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Put Off Going Self Employed As A Writer
Comments
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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.
What would you do if there was no WTC?
What did s/e people do before WTC?
As far as I am concerned writing should always be considered a hobby until it proves to be successful enough to be considered a job/career. I would never class writing as a "business" though.0 -
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.
This is why WTC is such a scam. When you claim JSA there is plenty of conditionality such as signing on and having to prove you are looking for work. For WTC, all you have to do is say you are S/E, then for the vast majority of people that is it.....most never have to prove it, in fact there are many people who have got away with claiming to be S/E for years earning little or no money. there are so many people claiming to be s/e purely to avoid having to sign on. i partly blame the DWP as they actively encourage people to claim WTC through s/e as it looks like they have got someone into work and as such makes their unemployment figures look better0 -
What would you do if there was no WTC?
What did s/e people do before WTC?
As far as I am concerned writing should always be considered a hobby until it proves to be successful enough to be considered a job/career. I would never class writing as a "business" though.
No, I'm sorry, I don't agree. Writing IS a business. Are you forgetting the various other writing services an author besides publishing Kindle books???0 -
Dovah_diva wrote: »You need to get a job and write in your spare time.
Where's the jobs????
Just come down to Merseyside and see just how bad the unemployment situation is here.
You know, I'm getting a bit sick and tired of all these people who bemoan the unemployed who are trying to better themselves. What's the matter with trying to get yourself out of the unemployment rut? What's the matter with starting your own business? What's the matter with trying writing as viable business (it IS a viable business).
The trouble with some on these boards is that they don't like to see other people get on, esp when those people are trying to start their own business.0 -
Where's the jobs????
Just come down to Merseyside and see just how bad the unemployment situation is here.
You know, I'm getting a bit sick and tired of all these people who bemoan the unemployed who are trying to better themselves. What's the matter with trying to get yourself out of the unemployment rut? What's the matter with starting your own business? What's the matter with trying writing as viable business (it IS a viable business).
The trouble with some on these boards is that they don't like to see other people get on, esp when those people are trying to start their own business.
It's not viable if you need tax credits on top!!Trying to be a man is a waste of a woman0 -
No, I'm sorry, I don't agree. Writing IS a business. Are you forgetting the various other writing services an author besides publishing Kindle books???
Have you looked to advertising at the University to proof read / type up dissertations? I know graduation has just taken place but it is something to think about next year.
What about marking exams? Have you signed up for something like that. You've most likely covered these but thought I would mention it
I do hope you are successful, especially when you have that passion. It is something I am looking into as I want to write a book on Home Education.
Good luck with it all There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they'll take you - Beatrix Potter0 -
notanewuser wrote: »It's not viable if you need tax credits on top!!
I was reading a thread today about families living on one wage and how they manage, discussing how it was possible and yet, it wouldn't be possible in some cases, without the tax credits.
Many feel being a SAHP is viable yet need tax credits to do so. Is that right?
There are many situations where something would not be viable without tax credits but this is the system we currently have.
Should people just not try?There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they'll take you - Beatrix Potter0 -
notanewuser wrote: »It's not viable if you need tax credits on top!!
????!
So all NMW jobs are "not viable" because they are topped up by tax credits? or jobs, if you have a family, paying £30k a year, also topped up by various benefits, like CTC and CB, and maybe even childcare allowances?
Why discriminate against the self employed, especially when "viable" employment in a household with children is 24 hours a week between the two parents?0 -
Where's the jobs????
Just come down to Merseyside and see just how bad the unemployment situation is here.
You know, I'm getting a bit sick and tired of all these people who bemoan the unemployed who are trying to better themselves. What's the matter with trying to get yourself out of the unemployment rut? What's the matter with starting your own business? What's the matter with trying writing as viable business (it IS a viable business).
The trouble with some on these boards is that they don't like to see other people get on, esp when those people are trying to start their own business.
Can you explain why 1st of all it is a business, and 2nd why it is viable if it isn't paying enough to enable a decent standard of living?0 -
????!
So all NMW jobs are "not viable" because they are topped up by tax credits? or jobs, if you have a family, paying £30k a year, also topped up by various benefits, like CTC and CB, and maybe even childcare allowances?
Why discriminate against the self employed, especially when "viable" employment in a household with children is 24 hours a week between the two parents?
The difference is that the vast majority of those claiming WTC whilst S/E do not even claim to earn anywhere the amount of money they would earn if they even had a job paying NMW for the same hours.0
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