Employee, Independent Contractor, and Entrepreneur

What type of position are you seeking or now hold?  I suggest that there are three categories of jobs:  an employee, an independent contractor, or an entrepreneur.

An employee works for an organization and performs specific duties for stated compensation.  The organization matches social security payments to the IRS and pays for other related fees such as unemployment premiums and published benefits according to the terms of employment.

An independent contractor typically works on specific tasks defined by an individual or organization that pays gross compensation to the contractor withholding no deductions.  Further the independent contractor is responsible for payment of all taxes and benefits.  The independent contract receives no payment for time not worked.  In order to be classified as an independent contractor by the IRS, the contractor has his/her own business, has more than one customer, uses his/her own tools, works on his/her own schedule, and other requirements as listed in the IRS rules.

On the other hand, an entrepreneur typically owns and operates a business for which he/she has complete responsibility for all its operations and financing.  You might say that an independent contractor is an entrepreneur; however, I think that the big difference is that the entrepreneur does not work solely under the direction of its customers.  While an independent contractor provides personal services to a given customer, an entrepreneur typically provides both products and services to many customers.  In addition, an entrepreneur retains full responsible for his/ her actions.

What is the source of your income?  Are you ready to assume the responsibility and risk as an independent contractor or entrepreneur?    

 

Please share your experiences as an independent contractor or entrepreneur by posting a comment or emailing me at glynjordan@gmail.com.

Thanks, Glyn

Go to Midland and Land a Job!

January is past and we are into February. How is your job search going? 

Recently I attended a breakfast forum and the Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission was one of the speakers.  (FYI: This commission deals primarily with oil and gas production and has nothing to do with railroads.)  The Chairman was speaking about the expansion of jobs in the Texas oil and gas industries.  He mentioned Midland, Texas specifically saying that there are many jobs opening there.  Of course, finding a place to live may be a challenge.

I did a Google search on jobs in Midland and was pleased to confirm the Chairman’s claim.  Here is the search argument you might try:

“jobs midland texas”.

http://www.jobs2careers.com/

Midland Jobs (Hiring) - 753 Positions Open in Midland.

Midland Tx Jobs - indeed.com

Midland, TX Jobs on CareerBuilder.com

Midland Jobs & Careers. Find Jobs in Midland, Texas | Monster.com

Preferred Personnel, Inc

Kelly Services, Inc.

Midland Jobs (TX) | Simply Hired

Midland Jobs | Midland Careers | Employment in Midland, TX

You might also try Odessa Texas or oil jobs in Texas.

If west Texas does not interest you, you can go to the above sites and enter the city of your choice.     

  

Please let me know if these sites are helpful to your job search by post a comment or email me at glynjordan@gmail.com.

Thanks, Glyn

Automation – Where Have the Jobs Gone?

An article in January 28, 2013, edition of The Dallas Morning News on page 1A, “Man vs. Machine a Losing Fight”, written by Paul Wiseman, Bernard Condon, and Jonathan Fahey of The Associated Press presents an important message to job seekers and perhaps to job holders as well.  The article’s subtitle is “Millions of workers are becoming obsolete as technology advances.”

The article states that between 2000 and 2010 the following jobs disappeared:

·        1.1 million secretaries

·        64 percent of telephone operators

·        63 percent of typist and word processors

·        46 percent of travel agents

·        26 percent of bookkeepers

As further proof of this trend in the workplace, Fresno, California, had 50 full-time meter readers six years ago and now it has six.  Meter readers’ earnings are up to $67,000 per year. 

The article identifies these factors that are behind this trend:

·        Big data – Improved management decisions using information

·        The cloud – Almost unlimited access to data within an organization at affordable cost

·        Smarter machines – e.g. Voice recognition and voice response

·        Smarter users – e.g. self-banking, online ordering, travel booking

The article continues with more future developments such as driverless cars, trucks, and trains.  But is the continuous move for innovation and technology new?  No, since the industrial revolution productivity resulting in new jobs and the phasing-out of other jobs has been constant.

Here are some suggestions for job seekers:

·         Accept and embrace new methods and tools

·        Evaluate your skills and capitalize on them

·        Get trained

·        Actively pursue job opportunities in your strength areas     

Please share your ideas for job seekers dealing with this age of automation or email me at glynjordan@gmail.com.

Thanks, Glyn

Entrepreneurs Meet in Dallas

On January 23-24, 2013, over 100 entrepreneurs representing all 50 states met in Dallas at an event sponsored by Score and Sam’s Club.  I had the opportunity to meet with many of these eager and excited individuals and to host a roundtable discussion.

So what are my impressions of this group?  With no exception, they were all passionate about their individual businesses.  Here are some examples of the businesses represented at the conference:

·        Cloud based information system for small business

·        Classes for expectant mot hers and fathers

·        Children’s toy store

·        Ladies clothing store

·        Online fabric store

·        Architect 

·        Wedding Photographer

·        Art appraisal

·        Graphic design

I spent some time with a lady who rented portable storage units to individuals and businesses.  She operates the company from her home.  She has trucks and employees that delivery and pickup the 20 X 8 feet units.  The interesting thing is that she is a mother of four special needs children.  While her husband helps, he also has a full-time job.

Do these entrepreneurial have problems?  Yes, they are seeking ways to get more customers and how to obtain additional financing.  Very little time was spent discussing the economy.  Clearly these individuals are self-starters and dedicated to their businesses.

If you are thinking about becoming an entrepreneurial, I suggest that you choose a business in which you have some experience and a genuine passion.   In addition, you should seek advice from experienced individuals such as SCORE mentors which provide mentoring at no cost.  (http://www.score.org)

Please share your suggestions and experience with individuals who are considering opening their own businesses by commenting in this blog or emailing me at glynjordan@gmail.com.

Thanks, Glyn