Industry Profile -- by Mark Sproxton

If you believe being self-employed means working few hours and making lots of money, think again. The dozens and dozens of calls made to arrange interviews with local entrepreneurs for this issue serves as a bit of proof of the time-consuming work required by self-starters.

Not convinced? Then read the feature article about avoiding common errors made by those first starting a business. Underestimating the amount of time required to get the business started features prominently on the list. In that story, local experts working with the self-employed offer tips and hints others may want to consider as many continue to turn to self-employment as a career option.

In the 1990s, self-employment increased with those graduating from post-secondary school in 1995 more often looking to self-employment compared to those who graduated in 1982, 1986 and 1990, a federal government survey shows. The 2001 survey is titled Setting up Shop: Self employment amongst Canadian college and university graduates.

This survey also reveals those who are self-employed generally earn more than their counterparts who work for someone else and those who are self-employed are generally more satisfied with their jobs than those paid by someone else. Another federal 2001 study, Survey of Self Employment in Canada, shows those who are self-employed and working full-time average more than 40 hours per week at work. There we are, back to the long hours. This survey also showed that about five per cent of those self-employed are between 15 and 29-years-old.

Three local entrepreneurs, Anshul Fernando, Darci Schapansky and Rob Horricks share their experiences of starting and operating their own businesses. All spend considerable time devoted to work. Their stories are but a glimpse inside the local business scene which includes thousands of other businesses. Statistics from the City of Calgary show almost 44,000 new business were started to mid-August 2002 from Jan. 1, 1997. That number includes businesses not requiring licences from the City of Calgary.

Thankfully, for those unsure of whether or not they need a licence, or if they need more than one kind of licence, there are many great local resources and programs that can help. A partial list of these assets can be found in the Jump Start section. And for some advice from a professional career counsellor, have a look at this month's Hot Tip.