Cambridge IELTS 14 Test 4 Writing Task 2: Sample Answer

In recent years, a growing proportion of workers have chosen to run their own businesses instead of taking a position in a company. There are understandable reasons for this shift, but it also carries real risks.

One major reason is the desire for independence. Self-employed people can set their own hours, choose their clients and decide how a project should be carried out, which appeals to those who find rigid office routines stifling. Parents, for example, often value the flexibility to arrange work around childcare. Technology has also lowered the barriers to starting up: with a laptop and an internet connection, a designer or consultant can find customers worldwide without renting expensive premises. In addition, some people believe that working for themselves offers higher earning potential, since profits are not shared with an employer.

Another factor is dissatisfaction with traditional employment. Redundancies, stagnant salaries and limited promotion prospects have persuaded many workers that a salaried job is no longer as secure as it once seemed. Building their own business gives them greater control over their future, even if it demands considerable effort.

However, being self-employed has notable disadvantages. The most obvious is financial instability, because income may fluctuate sharply from month to month, and there is no paid holiday, sick leave or pension contribution from an employer. A freelancer who falls ill may simply earn nothing. Moreover, the workload can be overwhelming, as one person must handle marketing, accounting and customer service in addition to the actual work. This often leads to long hours, isolation and stress, and many new ventures fail within a few years because of poor cash flow.

In conclusion, people choose self-employment mainly for freedom, flexibility and the chance of greater rewards, but they must be ready for uncertain earnings and heavy responsibility.