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Push the boundaries: Employed and running your own business 

The sayings, “Work like a slave to live like a king” and “Do what you love and you will never have to work a day in your life,” come into play when tackling the subject of being an entrepreneur while one has a regular job.  

The current economic climate has posed tough financial circumstances for most if not all South Africans, forcing many to think of ideas that will help conserve their livelihood. 

The options of starting up a business is met with comforting news of how the National Development Plan encourages Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to help create at least 11 million jobs by 2030. Such efforts by the South African government have levelled the playing field and opened up opportunities to a host of potential trades. However, there are basic points that those with a knack for business ventures or lack thereof need to know about before going into this market. 

Listed below are two points that can help you narrow down possible ideas to help find and hone your entrepreneurial flair.

1. Turn your personal interests into an income generator 

This could be lifestyle orientated interests such as fashion, events management, décor or food. Once decided on, you can use social media to reach your target audience and market your services to as many people as possible and go the extra mile by collaborating with other entrepreneurs who have similar interests.  

2. Consulting and freelancing

Are you big on sharing your expertise with other companies? This could be your way of getting a little extra on the side and using your qualification to its optimum. Simply connect and sell yourself to businesses in the industry you are a part of and consult on projects you may have worked on before, however, the trick is to ensure that there is no conflict of interest with your current employ.

Lebogang Mdlankomo