Small business ownership is on the rise. Why? Because when people are out of work for a prolonged period of time they look for solutions. Unemployment compensation is not a solution to being out of work. It is only a temporary bandaid to the symptom of not having regular income. The true problem of unemployment is the feeling of being unproductive and believing that as each day passes ones skills are less valuable. It is human nature to want to be needed and not being able to endeavor in your line of work can be most debilatating.
Women, particularly, have shared this emotion over the years (even in much better economies) as they have taken time off to raise their children. Even in cases where they have chosen unemployment over impossible working hours the desire to be viewed as a competent worker with transferable skills oftens knaws away at self esteem.
For these reasons, the opportunity of small business ownership (entrepreneurship) is a win-win for buyer and seller. Today's unemployed should be thinking of:
(1) buying a job...
(2) buying a chance to stay productive...
(3) buying a future of control over work/life balance...
(4) buying financial independence.
First, there may be a lack of job openings in your profession, but there are many small businesses that are in need of your expertise. Research the internet in your field (ie. www.bizbuysell.com) and find a business for sale in your industry. If you come from management you may have the leadership skills needed to lead a company that is for sale that will bring you the executive team you need. Look for companies where the owner is ready to retire or is just burnt out and ready to turn over the reins.
Second, your need to get back to work brings with it a new found energy to do the work you love while expanding your talents to run the show. Owning your own business can be scary at first, but empowering overall.
Third, owning your own business is not a 9 to 5 job, but it does allow you the ability to control your work/life balance. Perhaps you need to pick up your child from school every day at 3 p.m., small business ownership provides you the flexibility to come and go as you need. As the boss you control your time. Employing others to be available when you need time for family is a luxury that comes with entrepreneurship.
Fourth, financial independence is achieved only when you control your own destiny. As a small business owner you can choose to pay yourself weekly, monthly, quarterly or only at the end of the year after profits. You can invest your profits back into the company or reap them as you earn them. How you spend or invest the money you earn is up to you.
The American economy depends on small business ownership and the people who aren't afraid to stake their future in it. Stop complaining that you can find a job and buy one! It's your future and your responsibility to take charge.