When you’re used to a steady paycheck from a regular job,
and have family and other financial obligations, stepping out
of your comfort zone just seems too risky - no matter how miserable you are with your current situation.

Your employer, however, could be your ticket to a successful freelance business. When I started my freelance copywriting practice 10 years ago, I negotiated a contract with my employer
- a large advertising agency - for 50 percent of my time for the
first year. This gave me the springboard I needed to go out and
find other clients, while covering enough of my monthly
expenses to take the fear out of starting my own business.

You’re probably wondering… “Why on earth would
my employer agree to sign a contract for half my time?”
There are a number of reasons, and they can result in a
“win-win” situation for both of you.

If you’re on good terms with your employer, chances are
they don’t want to lose you. It’s tough to find new
staff these days. It takes time to train them and wait until
they’re familiar enough with the agency’s style and
processes to finally become productive.

Even if they decide to replace you, it can take months
to gather resumes, interview candidates and hire the
right person. During that time you can be performing
job functions from your home office, perhaps even
training your replacement, and providing your
employer with an easier transition to the new employee
and minimizing business disruption.

If you are not on good terms with your employer or boss,
or if they’re thinking of eliminating your position, or if
the company is downsizing, merging, or being bought
out, you can help them avoid the unpleasantness (and
cost) of firing you. You are actually doing them a favor
by restructuring this in the form of a contract for services
that can be “stretched out” for a period of time.

Frankly, if an employer has to choose between letting you
go and paying severance and benefits, versus signing a
contract for a period of time and getting tangible work
and services in return, which do you think they’d prefer?
The funds for your contract may even be allocated from
a different budget category, making it more affordable
for them.

There’s one more reason your employer may opt for a
contract: your knowledge. You are already familiar with
your company, its clients and services. You’re able to
provide the services they need and you understand what
has to be done.

It can be a win-win situation. Many creative people
have used this logic in approaching their bosses to
negotiate their first contract and go out on their own.

If you are really interested in starting your own business
as a freelancer or independent consultant, or even thinking
of changing directions with your work life, your current
job can provide the security you need in your first year
to get started on your dream.

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