In times past, collar jobs were every graduate’s dream after attaining a higher education degree or certificate which was proof of a stable life and sound education. But over the years, education itself has seen the value that the business world places on infrastructural growth and financial freedom, thereby gradually causing extinction and the economic battle between entrepreneurship and workmanship.
Hence, the syllabic introduction of subjects like Economics, Business plan, Entrepreneurship, and other related empowerment courses provided a cutting edge to the students, preparing them for the future.
What are Collar Jobs?
White-collar jobs as the name implies are jobs that require an employee to dress formally to work, follow strict management rules and regulations, abide by the Status quo and engage in tasks or activities that promote the growth of the company or establishment.
There are a lot of white-collar jobs and kinds, from banking to project management and production. Business or entrepreneurship, on the other hand, is a form of individual or group enterprise that functions as a unit of itself, providing services to its target clients.
Collar jobs are generally performed in an office environment as opposed to Businesses that can be set up anywhere according to some factors considered.
Johnson arrives home from work an hour ago, excited about the recently paid salary sitting in his bank account. Grabbing his list off the table, he heads out to shop. Two hours later, he is back home with half the items written on the paper, looking sad.. “if only I had more money, I would have bought more”. Right here is an example of the cycle that is and will be in existence. Salary earners spend their money once a month, waiting for the next while businesses sell every day.
Differences Between White-collar Jobs and Businesses
Johnson did some research and realized that the superstore he’d visited made huge sales every single day while he, a salary earner only gets to spend his money once a month. This sparked some interest in Johnson and he got to work, thinking of an idea that would provide a solution(s) to a problem.
Businesses thrive on the number of customers/clients that needs the services or products provided, earning as they go while Collar jobs are a branch of trade that requires the consumption of the employee’s time against the salary offered.
A week later, Johnson and a few of his colleagues came together to send the office assistant an errand to get lunch. A few minutes later, it dawned on him how much he spends on breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. This is another consistent cycle that takes the money out of employees’ pockets while businesses sell yet again.
Businesses meet the needs of all-round consumers depending on the market structure and feasibility in place while the Collar jobs are put in full gear to achieve the goal of the organization, spending for comfort. Examples of these white-collar jobs could be; banking, office assisting, marketing, law, health, consulting, and more while the receiving end are the electricians, the food vendors, the stores, the automobile mechanics, and the consultants.
Similarities Between White-collar Jobs and Businesses
Both allow individual growth and oftentimes help to develop some skills that are required to excel in the field of work. Given how employees are set up with daily work tasks that test their leadership skills, business owners automatically find themselves in situations where they also exercise their confidence and business management skills.
Why Do Businesses Thrive?
For many innovative and self-discovered individuals like Johnson, being a business person or entrepreneur becomes more appealing, lessening the urge to remain in employment.
In a world where billions of people with different needs are met, problems with different solutions given, it bodes the question of economic empowerment in any community. It’s a consistent and compulsory way of life for a nation to evolve, trading.
Over the years, the digital has broken out and taken over as businesses are now easy to establish, employees now work smart and a fusion of economic demands has been met. Johnson doesn’t have to quit his job to start up a business. Technology has infiltrated the market, helping employees to work at a fast pace, maintain the policy, reduce costs and enhance flexibility in the workplace.
However, a percentage of employees like Johnson decide to venture fully into businesses, and here are a few reasons why;
- Entrepreneurs work at their own pace and achieve more when they conveniently meet the target set out.
- They do not receive salaries, hence; they can afford to spend when they need/want to and not during the collection period.
- Most enjoy flexibility on the Job, thereby allowing them to engage in other activities that could promote and improve them and their businesses.
- Opportunity to create multiple streams of income, making the money do the job.
Benefits of owning a Business
Business owners or entrepreneurs enjoy some long-lasting interest that comes with the responsibility. Here are a few;
- Enjoy the privileges of working from anywhere.
- Decisions are independently made as they have full control over the business.
- Exposition to diverse learning experiences as they get to learn firsthand how to satisfy their customers, manage staff and increase productivity.
- New and positive habits are formed in order to keep generating more income.
- They get to network and meet different people every day attending seminars, workshops, training, events, and programs. This is the most vital part of being a business owner.
Things to consider before starting a business
- Firstly, an idea has to be birthed before other things fall into place. What solution is your business idea solving? This question will help decide on the type of business to go into.
- Conduct market research at your convenience or online. The internet is full of information with regard to business strategies, market structures, market surveys, and plans. This step provides a competitive edge over the other businesses in your line.
- Write a business plan. Every business has a plan as it is the foundation of a solid business. This is the tool that convinces potential clients that investing in your business is a smart thing.
- Sort for funds to start your business as your business plan helps with an estimated amount that has to be raised if you do not have the amount. For a business to start and grow well, capital is needed. Fortunately for innovations like affiliate marketing, some businesses do not need any capital or form of physical goods to start. Affiliate allows one to sell digitally online, advertising the available and delivering the chosen goods from the owner’s shop or location. This is called a ‘middle-man’ kind of business. Oftentimes, capital is raised from this type of business.
- Location for your business is important as clients and customers can easily find your services if needed.
- A business name and structure come hand in hand as you would need to be identified by that name and its mode of operation. This creates a niche and provides a sense of ownership.
- Get your business registered and apply for licenses.
Business owners do not have it easy as a lot of structures have to be in place for that business to thrive.
Business versus Collar job; which is best for you?
While the Johnsons may decide to start a business, some employees enjoy some benefits of working in a firm and choose to be underemployed due to some valid and concrete reasons such as; financial dependence on life savings, insurance, career development, motivation, and drive. Whichever the choice may be, the benefits and advantages should outweigh the cons. However, to make the right choice, you need to know what works for you and how well you contribute.. whether in the workplace environment or as a self–employed business person.
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Fortune Ehiwayas is a prolific writer who loves arts and science fiction, converting her experiences into captivating content.
