| You're probably wondering about now, why your | | | | right person. During that time you can be |
| employer would agree to sign a contract for half of | | | | performing job functions from your home office, |
| your time? There are a number of reasons, and | | | | perhaps even training your replacement and providing |
| they can result in a "win-win" situation for both of | | | | your boss with a smoother transition by minimizing |
| you. Hopefully, you took my advice last week and | | | | the disruption to his business. |
| you have a handy-dandy list now of what you want | | | | If you're not on good terms with your boss and the |
| to do. We know you want to start your own | | | | company is downsizing, merging, or being bought out, |
| business; hopefully you now know what it will be. | | | | you can help them avoid the unpleasantness and cost |
| Being used to a steady paycheck from a regular job, | | | | of firing you. You are actually doing them a favor |
| with a family or other financial obligations, makes | | | | by restructuring this in the form of a contract for |
| stepping out of your comfort zone a little risky. It | | | | services that can be "stretched out" for a period of |
| doesn't seem to matter how miserable you are in | | | | time if needed. |
| that job, the alternative scares the pants off many | | | | Frankly, if an employer has to choose between |
| of us. There is a safer way of jumping off that cliff | | | | letting you go and paying severance and benefits |
| and it entails your current boss. | | | | versus signing a contract for a time period, which do |
| Your employer could be your ticket to a successful | | | | you think they'd prefer? Signing and getting tangible |
| freelance business, if his business doesn't conflict with | | | | work and services in return without the costs |
| your dreams. If you were thinking of starting a | | | | associated with terminating you is a much better deal |
| freelance copywriting business, you could negotiate a | | | | for him. The contract may even be allocated from |
| contract with your current employer for 50% of | | | | a different budget category, making it more |
| your time for the first year after you leave. This | | | | affordable for the company. |
| would give you a springboard for finding other clients | | | | There's another reason your boss may opt for a |
| while still covering your monthly expenses. | | | | contract, and that is your knowledge. You are |
| You're probably wondering about now, why your | | | | already familiar with the company, its clients and |
| employer would agree to sign a contract for half of | | | | services. You're able to provide the services they |
| your time? There are a number of reasons, and | | | | need and you understand what has to be done. Many |
| they can result in a "win-win" situation for both of | | | | creative people have used this logic in approaching |
| you. | | | | their bosses to negotiate their first contract and go |
| If you're on good terms with your employer, chances | | | | out on their own. |
| are he doesn't want to lose you. It takes time to | | | | If you're interested in starting your own business |
| train someone to fill your job and train them to the | | | | your current job can provide the security you need in |
| company's way of being productive. | | | | your first year. What better way to get started on |
| Even if he decides to replace you, it can take months | | | | your dream? |
| to gather resumes, interview candidates, and hire the | | | | |