I remember when I first became self employed, and all I would hear from people was 'that's great, now you're free to take time off when ever you want'. And I have to admit the same thought had crossed my mind. But then the stark reality of running a small business soon became clear. Your boss is replaced by the bank manager and the landlord, who both 'encourage' you to work lots of long unsociable hours, with no mention of overtime.
And this is why on a day when a radiant sun set in clear blue sky has kept the temperature at a constant 81 degrees, when most of my frends are heading off to a free local music festival, my wife and kids have gone swimming, and my beautiful sea kayak is calling to me to take it out on the mirror flat ocean, to cool down, this is why I am working. And working on my own, trying to raise a framed wall on a structure I'm currently building, in the hope it will bring in a new revenue stream that will keep the aforementioned bosses happy.
Working for yourself is no easy ride, the personal sacrifices that a business demands are something you, and your loved ones have to be aware of before you head off along this path.
However in a few weeks time I will spend an evening sharing a glass of wine with my friends, as I show them around this finished creation. And all those hot hard days, when all I wanted to do was down tools and head to the beach, will seem worth the commitment.
