Employees Vs. Entrepreneurs

Many small-business owners used to be employees. While employees generally have to follow strict schedules and work orders, they get financial security. On the other hand, entrepreneurs have more freedom, but they take on more risk. Employees and entrepreneurs tend to think, act and approach their work differently.

Motivation

Employees measure success by how much they get ahead in their organization. Employees may focus on performing better than their colleagues and amassing authority over colleagues. Entrepreneurs set their own goals and action plans, then work to achieve them. According to Bankrate, entrepreneurs who succeed don’t give up and keep working on their business until they turn a profit.

Risk

As employees work harder, they are more likely to secure their positions and obtain financial safety. They often identify with their organization and look to the organization for security and knowledge. Some organizations even provide a Knowledge Management System for their employees to learn from. Employees believe the organization will take care of them, according to Bankrate. Entrepreneurs, on the other hand, can’t rely on anyone else for their professional validation and financial state. They don’t even get regular paychecks and have to take on business risks that can lead to financial losses.

Time

Employees usually have to come in to work and leave at certain times on certain days of the week. Their employers determine their schedule, which they can’t easily change. Entrepreneurs, however, are in charge of their own schedules. They often have to dedicate a lot more time to the business at the beginning of the enterprise. After the business stabilizes, entrepreneurs usually have more flexibility with regard to their work schedule.

Personal Life

With a fixed schedule, most employees can leave their job at the office and easily maintain the separation between work and personal life. An entrepreneur’s job, on the other hand, often bleeds into his personal life. His family and friends may even have to help with the business if the he can’t handle everything himself. The blending between the job and the personal life may help the business grow, but an entrepreneur has to set aside some time for himself to maintain his energy level.

smallbusiness.chron.com