Do You Prefer To Be A Self Made Entrepreneur And Wealth Creator Rather Than A Wage Slave?

I think we would all love to be in that mindset, CS, but it's the risk factor that holds us back probably. Factor in lack of motivation, lack of drive and the wherewithal to create and be innovative, and most of use will stay firmly in the employed queue. And I think that's the way that things have to balance out, otherwise we would all be business magnates with no one spare to employ!

There was an old saying - "You never get rich by working for someone else". Unfortunately (in my view), this is not the case anymore. When Thatcher privatised the utilities, and British Gas is the greatest case in mind, the existing board increased their salaries by 400%. look at what FTSE 100 companies pay their directors - telephone numbers, and pure greed. So if you are really talented, get into the money trough that is the FTSE 100 - no risk, and if you are really crap at your job, you will get at least 4 years salary in lieu.

We have only been in business twice and they unfortunately were ruined. One was a fish and chip shop which was doing brilliantly until a member of the Government declared fish and chips were unhealthy and not good for you. Overnight we lost our trade and lost our business. I won't mention her name as it will get a big discussion going on her again.

The other was a small transport firm but with continuing cost of Diesel it was no longer viable to run the business. So no more headaches about V.A.T. and many nights doing the accounts we sold both of them at a great loss and we decided to work in a different environment. I worked for a garden centre for a few year's and then went back to being a P.A. again and my hubby went back to H.G.V. driving again for many years. The advantages were you were your own boss but the disadvantages were not enough of an income coming in to live on that was worth all the hours spent trying to make a go of them. Thankfully, we are both retired now so just enjoy a simple and very enjoyable life.

I work for myself and have done for nearly ten years and as much as its given me a good standard of living i've had to and still do work very hard! I have to work all the hours some evenings weekends etc even when i'm not physically working i'm mentally i am. I've always worked since leaving school and do enjoy working having been a wage slave for years i vowed i wouldn't go back to it however if in the future i decide to retire and work for someone i would consider it if its was a really good wage.

I do sometimes envy friends who work for someone and they do have weekends off and nights but most importantly they don't stress about work or have headaches like i do but they do have to watch their pennies and generally restricted regarding holidays. But they envy my life for reasons which i suppose we always think the grass is always greener on the other side!!!

I would, but I have no marketable skills outside a big organisation :(

I am sure you have many strings to your bow G-Man. Reading a lot of your postings I have observed you a man with an aptitude for writing very clever articles and are knowledgeable about many aspects of life. So bearing this in mind I am surprised you aren't sitting on your own built empire with a Villa in Spain, a house in New York and premises in May Fair.

I would imagine you have been to University and have a good job now but perhaps the opportunity hasn't yet come your way where you can make your millions.

Ooh years ago now so would I CS but it's the 'risk factor' which Snoopy has pointed out that held me back.
I'm still however relying on the 'luck factor' to boost the old retirement funds which seems to be fairly elusive so far.
Roll on Saturday nights for when those balls fall in place for us.