What have I learnt in 2012 as a Performer

2012 has been interesting year for me as I took up a lot of challenges.

In 2012, 2 of the biggest decisions I have made were:

1) I set up a new company
2) I produced a Juggling Festival

1) Setting up a company was a tough decision. I am happy that I did it. It makes my life easier and happier. Not financially happier but emotionally.
As a performer, our job is not secured. We don't know how much we can earn in a month and we don't know when will we have shows. We are constantly waiting for opportunities to come. When I am working in a company, I have to wait for them to offer me job. Waiting is not the way I want to live my life. I want to do something about my life, I don't want my life to be controlled by a company. Below are the pros and cons of working as a official freelance performer or self employed performer.

Pros:
1) You get more money, no more getting pay cut by the company.
2) You get to work for anybody, no more company restriction.
3) You get direct contact with the client.
4) You can plan your own working schedule.
5) You feel more sense of achievement.
6) You don't have to wait for the company to give you job.
7) You have more control to your life.
8) You can make a name for yourself. Give out your own namecard, not the company you working for.
9) You have more opportunities. When you are in a company, when a good opportunity is being offered to the company, you have to wait for the boss to pass it to you or your colleagues. (chances are the boss will get the job)


Cons:
1) You need to spend a lot of money to buy the props.
2) You will have more enemy or lesser friends.
3) You need to do more work. eg. going for meetings, sending emails etc...
4) You need to look for jobs

So far these are a few pros and cons that I've think of.

Lastly, I would like to thank my ex boss and ex colleagues for their guidance. Without them I wouldn't be here today too!

PS. I just prefer to work for myself