Self employment to Employment help

[BF2748]

Looking for a little advice here...

I’ve been self employed for the last 5 years with my interiors business. It’s getting to the point where I need some income security. The problem I have is me being self employed seems to be putting employers off. I interviewed for a really good job which had flexibility and growth, great salary- but the feedback I had was I’m too entrepreneurial and they don’t want to add to the leadership/creator element. I’m open to industry and ideally would like remote work and I don’t mind travelling.

Is there any suggestions on how I can entice employers to see the potential? Any tips if you’ve been in the same boat and had to make the change?

It’s really sad to be having to make these changes and it’s been hard running a business during the last two years. But living costs are just too much now and combined with continual price increases customers have dropped. I’m exhausted, drained and feel like I need a break. I’m 27 and feel like I’ve waisted my time with it all and regretting going self employed to end up in this position. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

Firstly, sorry to read that this is happening.

IMO you should never regret going alone and trying to make a business work. It takes guts and strong qualities to run a business and may well serve you well in future. You're young so don't know where you'll be in 10-20+ years time and am sure the experience has benefited you overall.

This is a potential issue but not insurmountable.

Will your business affect the number of hours you can dedicate to a regular job? I run my own business and appreciate it can be all or nothing, so perhaps difficult to answer. However it depends on how you're framing your situation and it sounded like your qualities were just too much for the interview you mentioned. Not all employers will see it that way.

I've held a consultancy alongside a full time position and have also been asked to apply for a full time position whilst consulting as my only source of income (with the view that I'd still be consulting). It can be done as long as they feel you're the best person for the job.

Again, I think the key is how you frame your thought process from business entrepreneur to employee looking for a career. You could be winding down a business but looking to keep a foot in the industry as a hobby for instance, which may seem a lot less intimidating. I'm not suggesting you lie but when and how you describe your situation can make a big difference.

Are you intending to go back to your business if it ramped up again?

Let me hug you, dear. It is very sad that you have a situation when it seems like you found good place to work but some employers consider your skills as "not enough for us". Just take your time and maybe try to visit special centers for unemployed people so they can find you the job you would like to go to?

There is also an option of finding the work online via Upwork or anything else or through easystaff.io/ where you can leave your resume and people who are looking for freelancers -- will write you.

I mean, there are a lot of opportunities to use and it is not time to give up. I hope you will find something that will fit your "taste" perfectly!

Used to be freelance, went back to employment. What really helped was emphasising teamwork. I made the point that, while people think working for yourself means going it alone, it actually means having good relationships with lots of people.

It’s about finding the right job
I moved from being SE to Employed 2 years ago and the main reason they wanted me was because of my entrepreneurial experience. I moved company a year ago and again it was because I had run my own business that I was approached. Maybe look for a start up or similar who understand the skills and mindset being SE gives you