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If you have the desire, the ability, and temperament to success in
as a solo practitioner? Be sure you can answer yes to most if not
all the following questions:
- You crave independence – Most solo practitioners
like to work autonomously, preferring to control their own work environment
and decision-making. But contented solos also prefer to operate without
affiliation to a larger controlling unit, and don't require others
for guidance in conducting their business. Ask yourself whether you
prefer to work collaboratively or at least with others around to
share ideas and the workload. If you do, a group environment that
encourages autonomy will suit you better than the solo life.
- You thrive when you're in charge – Solo workers readily accept
responsibility for failure as long as they can take all the credit
for a good result. Decide whether you thrive when everything rests
on your shoulders and your decisions.
- You’re comfortable wearing many hats – Successful solos
act as project manager, worker bee, office manager, director of human
resources, business manager, strategic planner and VP for business
development, all of which can consume as much as half of every day.
You don't have to like all of these roles, but you do have to be
willing to assume them if you can't afford to delegate them.
- You consider yourself enterprising – To be successful on
your own, you must be adventurous about new situations and people.
To generate business, you need a strong talent for spotting and taking
advantage of opportunities. You can't rely on telephone ads to keep
your operation afloat. Networking must be a regular and enjoyable
part of every week.
- You’re technologically proficient – To compete effectively,
you'll have to operate as cost-effectively as possible. That means
lessening the need for clerical assistance. Plan to type your own
correspondence and answer your own phone. Consider your voicemail
system and email address to be automated secretaries.
- You have a high tolerance for risk – As a solo, you won't
know when or whether business will come, how long you'll have it,
or if it will generate enough money to yield a living wage. In order
to experience satisfaction as a solo practitioner, you must be comfortable
with the part of you that does not mind being confused or wrong,
makes impossible wishes, likes surprises and ultimately is willing
to take a leap of faith.
- You’re a self-starter – Solos don't need anyone looking
over their shoulders because they're internally motivated to do what
needs to be done. Look back at your childhood. Were you a kid who
frequently complained about being bored when left to your own devices?
Or were you one of those children who could amuse yourself for hours?
Make certain that you have the requisite initiative before you commit
to the path.
- You’re resourceful – Not only do solos have to be go-getters,
they have to know where to go to get. To succeed, you must be good
at finding answers and unafraid of asking questions, requesting input
and seeking help.
- Working solo fits with your long-range plans – Working on
your own can cause long-term career problems if you aren't successful
in creating a profitable enterprise. Future employers may see you
as someone who chose self-employment by default when you couldn't
find anyone else to hire you, or when you were asked to leave a prior
employer. On the other hand, if you're looking for temporary flexibility
to raise children, go to school, or spend time on creative endeavors,
working part-time as a solo may suit you perfectly.
- You’re drawn to working alone – Don't decide to work
solo by default, believing it to be the only option available to
escape some of the downsides of being employed. Make certain that
your desire to work on your own stems from your attraction to all
of its benefits and a true acceptance of all of its disadvantages.
By Deborah Arron, What Can You Do with
a Law Degree? A Lawyer’s
Guide to Career Alternatives Inside, Outside & Around the Law (DecisionBooks, 2003)
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