Self-employment : Common areas of work

The number of sectors and occupations where self-employment opportunities are available is quite big but here are some of the more common examples.

Information technology (IT)

The impact of e-commerce, expansion of small businesses needing IT expertise and large corporations outsourcing this function characterises the current IT sector as we head towards digital switchover. Home computing and mobile technology innovations also present lucrative openings for those who want to be self-employed. Opportunities for new graduates are again on the up, especially in web design and development, IT training, technical support and consulting roles.

Job roles include:

• IT consultant
• IT trainer
• multimedia programmer

Visual arts

Graduates in fine art, craft, visual and design disciplines sometimes become self-employed by choice, more often through necessity. Examples of jobs include:

• graphic designer
• illustrator
• photographer
• printmaker

Income from sales and commissions may not be enough to live off. Many people take part-time jobs to support their practice. Arts Council support may be available.

Health and exercise

This category consists of:

• practitioners who could stay within the National Health Service (NHS) but prefer to work for themselves, all or part of the time;
• practitioners outside the mainstream health service who combine part-time NHS work and private referrals;
• providers of complementary therapies;
• providers of sports-related therapies.

 The range of jobs is wide, for example:

• dentist
• counsellor
• osteopath
• podiatrist
• sports therapist

Jobs covered by the Health Professions Council (HPC)  usually require a year in the NHS before setting up on your own.

Media

A significant number of people working in media industries are self-employed, freelance or on short-term contracts. The sector is extremely competitive and it is common to have to pitch for work. Job areas include:

• film/video editor
• magazine journalist
• make-up artist
• runner, broadcasting/film/video
• writer

Performing arts

Self-employment is the norm for performers and some technicians. They need to be proactive, approaching venues or putting together ensembles.

Examples of jobs include:

• actor
• musician
• theatre stage manager

An element of luck and being in the right place at the right time may play as big a part as talent and hard work, but getting a foot on the ladder can be a lengthy process.

Business and law

Self-employed consultants provide expertise across a variety of commercial services. Locum work (short-term cover for time-bound periods) is also possible. Job roles include:

• chartered accountant
• barrister
• environmental consultant
• human resources officer
• management consultant

It is rare, but not unknown, to make an impact without a previous professional background and postgraduate qualification.

Other occupations

Examples include: 

• energy consultant;
• language translator;
• sports coach;
• wine importer;
• sub-aqua diving instructor.

This list is only limited by your imagination.