Being your own boss: How to make self-employment work

Illustration: TBS

Being your own boss sounds like the ultimate dream, doesn't it? Setting your own schedule, exploring your creativity, and building something entirely your own is really appealing.

Over the years, more and more people have begun moving away from traditional 9-to-5 jobs, seeking flexibility and the opportunity to pursue work that aligns with their passions. 

However, you might feel stuck or unsure where to start. 

Private tutoring

Private tutoring is a common and popular earning path for university students. But ever thought of pursuing it as the ultimate career after graduation?

As Rifat Hasan, a private tutor specialising in O-Level math, puts it, "Every student learns differently, so being adaptable and understanding their unique needs is key." To succeed in this field, you will need strong communication, patience, and organisation skills, along with the ability to market yourself effectively.

Gaining exposure as a private tutor can seem daunting at first, but with the right strategies, it is achievable. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are great for showcasing your services and student success stories. 

Online education portals can also help you connect with potential clients. Word of mouth is another powerful tool. "When a student starts doing well, their parents or friends are quick to recommend you," Rifat shares. 

Rifat mentions that the income potential in private tutoring varies widely depending on experience and demand. For beginners in Bangladesh, monthly earnings can range between Tk10,000 to Tk15,000. 

More experienced tutors teaching in-demand subjects like math, science, or language tests can earn between Tk30,000 to Tk50,000 or more. Expanding into group classes or online courses can push earnings even higher, with some tutors earning over Tk70,000 monthly.

Digital art

Digital art has become an exciting career for artists from all backgrounds. Some transitioned from canvas painting, while others started as graphic designers, collaborating with various brands to create logos or bring campaigns to life. 

"Digital art gives you so much freedom to experiment," says Farah Ahmed, a freelance illustrator. "One day, you're working on personal commissions, and the next, you're collaborating with a brand — it keeps things exciting." 

Platforms like Instagram, Fiverr, and Upwork make it easy to find clients or sell your art as prints or merchandise.

Noushin Tabassum is a digital artist running a page called "Peachy Turtle" that sells digital calendars and journals. The shop has become especially popular among students.

Both Farah and Noushin agree that mastering various apps is essential. "I had to get used to working on Procreate and other tools," Noushin says. "At first, drawing on a screen felt slippery, but once I got the hang of it, it was smooth." Farah also took a course to learn apps like Adobe Illustrator before going professional. "Knowing the right tools is key to creating quality work," she adds.

They both mention that earnings can vary month to month based on season and workload. Noushin says, "It can go up to 1 lakh a month, but sometimes it's Tk50,000 or nothing. It depends on how many clients I take on." Farah adds, "It's similar for me — some months are busy with high-paying projects, others are slower. It depends on the work and clients I get."

Car dealership

Shahjalal Alam Abir, director of Sales and Marketing at Car Zeo, runs a car dealership importing reconditioned and new vehicles, mainly from Japan. His journey began with a passion for cars, sharing knowledge through blogs and YouTube reviews, which helped build credibility before launching his business in 2021.

A common misconception about car dealerships is the need for huge investments and a fancy showroom. Shahjalal defied this by starting with just enough capital for import licenses. Using his online reputation to convince clients to pre-order cars allowed him to operate without upfront capital. His competitive pricing has been key to his success.

"Setbacks like losing clients to competitors can be tough, but I try to remain optimistic," Abir shares. His biggest strength is his competitive pricing, which has set him apart in the market. As the business grew, he opened his first display centre, further expanding his reach. 

The profits in the car dealership business are influenced by the types of cars sold and the negotiation skills.  

Abir started with a service fee for pre-orders, which has since increased slowly over time as the business grew. It included a display centre with ready-stock cars and employees, and his profit margins shifted accordingly. 

Markups usually range between 5-6% of the invested amount, with higher profits on premium cars based on the terms negotiated with customers. "Focus on honesty, transparency, fair pricing, along with excellent negotiation skills, and the success of this business is within reach," he concludes. 

Makeup artistry

Starting a career as a makeup artist often begins with a passion for makeup and fashion, and that is exactly how it all started for Keya. Based in Dhaka, Keya is a renowned makeup artist who runs her own page, Zannatul Keya Makeup Artistry. 

She began her journey in 2022, experimenting with different looks on her own through trial and error before eventually turning it into a profession. 

Self-taught and fueled by a love for makeup, she gradually gained clients through word of mouth and mutual connections. Soon, she was posting makeup tutorials on Facebook, which helped her build a following and attract more clients.

During off-seasons, she focuses on honing her skills, offering discounts to attract new clients, and spending time with her family — something that is harder to do during peak wedding season, like in December. 

"You really need confidence in your own abilities, a good understanding of what the client wants, patience, and the willingness to stay open-minded," she shares. Keeping up with trends is crucial, and hiring a solid marketing team has been key for her, especially in a saturated market.

While earnings may be modest at first, depending on skill and the quality of work, the potential to earn more comes with experience. As an expert, she's able to charge higher rates, which can eventually push monthly earnings into six figures — again, depending on the number of clients she takes on.