1. Home
  2. Being a Personal Trainer
  3. Independent Training
  4. Benefits of Independent Training

Benefits of Independent Training

There are many advantages to being an independent trainer, and countless reasons why people choose to be self-employed. The self-employed have a great deal of freedom and flexibility, as well as tremendous potential for success. People who work for themselves tend to feel happier and more fulfilled than those who are employed by others. You also have an opportunity to make more money.

Being In Charge of Your Own Destiny

The biggest benefit to independent training is being your own boss. When you work for others, they make most of the decisions on issues such as hours, scheduling, rates, salary, and benefits. When you are on your own, you decide when you will work, who you will work with, and how you will develop and implement your programs. You are the one who sets and enforces all policies. For the self-motivated individual, this is a thrilling and rewarding prospect. With few exceptions, the harder you work, the more fruitful the outcome.

Fact

The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 10 percent of all U.S. workers (approximately 10 million people) are self-employed. Considering there are approximately 290 million people living in America, that's less than 3.5 percent of the population. Working for yourself can be gratifying, but it also takes a great deal of discipline to be successful.

Enjoying Variety and Flexibility

As an independent contractor, you have unlimited options for when and where you'll work. You're not stuck in the same environment all day. Each day you will be working with different people in different places at different times. If you enjoy stability, this option is obviously not for you, but for the adventurous person, it is ideal.

Significant Tax Benefits

Being self-employed brings many tax benefits. You will pay lower income tax due to the numerous write-offs. For example, if you have a home office, which you should, you can write-off a percentage of your mortgage interest, property tax, and utilities. You can also write-off office supplies, Internet service, business or cell phones, and automotive expenses, among other things. In order to maximize your deductions and address your specific needs, you'll need to work with a C.P.A.

According to the Wall Street Journal, independent contractors are paid an average of 20–40 percent more per hour than employees performing the same work. Keep in mind, however, that independent contractors are only paid for the services they provide and do not receive vacation time, retirement, or medical benefits. Therefore, the extra money must be put toward planning for these circumstances.

  1. Home
  2. Being a Personal Trainer
  3. Independent Training
  4. Benefits of Independent Training
Visit other About.com sites:

Netplaces.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.