LOSING your job can feel like entering a dark tunnel. For many, though, it can spark a flame inside of them which refuses to burn out. The proof is in the figures. While the jobless toll has hit two-and-a-half million, there is a glimmer of hope as self-employment has risen and there are around four million people now working for themselves.
Those embarking on part-time self-employment are high on the list and account for nearly one fifth of men who have set up on their own.
The proportion of women taking the plunge has also risen, with more than one million of the fairer sex working for themselves on a full-time basis. Savings and redundancy pay outs are being put to good use with another huge proportion of people expected to join those already enjoying the freedom of not being tied to an employer.
Typically, it is people over the age of 35, and working from home, who are branching out. So, losing your job doesn’t necessarily have to be the end of the line. It could be the start of an exciting opportunity that might light your fire.