The importance of having options

The importance of giving yourself options. 

I have been thinking quite a bit recently about having options. An old colleague always said to me to make sure i had options the trick was knowing which ones to say yes to.  

This coming week will see me end my current contract in a big corporate  company that I was doing just while my accountancy business got up and running. I have made the choice last week to terminate the contract early as a couple of other opportunities or options had come up.

These opportunities were not definite (although subsequently one has turned into a new client) and they also were not as lucrative in the short term. I chose the option to end the contract as the lifetime value of the others were greater and what i wanted to do – so sometimes the right option is the one which isn’t necessary the one that in the short term will help your bank. But in the longer term the right one.  

I think it is important to always think short term and long term. 

I also was talking to a potential client who has just started a new job but mentioned he had some options to boost his earnings and rework the way he gets his income. 

Another colleague unfortunately entered a consultation period where his role was put at risk. Now being ever the optimist i genuinely believe some good things can come out of being made redundant but it is awful going through it – you have to evaluate all the options, stability, career happiness, the impact of the rest of your life.  

It has got me wondering why the go to is employment.  

For generations, the path to financial stability has seemed simple and clear-cut: go to school, find a steady job, and work your way up the ladder until retirement. This traditional route promises stability, a reliable income, and the security of benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. It’s familiar, and for many, it’s an obvious choice. But as the world evolves and the economy diversifies, so too do the options for making a living. So why do so many of us still think that employment is our only option? 

1. The Influence of Tradition and Society 

Most of us grow up with the expectation that we’ll get a “good job” after school or college. Parents, teachers, and mentors emphasize job security, often equating success with stable, long-term employment. This cultural expectation is so ingrained that many people don’t explore alternative routes, like entrepreneurship, freelancing, or contract work, even though these options are increasingly viable. 

Additionally, traditional employment structures are familiar and widely understood. From job applications to regular pay, the process feels safe and predictable. Alternatives can seem uncertain or risky by comparison, making it easy to stick to what we know. 

2. Fear of Risk and Uncertainty 

One of the main reasons people choose employment over entrepreneurship or freelancing is the fear of risk. A steady pay provides comfort, and benefits like health insurance and retirement plans can feel essential, especially when supporting a family or facing rising living costs. 

Venturing into self-employment or starting a business involves taking risks. There’s the possibility of fluctuating income, managing taxes and expenses, and uncertainty in demand. This fear of the unknown can hold people back from exploring these paths—even when self-employment has the potential to be both fulfilling and financially rewarding.  

I have really noticed this one as a single mum who has left a stable well paid job but to follow my heart for flexibility and career satisfaction – the amount of time people call me brave or risky is amazing – i can’t see it. I am quite risk averse. 

3. Limited Awareness of Alternatives 

Many people simply aren’t aware of the wide range of options available today. Gig work, freelance platforms, and remote job marketplaces have opened doors that didn’t exist a decade ago. Passive income streams, digital products, online teaching, consulting, and remote businesses are just a few of the diverse avenues available. I genuinely believe that everyone can increase their income – look at the rise of side hustles. There is always other ways to live. 

However, these options often receive less visibility in schools or career counseling, where the focus remains largely on traditional careers. Without exposure to these alternatives, many people don’t realize that they could shape their careers in new ways that align more closely with their skills, lifestyle, or goals. 

4. Misconceptions About Success and Stability 

Traditional jobs often offer a perceived sense of stability, but this can sometimes be misleading. Economic downturns, layoffs, and company restructuring can disrupt even the most secure-looking jobs. On the other hand, entrepreneurship and freelance work, while potentially riskier upfront, can sometimes offer more control over one’s career path and financial security over the long term. 

There’s also a common misconception that self-employment is for those who are exceptionally talented, tech-savvy, or able to handle high risk. In reality, many successful freelancers and entrepreneurs start small and learn as they go. They invest in skills, build networks, and take calculated steps to grow their income streams and business stability over time. 

5. Education and Training That Focus on Employment 

The current education system is primarily geared toward preparing students for employment. From high school to college, the curriculum is structured around training students to meet the needs of employers, rather than encouraging entrepreneurial thinking or adaptability to a variety of income streams. This leaves many people feeling unprepared for paths outside of traditional employment, even though the digital age has made other routes more accessible than ever. 

Exploring New Avenues Beyond Employment 

The notion that traditional employment is the only path to success is shifting. With the growth of the internet, the gig economy, and remote work, the options for creating a satisfying career have never been more diverse. 

Self-employment or freelance work isn’t the perfect choice for everyone, but it can offer greater flexibility, autonomy, and the chance to pursue passions in ways that a traditional job might not allow. For some, a hybrid approach—maintaining part-time work while exploring a side business or freelance gigs—can provide the best of both worlds. This is a great way to do it as it minimises the risk and something I have done. 

If you’ve ever wondered whether a different work path might suit you better, now is a great time to explore your options. Whether it’s freelancing, starting a small business, or building an online brand, there are countless ways to make a living that don’t rely on traditional employment. By considering new ways to generate income and build a fulfilling career, you may discover that you have far more options than you originally thought. 

Encouraging people to step back and evaluate all their career options can open doors to new opportunities that better align with their passions and goals. Traditional employment is just one of many paths in today’s evolving world. 

Like I said above I always believe there are options we just need to take time to reflect and always have a plan b. 

10 months on – i can hand on my heart say i do not regret coming out of full time employment and in the last couple of weeks the accountancy business even though i am going slow is going much better than I anticipated. 

Have a great week 

Laura and Nicola x