Have you ever heard someone say, "I run a business," only to realise they're working 60-hour weeks with no team, no systems, and barely time to eat lunch? Or maybe someone else says, "I'm self-employed," but they've built a profitable machine that works without them.
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So, what's the difference between being self-employed and owning a business?
Spoiler alert: It's not just about what you call yourself - it's about how your work works.
Self-Employed: You're the Business
When you're self-employed, you are the engine, the wheels, and the driver.
You're:- The one who finds the work
- The one who does the work
- The one who chases payments, answers emails, updates social media, and buys printer ink at 9pm
This could be anything from freelancing, consulting, or running a solo trade—like a hairdresser, photographer, or graphic designer. It's empowering, but let's be real: if you stop working, the income stops too.
In short: You own your job.Business Owner: The Business Runs (Even When You Don't)
A business owner builds systems. They may have staff, contractors, or automation tools. Their goal? To create something that works without them.
Sure, they may have started as self-employed - but over time, they've shifted from doing the work to managing the machine.
Instead of saying, "I need to finish three client jobs this week to make rent," they're saying, "My team delivered five projects, and I'm planning our next growth move."In short: You own an asset.
Key Differences at a Glance
Which One is Better?
There's no "better" here—it depends on your goals.
Love doing the work and don't want to manage a team? Self-employment might be perfect.
Dream of stepping away and letting the business grow on its own? Then it's time to think like a business owner.
Whether you're self-employed or a business owner, the real power lies in knowing where you are - and where you want to go. Both paths are valid. But if you're tired of trading time for money, maybe it's time to stop being the business and start building one.
