6.0 Self-Employment Resources

More people are becoming self-employed

There are now over 2.5 million people in Canada self-employed, and that number is steadily growing. Statistics Canada says that between 1989 and 1996, the self-employed accounted for three-quarters of all new jobs.

Why would anyone choose self-employment as a career option? Because, at some point in your career, it might be the only work option available to you. Or because you want to be your own boss and create your own independent and challenging work environment.

Understand the culture of small business

Even if you don't become an entrepreneur yourself, there’s good reason for you to learn about self-employment and small business. Chances are when you do find a job with an employer, you will be working in a small business. In British Columbia, most new jobs created are with small businesses.

So, if you work for a small business, you should know what small business culture is like, understand and respect the challenges your employer faces as an entrepreneur, and contribute accordingly.

Working in a small business is very different from working in government or in a large corporation. It generally requires you to function in an informal and free-wheeling environment and be prepared "to do the work that needs to be done."

The Internet offers many resources to help people understand what it takes to start a small business and to inform them about programs and services that can help. Go to the next module to find lots of online resources related to small business development.