To feel pissed off at being self-employed

[grannysmiff]

So on top of not getting paid leave and all the other fun perks of being a salaried employee, you often get treated like an ultra suspicious liability when you're self-employed.

I'm about to head to an estate agent because me and DP want to move into a bigger place together. We both make good money and have been SE for years but they still treat you like you're iffy - despite the fact that if you were an employee you could get laid off at any time. I also can't believe how for a lot of things you have to show financial statements etc going back years whereas employees are just asked for their last 3 wage slips. Now for example, going to see an estate agent, I'm going to have to act super reassuring and "convincing" despite the fact I earn multiples of what my in-house counterparts earn. Not a humblebrag just fact.

I love being SE but I fucking hate our "status" in society! /rant over

There are no benefits of lower taxation for most self employed people.

If I wasn't self employed I wouldn't be working at all because I couldn't get such a well paid, flexible job. They don't exist.

I enjoy being self employed. I don't enjoy the shitty attitude of people who don't know what they're talking about.

I know, it's a massive pain, but then again you used to save a fair amount in tax (these days it makes little difference unfortunately) and of course there are some professions that only really work if you are self employed.

Paid leave and all the fun perks of being a salaried employee versus earning multiples of what the in-house counterparts earn - swings and roundabouts, OP.

I just give them my accountants email address and never have a problem. I’m sure some landlords would say no but I’ve been lucky so far.

Of course the not being paid for holidays or being sick are the reason we’re seen as higher risk than employees.

So on top of not getting paid leave and all the other fun perks of being a salaried employee.... I earn multiples of what my in-house counterparts earn.

Don't you see how the one thing is reflected in another?

(Waits for OP to say "Oh, but I was being lighthearted")

I agree OP. It's an absolute pain getting a mortgage or renting when self employed unless you can show years worth of statements

Self employed people don't pay minimal tax. Don't be ridiculous.

Yes - what is this rubbish about SE paying minimal tax?! I pay loads of tax and don't get anything like holiday or sick pay

The benefits of lower taxation please will somebody tell my accountant

Find a decent mortgage broker and life is a whole lot easier

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/mar/08/self-employed-national-insurance-budget-ni-tax-benefits

HTH

@MistressDeeCee

Absolutely.

One estate agent, in a frankly cartoonish manoeuvre, paused mid sentence and then quickly said "name you three major clients". I mean obviously I could, but it's like, what the fuck? I'm a fucking professional who got off her arse to make a decent living in a self reliant manner. I've provided you with THREE YEARS WORTH OF ACCOUNTS, whereas an employee is asked for THREE WAGE SLIPS, and you're acting like a fucking head teacher grilling me on a surprise test?

It's the lack of respect that does my head in, as if all self employed people were just unreliable flakes making 20 quid a month selling crochet tea cosies on Etsy.

I find it funny (as it ridiculous and illogical) that if you employed someone in your business and gave them three months payslips they are seen as being a less risky prospect than the person who owns the business with years of accounts!

OP the estate agents only concern that you have the means to buy a property he is absolutely not qualified to give advice or determine whether you’re eligible for a mortgage. Is it the actual estate agent asking the questions about your income or is this the in house mortgage broker? When it comes to getting a mortgage it will be the lender that determines what information is required as proof of earnings and certainly not the estate agent

You knew all of this when you started. If you don't like it go and work for somebody else.

So do you become self-employed every time you get a little annoyed with the way your boss/company treats you? What a silly thing to say

For what it's worth OP, I completely agree.