Being self-employed means that you work for yourself.
What is it like to be self-employed?
When you are self-employed you:
![Icon of woman](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read_icon/public/2020-05/easy_read_start_work_full_time_bi%20copy.png?itok=QVPqV9BA)
Are the boss
![Icon of 3 people next to each other](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read_icon/public/2020-05/easy_read_self_employed_employ_people_bi.png?itok=K-CpKDn2)
Might employ people to work for you
![Icon of calendar and clock](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read_icon/public/2020-05/easy_read_self_employed_control_bi.png?itok=gFqIMu2k)
Can control what you do and your working hours
![Icon of one person](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read_icon/public/2020-06/easy_read_self_employed_work_on_own_bi.png?itok=9A2B6rLI)
Might work on your own a lot
![Icon of calculator](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read_icon/public/2020-05/easy_read_self_employed_sick_hols_bi.png?itok=Pib_QZ6J)
Won't earn money if you are sick or on holidays
How do I become self-employed?
You need to have:
![Icon of a lightbulb](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read_icon/public/2020-05/easy_read_self_employed_busines_idea_bi.png?itok=q_f1EDWd)
A business idea that you think will work
![Icon of a signed document](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read_icon/public/2020-05/easy_read_self_employed_business_plan_bi.png?itok=97Vf5PVd)
A business plan to help you and other people understand what your business is about
![Icon of piggy bank](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read_icon/public/2020-05/easy_read_self_employed_money_bi.png?itok=XewqgyAq)
Money to buy equipment and tell people what you do (advertise)
How can I get support to be self-employed?
There are organisations that can help you to set up your own business. Look at: