By working faithfully eight
hours a day, you may
eventually get to be a boss
and work 12 hours a day.

Robert Frost

n previous issues we've discussed the rigors of the financial services industry, especially for those who either own their own business or are their own business. The hours are long, the vacations are short and the benefits are limited. If you own your own business you know first hand that the stress levels can get very high. It is up to you to pay bills, make sure taxes are current and handle daily administrative tasks.

You are the one to bring in new clients while maintaining fruitful relationships with existing customers. There is no IT department or help desk to call; you are the one to ensure that computers and communications equipment function properly.

Why do small business owners make this choice? Why would anyone subject themselves to this? Because they value the benefits that being one's own boss offers, such as control, choice and freedom.

Unfortunately, many small business owners spend most, if not all, of their time and energy toiling to make their business a success. Once they've achieved success they continue to work feverishly to stay on top. This relentless pace means they miss out on the benefits that attracted them to becoming a business owner in the first place.

They expend so much time and energy propelling the business toward success that they don't take advantage of the benefits of being their own boss. If this sounds a bit too familiar, I encourage you to embrace what your position has to offer. Take advantage of being the boss, and make some choices that you wouldn't be able to if you needed to clear it with someone else first. Use your power. Exercise your freedom. For example:

Pick Your Breaks

Choose how to spend your time. Schedule your workday. Go to the gym at 10:00 a.m. rather than at 6:00 p.m. so you don't have to wait for the treadmill with all the 9 to 5ers. Take an hour off and visit your children for lunch at their school.

Choose Your Office Hours

You have the ability to control your business so that it best suits you. Perhaps you've noticed that the early morning hours are quiet and you want to open an hour later and stay open an hour later? You can do this because you are in control.

Take Off Early

You are free to choose when you work and for how long. After all, you are the boss. You know what needs to be done. You know that if you don't do it, you are only hurting yourself. Therefore, if it's a slow day, take off early. This isn't cheating because you make the rules. Odds are, you will be working late soon so don't feel guilty.

Renovate Your Space

If your workspace isn't working for you, change it. Maybe you need to move your desk near a window, add some artwork or purchase a keyboard. If you need these items to make your time more productive and help run your business more efficiently, do it.

Set Your Own Deadlines

You get to decide what gets done and when. If you've set a deadline that is creating a lot of stress or causing other areas in your life to suffer, you may need to alter it, and that's OK.

If this deadline means spending less time with your family and friends, or missed physical exercise, move it back. You will be a better worker if you have time to connect with friends and family, release some stress through physical activity and simply rejuvenate in general.

Modify Your Job Description

You get to decide how and why the company functions. If you find that you are dissatisfied with your business, change it. Find out what is missing and modify it. Maybe you will decide that you only want to work with a few clients or only serve a specific industry. If you can make these modifications while still supporting yourself financially, why not?

Not everyone is cut out to be the boss or run a one-person office. But, for those who are looking to make some sacrifices in return for benefits such as increased control, additional choices and more freedom, it's the best option. Just make sure that you take advantage of the benefits.