Are you being paid what you are worth? Has anybody ever asked you that? Have you ever asked yourself?

The answer to this question really hinges on another question: "Do you work for a boss or do you work for yourself?"

If you work for a boss the answer must be a resounding NO! You see, you cannot possibly be paid what you are worth because your boss is being paid what you are worth. He or she then pays you at a discounted rate.

For example, say your hourly rate is $12.00. You do your job and when a profit is made, the boss looks at the business figures and realises that you are actually worth $25.00 per hour. The boss keeps the $13.00 "over-ride" on your services.

That is only fair as the boss is the one putting up all the money, taking all the risks and accepting all the responsibility for the viability of the business.

Going back to the above example, if you were being paid $25.00 per hour you are unprofitable to your boss and it is pointless for him or her to retain your services. Put simply, they cannot make money from your efforts.

When it comes to occupation and employment, there are basically two types of people:

1 - those who are employees, and

2 - those who work for themselves.

Now, if you like the comfort zone of a five day, nine to five job with no responsibility for the viability of the business, that's fine. But what if you don't?

It would seem that most people begin to question their employment and future prospects between the ages of 35 to 45. In this ten year time zone, many people get "itchy feet." They feel like they want to experience something different. Some will move on to a better or more highly paid job, still working for a boss. But others want to get into a business of their own and be their own boss. They want to "call the shots" - so to speak.

Sinking all your life savings into a business can be a very risky move. Just think - a large percentage of any savings you might have accumulated, plus any redundancy payout (if you are that fortunate) from your former employment, accrued annual leave entitlements plus a visit to your (friendly?) bank manager.

Before purchasing or developing your own business you had better be certain of one thing. Is it a winner? Have you done your due diligence research?

Sadly, many people attempt to start a venture of their own, usually based on a hobby or interest of some sort. Often these businesses fail miserably. A large percentage of businesses fail within the first two years. This seems to be the critical time. If you can get past the first two years then the next critical time is at the five year time period. After that, most businesses will survive.

The three things critical to any business are:

Without these three ingredients most businesses will fail. When this happens the owner becomes dejected at the failure and loss. They go back to paid employment often embittered about their loss. They have to go back to the very thing they were trying to escape from - a job.

One way to minimise business risk is to involve yourself in a reputable franchise. Depending on the funds you have at your disposal there are plenty of good opportunities available from $20,000 to half a million dollars or more.

The one thing that a franchise has in its favour is that it is a tried and tested formula for success. The Master Franchisor has already proven his or her system over a period of time. If you are prepared to follow and work within the boundaries of an already proven system, then franchising is definitely a good option.

In reality, a proven franchise eliminates the necessity of the first of the above listed requirements (ie experience and knowledge) because you have a mentor (the Master Franchisor and his or her system) to watch over you. The Master Franchisor has a vested interest in your success because it is part of his or her success.

With respect to point two above (sufficient start up capital) obviously you will need access to the necessary funds to purchase the franchise package. However, the necessity to have a large source of back up capital (point three above) is reduced somewhat because of the greater chance of success you will have by following the franchise system.

Franchising is definitely a worthy option, particularly if your business knowledge and experience is limited.

Before committing yourself to any business venture, either franchised or other, always do your due diligence investigations and make sure you discuss your plans with competent legal and accounting professionals.

If you have doubts that you are being paid sufficiently for the services you provide, then consider making some changes to make yourself a more valuable commodity. Studying subjects such as motivation, self esteem and personal development will be the catalyst which will enable you to do this.

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About the author: Gary Simpson is the author of eight books covering a diverse range of subjects such as self esteem, affirmations, self defense, finance and much more. His articles appear all over the web. Gary's email address is budo@iinet.net.au. Click here to go to his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website where you can receive his "Zenspirational Thoughts" plus an immediate FREE copy of his highly acclaimed, life-changing e-book "The Power of Choice."