The benefits of self employment

1. You're in control of your work

One of the biggest draws of self-employment is autonomy. You're the one making the decisions — about your clients, your workload, your pricing, and how you want to grow.

In a traditional job, your daily tasks are often dictated by someone else. But when you're self-employed, you choose your path. That means you can prioritise projects you’re passionate about, negotiate your own rates, and align your work with your values.

This control doesn't just apply to the big picture. It’s also about the day-to-day. You decide when to start work, how long your lunch break lasts, and whether to work from home, a café, or a co-working space.

2. Flexibility around life and family

Self-employment gives you the flexibility to structure your day around your personal needs. For parents, this might mean working school hours or being available for school pick-up. For others, it may allow for travel, hobbies, or simply avoiding the 9-to-5.

This type of flexibility can lead to better work-life balance. And that can have real benefits for your mental health, productivity, and overall wellbeing.

It’s not about working fewer hours — many self-employed people work more. But it’s about working in a way that works for you.

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3. The potential to earn more

In traditional employment, your income is usually capped by your salary band. As a self-employed individual, your earning potential is tied directly to the value you bring and the effort you put in.

You can set your own rates, increase them over time, and take on more clients or projects as your capacity grows. Many successful freelancers and sole traders earn significantly more than they did in salaried roles.

Of course, income can fluctuate — especially early on. But over time, if you build a strong reputation and client base, the ceiling is far higher than in a typical job.

4. You're not stuck doing the same thing every day

Self-employment often involves wearing many hats. One day you might be working on a client project, the next you’re creating content for your own marketing, and later you’re reviewing your finances.

This variety can be energising. Instead of being confined to a narrow job description, you get to learn and grow across multiple areas — from sales and strategy to operations and delivery.

The learning curve is steep, but it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of self-employment. You're constantly developing new skills, which only increases your value over time.

5. Work that aligns with your values and passions

Many people go self-employed because they want to work on something that matters to them. That might mean helping a particular type of client, working in a niche industry, or solving a problem you care deeply about.

Being self-employed allows you to align your work with your purpose. You get to choose the clients you work with, the projects you take on, and the mission you support.

That level of alignment can make work feel more meaningful — which leads to greater fulfilment and motivation.

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6. Tax benefits and financial advantages

There are several tax advantages to being self-employed. In Australia, for example, you're able to claim deductions for business-related expenses like your phone, internet, laptop, travel, and even a portion of your home office costs.

You also have more control over how your income is structured, and how and when you report it. This flexibility can result in smarter financial planning and, in many cases, tax savings.

However, it’s important to stay organised. Keeping your receipts, tracking income and expenses, and lodging BAS and tax returns on time is essential — which is where tools like Thriday come in.

7. You can build your personal brand

When you’re self-employed, your name is your brand. Whether you're a designer, a consultant, a copywriter, or a tradie, you have the opportunity to build a strong professional reputation.

You can create a website, grow your social media presence, and position yourself as an expert in your niche. Over time, this can lead to inbound referrals, higher fees, and greater influence in your industry.

People buy from people — and as a sole trader, that personal connection becomes your most powerful marketing tool.

8. You can start small and scale up

Self-employment doesn’t have to start with a grand launch. Many successful entrepreneurs began by freelancing on the side, testing the waters before going full-time.

This low barrier to entry makes it ideal for those who want to experiment. You can start with a service-based offering, generate some income, and then reinvest in systems, tools, and marketing to grow.

Over time, your business can evolve — into a consultancy, an agency, or even a product-based company. Self-employment opens the door to growth, and you can scale it at your own pace.

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9. You see the direct impact of your work

There’s something uniquely rewarding about building something from scratch. Every client you land, every invoice you send, and every milestone you hit is a result of your own hard work.

That direct cause-and-effect creates a powerful sense of ownership. You're no longer just a cog in a machine — you're the driver of your own progress.

Even the setbacks can feel more meaningful. Because when you’re self-employed, every challenge is a chance to learn and grow.

10. You gain a deeper understanding of money

When you’re self-employed, you become intimately familiar with your finances. You learn what things cost, how to budget for quiet months, and how to plan for tax time.

This financial awareness is a valuable life skill. It makes you more resilient, more resourceful, and better able to make smart decisions — both in business and in life.

Over time, you can build up a savings buffer, invest in your growth, and create a more stable financial future.

How Thriday makes self-employment easier

One of the biggest hurdles of self-employment is staying on top of your finances. Unlike traditional jobs where your employer handles tax and superannuation, when you're self-employed, you're responsible for everything.

That’s where Thriday comes in. Thriday is an all-in-one financial platform that automates banking, accounting and tax for sole traders and small businesses.

Here’s how Thriday can help simplify your self-employed journey:

• Automatic transaction categorisation: Every time you spend or earn money, Thriday’s AI categorises the transaction for you — so you always know what’s income, what’s an expense, and what’s tax deductible.
• Real-time tax estimates: Thriday calculates your GST and income tax obligations as you go, so there are no surprises at BAS or tax time.
• Invoice and expense management: Create and send invoices from the app, upload receipts, and track bill payments all in one place.
• Lodge BAS and tax: If you’re registered for GST, Thriday can generate and lodge your BAS with the ATO. It also helps with EOFY tax returns, removing the need for an accountant.
• One platform for everything: You don’t need separate tools for banking, bookkeeping, invoicing and tax — Thriday does it all, and it’s built for people who want to spend less time on admin and more time earning.

For anyone starting or growing a self-employed business, Thriday is a game-changer. It takes care of the numbers so you can focus on the work you love.

Final thoughts

Self-employment is not for everyone. It comes with risk, uncertainty, and plenty of hard work. But it also offers freedom, fulfilment, and the chance to build something truly your own.

If you’ve been considering taking the leap, the benefits speak for themselves. You control your time, your income, and your future. And with the right tools — like Thriday — the admin side doesn’t have to be a burden.

So whether you’re a creative freelancer, a consultant, or a solo entrepreneur, self-employment can open up a whole new world of opportunity. And that’s something worth working for.