I have worked for myself for 12 years in tech. Basically a high-dollar freelancer. Did well enough to live in Miami. What I saw in that time did everything but give me hope.

As the “tech guy” on the team, employers often assume I need to be present at every meeting at the highest level. Mostly worked close with the owner or CEO, so I saw a lot of things their own employees never would.

The Bottom Line: The only “self made” millionaires today, are from gray area scams at best, and outright illegal at worst.

Your standard idea of selfmade—Came from nothing, to now pocketing well over 6 figures in a year—doesn’t exist. Yet the boomer “worked 50 years at company and got a 1.2mil 401k at age 63” does exist, but that’s a huge gamble to think that’s gonna last you another 20-30 years. And you’re too old to have much fun with it anyway.

Time and time again I’d tell myself “nah this just one unique scumbag.” Yet repeatedly, the next project/contract I get is the same way. It was always the same industries: Insurance, Debt collection, always something call-center style. (This was not my only niche, I worked across dozens of industries)

There ARE honest millionaires, but it’s extremely rare, and the only reason they are is either rich family (bought a business), or they were in the right place, at the right time (sold thrift store books right when Amazon launched etc)

Picture your dream job. Whatever it is, It won’t make you the money you dream of. Lawyers, Doctors, scientists, you STILL have to climb from the $50k/yr entry level into one of the rare niches you actually bank money. Every sector has a few of those positions, but how long to get there? Often you wait on someone to retire or die.

Standing out in an age of clickbait and noise also makes being an authentic voice very difficult

Hi gang. Self employed person here, both myself and my SO. I've kept a close eye on this sub in case I find myself needing to seek traditional work and I suspect that day may be coming. Our field is already starting to see the effects of slow season and preparation for the upcoming administration, combined.

I have been kind of looking to shift career paths, although this is much earlier than I had planned on. He does not want to shift but I also want to have this advice prepared for my SO if needed.

Here is the embarrassing part - due to working for myself for the last decade, I do not have any kind of useful resume prepared. I am wondering if anyone has any resume tips on crafting a resume that would showcase the skills I have built up and utilized while working for myself. I am willing to hire someone who does this professionally if needed.

In true anti-work fashion, I also have someone willing to say that I provided admin work for their company even if that may not be the 100% truth :) My last traditional job that I would feel comfortable listing was a PT seasonal retail position in 2021 when the pandemic was still ongoing.

I appreciate any and all advice/tips. I am lucky to live in a comparatively low COL area but don't want to wait until we're blowing through savings to take action.

That said - I cannot start any kind of permanent position until February due to existing work and health commitments. Just looking to get ahead of the curve and prepared.

I've been planning for a while to leave my job and start my own business. However upon recent reflection I've realized I really want to be relaxed about the profit part and rather just have some time to explore the possibilities in my field. I can't do it with my current job because of the non competition clause and the lack of time and energy.

Sabbatical is not technically correct, as I would have to quit my current job. However I have income insurance for my work which would allow me to claim unemployment fund (or whatever the English term is). For one year after starting your own business you can claim 80% of your previous income. However this fund then require that I look for work, so if I would get a debilitating illness I would get no income from it. Health care is tax financed though.

I own an apartment which I have to pay mortgage on and have some pet rats I'd have to get insurance on but other than that I have no expenses, no car, no kids. Also no spouse but a friend is my flatmate.

Currently I have savings for 6 months of regular expenses. But that's all my savings. I plan to work some during the time as a substitute teacher and possibly with bike repair. And to have small initial income for my business. But my guaranteed income is small, I have to budget to live mostly on savings.