6 Reasons Why Starting an Online Business is the Best Decision I Ever Made

When I was in college studying graphic design, I told everyone my first real job was going to be at a magazine. I was in love with print design and thought I was destined to be a Creative Director at Martha Stewart Living Magazine.

Fast forward over 15 years later and I own my own online business designing brands, website and digital marketing & business resources. I could have never guessed I would be doing this, but I’m so thankful I did.

I’m sharing the 6 reasons why starting an online business was the best decision I’ve ever made.

1. Flexibility for My Family

The #1 reason I chose to start my own business and quit my full time job was to be able to stay at home with our children full time. I knew that daycare was not an option for us and I had to find a way to maintain an income while having flexibility to work from home. I’ve been able to adapt my work schedule to my son’s nap time and on days when my husband can help out.

2. I Control My Own Work Schedule

Because I have my own online business, I can work whenever I want. I set the deadlines for client deliverables and base the dates on when I know I’ll be able to complete the work by, and on a day I know will work for my schedule. I can work 7 days a week or just 3 days a week depending on my workload. If we decide to go on a last minute trip, I can take my work with me.

3. Clients In Every Timezone

One of my favorite parts about having an online business is the diverse group of women I get to work with. I’ve worked with clients in India, Dubai, Australia, California, Kentucky, Florida, Wyoming and New York. Because I do most of my work late at night and early in the morning, it works out perfectly when my clients are in different timezones.

Read My 3 Tips to Getting Started as a Brand Designer

4. I Choose the Types of Projects I Work On

Since there are so many opportunities for work online, I get to pick and choose the types of projects I work on. As a designer I’m able to define a niche that I prefer to work within. This means I can focus only on the work that really motivates and inspires me.

5. I Set My Own Rate (and I Can Change It)

With an online business, I’m able to set my own rate and change it whenever I need to. In the corporate world it would take a year to have a performance review where I would hope for at least a small raise.

6. Infinite Potential

Back when I was in college I was determined to start my career out by working for a magazine in Manhattan. It never worked out and I’m so fortunate I was thrown in the direction of web design. The future is digital and the potential for online businesses is infinite.

Read How I Made $45K on Etsy

Conclusion

Starting an online business has some amazing perks. I’m grateful to be in a position to offer my knowledge of marketing and design right here on this blog. There are some downsides to having an online business, one of which being that it’s difficult to “turn off”. It’s important to take breaks from social media and personal time for yourself without the distraction of a computer or phone. Right now, having an online business is the perfect fit for my family.

What questions do you have about starting an online business? Ask me in the comments below!