Have you ever wondered why more and more people are quitting their stable jobs to start a business? Why forgo the monthly paycheck and all the employee benefits to embrace the risks and uncertainty?

Well, here are some reasons to convince you…

1. Be your own boss

No more managers dictating your daily tasks. Being an entrepreneur means you’re your own boss – which means? You have the freedom to do things your way and implement your own plans. Of course, sometimes you need advice and someone to hold you accountable. But when you’re your own boss, you get to choose who you work with (i.e. not your micromanaging boss!)

2. Set your own deadlines and work schedule

Have you ever wondered where the 9-to-5 work day came from? The industrial age when people started working in assembly lines. With most office jobs, this working schedule makes little sense, for who can stay creative, productive, and focused continuously for that long? But being your own boss means that you can fit your work schedule around your life. Need a nap? A walk in the park? A trip to the grocery store? No problem at all. No one is there to track your hours. And taking these breaks can often make you more productive

3. Do what you’re keen on

Have you ever wondered what else you could be accomplishing instead of ticking off each item on the to-do list given by your boss? The great thing about being an entrepreneur is that you have the freedom to choose. From the industry you work in and the type of firm you start up, to the people you work with, you can pick what interests you most. Providing that you’ve done your research thoroughly and have identified a gap in the market, you can turn your side interest or enthusiasm into your new venture.

4. You’ll never be bored

One of the biggest difference between working for a large corporation firm and working for yourself is how varied your work is. Since you’ll be responsible for all aspects of your business (even if you choose to delegate the work out, you’ll still maintain oversight), you’ll never stop learning and your capabilities will be stretched and challenged. From finding clients and marketing your products/services, to balancing your books and managing spreadsheets, and finding contractors and attending networking events, you can be sure that your work will never be dull again. Plus, if you’re working on what you love, why will you be bored?

5. No more commute!

If you’re starting your own business, chances are that you won’t hire an office space on your first day. Most entrepreneurs work from home (or in trendy coffee shops… they are very easy to spot). In fact, if you run an online business, your work environment is even less confined. As long as you have your laptop and an Internet connection, you can work pretty much anywhere you fancy in the world. On a beach by the Mediterranean Sea, in a farm cottage in the countryside, or the trendy coffee shop just down the road, you can to choose.

6. The rewards can be huge

Yes, there are risks, and you’ll have to forgo the security of a monthly paycheck. But the rewards can be huge too. You can name your price, and control the costs of your business to maximize your profit. Many entrepreneurs find that they can earn a lot more than what they did when they were salaried employees. And financial gains aside, the experience and learning you gain from the process are priceless.