cast a positive glow over your relationships, hobbies, health and wellness. 2. Get Control Over Your Stress Stress can literally kill you. It’s linked to a host of diseases including high blood pressure and mental health ailments. You won’t necessarily have less stress if you work for yourself, but you’ll have a lot more control over it. The simple knowledge that you’re in charge can do wonders to level out those stress levels. You’re not answering to anyone (well, except financiers), and that can give you a fantastic self-esteem boost. 3. Cash in Your Golden Years If you set a small business or franchise in motion, you can send it away with happy tears come retirement in the hands of someone you trust—but still get regular chunks of that profitable pie. Yes, it’s still important to save for retirement, but it’s much better to have a steady (perhaps passive) income when you’re no longer able to work, or simply don’t want to. People are living longer, but their savings are staying the same and many people still think $1 million is the ultimate retirement goal; simply put, you need money in your later years and your own business can give it to you. 4. Have a Purpose There are endless jobs out there where, at the end of the day, you might not feel like your job means much. What’s the worst that could happen if you don’t show up and punch in? Well, if you have your own business, a lot can go wrong. There’s a fine line between stress and having a purpose, but having a purpose is paramount to enjoying life. 5. Choose Your Surroundings Remember that you’re at work at least eight hours per day. Shouldn’t you be in an environment you appreciate, surrounded by people who aren’t just good workers but who you honestly like having around? There’s only one way to do this: Entrepreneurship. Get control of your surroundings and things will start to fall into place. 6. Pass It On There are still some people who have children and think, “Finally! Now I have something to pass on, something that proves I was here.” Well, that’s certainly no reason to have children, but having your own business can do the same thing. Here’s your tangible proof that not only were you here, you succeeded and built an empire (regardless of size) that will keep growing. There are a few options for working for yourself, including starting your own business or operating a franchise. For those who want a little more guidance, a franchise gives you the structure you need, an already stellar reputation, and can get you on the fast track to success. Starting a business from scratch is another great road less traveled, as long as you have a surplus of drive and ambition.