Put Off Going Self Employed As A Writer

Dunroamin

Truegho wrote: »

Well, I have been turned down for Working Tax Credit just because my publishing business is not yet earning the min wage. It doesn't matter if my business is only in its infancy and that I AM working 30hrs pwk on it.

So where do I go from here? Should I continue with it and try and sell more and more books to get it up to min wage level, or just do it in my spare time and sign back on the dole?

Needless to say, I am feeling really depressed about this.

Are you earning more than JSA?

Truegho

dodger1 wrote: »

You can either get JSA or get an employed job. There is no reason why you shouldn't continue trying to build your publishing career while being employed. I'd imagine that's what a lot of people do with a fledgling business, it's certainly the sensible financial solution.

I have been trying for ages to get a job, but the area where I live is such a blackspot that even a temp part-time post is hard to come by. I hate living here.

Truegho

Housing_Benefit_Officer wrote: »

Is it a business or a hobby?

It is a business. I have registered as a sole trader with HMRC, have completed a tax return etc. But as I say, being denied WTC is a BIG disappointment, and has put me in a very stressful and insecure position now where I am trying to build up my earnings as a published author so that I don't have to go back on the dole again when my current savings go down. If I could get even a part-time job to get that little bit more income, it would alleviate the strain. I really want to make a success of my writing business, as I love writing Kindle books and getting them published. But the early days of a business are always hard, and this is why I am puzzled why the government doesn't seem to bear this mind when insisting that you must earn the MINIMUM wage before you can get WTC.

tiger_eyes

How is the self-publishing going, Truegho? I dipped a toe in the Kindle waters last month and my royalties are starting to slowly accrue. Did you sort out an ITIN or EIN for Amazon and Smashwords?

StormyWeather_2

Truegho wrote: »

Well, I have been turned down for Working Tax Credit just because my publishing business is not yet earning the min wage. It doesn't matter if my business is only in its infancy and that I AM working 30hrs pwk on it.

So where do I go from here? Should I continue with it and try and sell more and more books to get it up to min wage level, or just do it in my spare time and sign back on the dole?

Needless to say, I am feeling really depressed about this.

Can't you sign on, keep looking for a job so you're eligible for JSA and declare any income from the books.

notanewuser

Truegho wrote: »

It is a business. I have registered as a sole trader with HMRC, have completed a tax return etc. But as I say, being denied WTC is a BIG disappointment, and has put me in a very stressful and insecure position now where I am trying to build up my earnings as a published author so that I don't have to go back on the dole again when my current savings go down. If I could get even a part-time job to get that little bit more income, it would alleviate the strain. I really want to make a success of my writing business, as I love writing Kindle books and getting them published. But the early days of a business are always hard, and this is why I am puzzled why the government doesn't seem to bear this mind when insisting that you must earn the MINIMUM wage before you can get WTC.

This could be just the motivator you need.

notanewuser

Truegho wrote: »

I have been trying for ages to get a job, but the area where I live is such a blackspot that even a temp part-time post is hard to come by. I hate living here.

You've been saying that for YEARS. Why haven't you moved?

Truegho

Well, that IS an option. Only thing is, I do not want to return to the depressing ritual of signing on each fortnight, keeping a tally of jobs, doing this, doing that etc. etc. I want to WORK, whether for myself or for an employer. I am putting all my effort into making my business grow. I am getting there, but obviously it's going to take some time to build up my author fan base, create more books etc. etc.

StormyWeather wrote: »

Can't you sign on, keep looking for a job so you're eligible for JSA and declare any income from the books.

NYM

Truegho wrote: »

Well, that IS an option. Only thing is, I do not want to return to the depressing ritual of signing on each fortnight, keeping a tally of jobs, doing this, doing that etc. etc. I want to WORK, whether for myself or for an employer. I am putting all my effort into making my business grow. I am getting there, but obviously it's going to take some time to build up my author fan base, create more books etc. etc.

How long have you been in self-employment ?

notanewuser

NYM wrote: »

How long have you been in self-employment ?

About 8 minutes.