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The Distinction Between Self-Employed and Entrepreneurship

June 18, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

Let's talk about being your own boss. Self-employment is when you're the captain of your own ship. You're in charge of everything - from marketing to finance to administration. It's like being a one-person show, except you're the whole cast and crew. And hey, it's not just for lone wolves! You can have a small team to help you out.


Entrepreneurship, on the other hand, is like being a mad scientist. You're creating something new and innovative to solve a problem that nobody else has solved yet. It's risky, but potentially very rewarding. Think of it like a game of high-stakes poker - you're betting your time and money on your idea, hoping to hit the jackpot.

Then there are freelancers - the chameleons of the self-employed world. They're like Swiss Army knives, offering a range of services to multiple clients.

Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart - it requires guts, determination, and a whole lot of resilience. You have to be willing to take risks, create something new and exciting, and make a positive impact on society. Self-employment, on the other hand, gives you the freedom to work when and where you want, choose your clients and projects, and keep all the profits. But beware - it comes with a price tag of no job security, no employee benefits, and a whole lot of financial responsibility.

If you're ready to take the leap, entrepreneurship offers the potential for significant financial gain, the satisfaction of creating something from scratch and seeing it succeed, and the freedom to pursue your passion. You get to call the shots, build your own team, and watch your vision come to life.

Breaking this down even further, choosing between self-employment and entrepreneurship is like choosing between a one-night stand or a long-term relationship. Self-employment is like a fling- you offer your specialized services to clients on a project basis and then move on to the next one. But entrepreneurship is like a committed relationship - you build and scale a business with the goal of creating value and generating revenue beyond your individual efforts. If you're a solopreneur, you must be using your efforts to build a product or system that earns passive income, so your business grows value beyond your personal effort. It's like planting a tree that bears fruit for years to come.

But let's get real, if you choose between these two paths ultimately depends on your goals and preferences. If you prefer a flexible schedule with fewer risks, self-employment may be the best option for you. It's like a no-strings-attached fling that allows you to come and go as you please. But if you have a strong desire to create something bigger than yourself and take calculated risks, entrepreneurship may be the right path to pursue. It's like a committed relationship that requires hard work and dedication, but the rewards can be life changing.

So, choose wisely, because whether you want a fling or a committed relationship, make sure it aligns with your goals and aspirations. And remember, no matter what path you choose, always wear protection. I'm talking about business insurance, of course. Stay safe out there!


Cátia Mondlane is the CEO & Founder of Isabella – Estética & Cosméticos, an innovative Mozambican cosmetic company that brings natural skin solutions based on locally sourced organic and fresh ingredients. Her brand is especially for people with sensitive skin and who want to be kind to their skin at affordable prices. She is currently based in Maputo, Mozambique.

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In Guest Blog, Portuguese Content Tags Catia Mondlane, PT, Entrepreneurial Journey
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