Attracted To Idea Of Being The Boss
When Brooktrout Technology handed engineering manager Eric Stutman a pink slip in November 2006 during its second wave of layoffs, the Needham man was almost relieved.
“The first round of layoffs was a real blow to morale,” said Stutman, who had worked at the faxing company for a decade. “People were starting to wonder: Who’s better off? The people who were laid off or the people who are here? The people who were laid off got a little severance and a fresh start. We’re stuck now doing twice the job and the future didn’t seem any brighter just because they were gone.”
Less than a year after losing his job, Stutman opened personal fitness franchise One2One BodyScapes in Wayland and hasn’t looked back.
For many small business owners, layoffs at larger firms were just the nudge they needed to take a leap of faith and work for themselves. If history offers any indication, the nation’s small business community could experience a growth spurt during this recession. After bottoming out with 9.9 million in 2002, the self-employed ranks have risen annually to 10.6 million in 2006, the most recent data available.
There are a number of reasons people become attracted to the idea of working for themselves during a downturn. Industry specialists say people often become disillusioned with the direction of their jobs and industry and desire more control over their future.
Even though some people decide to start a business after unexpectedly finding themselves jobless, small business organizations and entrepreneurs themselves say many of the most successful self-appointed bosses have incubated their escape plans for several months, if not years.
Some have taken classes to switch career paths or spent more time becoming better at hobbies that held the potential to become businesses. And many have saved up money to cover the costs of launching a new business.
Photo by Wayland Town Crier.
Click and Inc on January 22nd, 2009 8:55 am
Who doens’t want to be their own boss? With layoffs on the rise, people still need to make a living and feed themselves and their families. Entrepreneurship has become the way to go. It still doesn’t solve anything but we all hope that it is going to get better. Good luck
Jaclyn on January 22nd, 2009 10:26 am
I agree…everyone would much rather be their own boss rather then work under someone and take the risk that you will be laid off or replaced by someone cheaper and younger. however, today with the economy not being so in favor of money and opening a business…a lot of people have good reason for having reservations in regards to opening up their own business…but…you never know how it will turn out until you try, take the leap of faith and just maybe…it will prove to be a great leap!
cassy on January 25th, 2009 9:32 pm
great post it is true! like me i am the boss of my own self , coz i work at home and i find it awesome coz i have no boss to deal with except my self! thankz for posting this Rich!
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