Can I start my own business without a degree?

Have you ever dreamed of being your own boss? Or building up a company and have people work for you, allowing more time for family or having fun?

For many people the thought of going into work and doing the same job every day, and feeling like you never get paid enough, or appreciated is depressing.

Why not be your own boss?

There are so many opportunities out there, everything from a cleaning service, landscaping, bookkeeping, painting, writing, plumbing, masonry, just to name a few.

Starting your own business can be daunting. But mapping out a solid and realistic plan will make your endeavors easier and successful.

Decide what skills you have, or can learn

Investigate the field. Is there a need for your services? How much money do other companies charge? What can I charge?

What equipment or supplies will I need? Do I need an office or a vehicle? Can I use my house as an office or my can as a work vehicle?

How will I get clients or businesses? What will my business cards look like? Will I use social media?

Degree vs work ethic

Oftentimes, people who go to college earn degrees for a career they never pursue. Employees more and more, seek out good reliable work ethic rather than degrees.

Work experience, colleague relations, reliability, hard work, and the ability to listen and follow instructions can be some of the greatest skills one can possess. None of these qualities require a degree.

Therefore, the success and survival of your own small business depend on your work ethic, not a degree.

Advice

Seek out forums and videos online as to how to start your own company. Listen to other people’s experiences and learn from their mistakes and successes. If you have a full-time job, there is no pressure to quit tomorrow, why not start with a side hustle?

If the side hustle starts to make money, consider taking it to the next level, cutting back hours at your regular job, or hiring family members to work a few hours for you.

Remember, Roman was not built in a day. The same goes for any company. Careful and realistic planning is vital to your success. Remember to record all your expenses and costs for tax time. Calculate what you want to earn per hour or week. Is it possible? How big will the company need to be, to be successful? What are the risks? Do I need liable or accident insurance?

You don’t need a degree to be successful, you need good planning and a good work ethic.

Now go and get it!