Are you an Entrepreneur or an Employee?

Entrepreneurs vs. Employees. Neither is necessarily better than the other. It is simply a difference in the way you think that makes you have an entrepreneurial spirit or not. Are you destined to be an entrepreneur or an employee? Keep reading to find out.

The mindset and traits of an employee

Employees always follow the rules, view spending as a cost, do not like risk, have short-term expectations, wait for instructions, are known to give up easily, seek external forces for inspiration and strength, find comfort in stability, and wait for the right time.

They are bound to trap themselves in jobs they do not like out of fear and a sense of security. Many do not take the next step until they are qualified enough. They work a certain number of hours each day and get paid per hour at the end of the week. Employees blame other people when things go wrong whether it’s their boss or fellow employees.

Questions to ask yourself

Are you obsessed with being busy? Does thinking and researching take time away from your to-do list? Do you hear that you must “pay your dues” and “put it in your time” often? Does your value come from how much time you spend working?

Pros

Benefits

With leave benefits and holidays, employees can spend time with loved ones, create a better self-care routine, and come back to work refreshed.

Consistent Checks

Financial security and health plans for you and your family is something to look forward to. You’ll always know that money is coming so you can pay your bills. And sometimes the family of the employee will also be covered with health insurance.

Extra Hours

Working overtime means that you will be paid more. Sometimes hours worked in lieu can be exchanged for extra days off work.

Solely focus on you

Your job is to complete a set of tasks. What other workers are doing around you, does not affect you.

Cons

You are not in control

You are not allowed to bend the rules or think outside of the box. It is likely for employees to create a toxic codependent relationship their job because they need the money to take care of themselves and their family.

Limited financial growth

Though you may receive a raise or a bonus, they are usually capped or limited.

You are disposable

Your job is not permanent. Plenty of employees are let go with no solid reason.

The mindset and traits of an entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs make the rules, are risk takers, view spending as an investment, have long term visions, are independent thinkers, determined and persistent, look inwardly for inspiration and strength, and believe the right time is now. Entrepreneurs know they are accountable. They are self-disciplined and hold themselves to a higher standard because they are their own boss. An entrepreneur mindset means you work hard to learn new ideas and find ways to turn your dreams into a reality.

Questions to ask yourself

Do you test new ideas and see what others don’t? Are you courageous? Can you keep going despite rejection? Do you know a little bit about everything? Are you always looking for ways to do things differently? Do you value freedom?

Pros

You own your life

It is up to you to find goals and then fulfill them. No one is going interfere with your aspirations. The risks you take are up to you. You work when you want, wherever you want, for as long as you want.

Flexible working hours

You can either work 70+ hours a week, or have your team work the most hours for you while you sit back and relax.

Income always increasing

While employees have a set amount of money they can make, when it comes to entrepreneurs, they are not contained to an hourly rate. They are always looking for ways to attract more money.

You’ll never be bored

Entrepreneurs are okay with change, and when you are an entrepreneur, there are always new opportunities waiting to be explored. They are always networking and making new contacts.

Cons

Stress

Taking on all of the roles of an entrepreneur can be tiresome. Not to mention, income is not guaranteed, and pitfalls are inevitable.

Debt

Sometimes covering the costs of your start-up will be too expensive to cover on your own and you’ll have to borrow money, leaving you in debt.

Risk

Creating your business alone is one of the riskiest things you can do. You can fail, other people can witness your downfall, and of course, there is the risk of bankruptcy.

Which mindset do you identify most with? Let us know in the comments!

This article originally published on GREY Journal.