Reading and speaking part 1

PRE-READING TASK:

Argument vs. Counterargument

Get divided into two teams. Team 1 is to support the idea of having a job by providing arguments in favour of this option and also arguments against running a business. Team 2 is to come up with their arguments in favour of running a business and with those against having a job. Take 5 minutes for a team discussion and put down the keywords for your arguments and counterarguments into the table below. The task for each team is to beat the other team's argument by a counterargument. The team who is the last one to produce an argument or a counterargument is the winner.

Having a Job		Running a Business
PROs	CONs		PROs	CONs

READING TASK

Match the headings to the paragraphs. There are two extra headings you do not have to use.

1. You Can’t Lose Your House When You Lose Your Job

2. A Job Is More Secure

3. You Are Not Your Own Boss.

4. Fewer Headaches

5. Work Less Hours

6. Jobs Provide A Steady Income

7. You Have All The Chances To Get Promoted.

Running your own business is not for everyone. Some people have the temperament to do it, others don't.

If you can do it, it can be a wonderful experience. However, it's better to go into it with both eyes open, not with rose-colored glasses on.

So, here are 5 reasons why it’s better to have a job rather than run own your own business. 

1. __________

Security is the #1 reason people have jobs.  Yes, you may get laid off at any time. But does that mean that starting a business is much more secure?

Sorry to discourage you, but most new businesses go under within 2 years. Most people keep their jobs longer than 2 years.

No doubt, a job provides WAY more security.  Lose your job and you can find another one.  Lose your business and you may lose your house (more on that later).

2. ___________

If income swings are hard for you, then a job is way better.  Some people say they are underpaid.  Or they pay late.  But can you handle having NO income for months and then get a large sum?

If you are someone who does not have the temperament to handle financial insecurity, then having a job is right for you.

Some people may say you’re a wage slave.  But remember that your salary is not at all your responsibility; it is your employer who has to think about it.

3.___________

You may think that business people just sit back and watch the money flow in.

But the sad truth is that if you have a business, you work ALL the time.  You are on call 24 hours a day when you run a business.  Your boss calls you at home a lot?  Well, your clients have NO PROBLEM calling you at home. And honestly, in the beginning, you cannot afford to have them NOT call you at home.

A joke all business owners like to tell is: you’ll work 80 hours a week just for the privilege of not working 40 hours for someone else.  But it’s not a joke… it’s true.

4. ___________

You think it’s bad working for one boss?  Imagine that you have 20 bosses.  Try 100.  Try 1,000.  Well, your clients are your bosses and they tell you exactly what to do.  Sure you can choose whom you can work with, but really, how many clients do you think you will turn down when they pay?  Be your own boss? Really?

Once you’ve established your business, you can work with better clients.  But it takes time. Let me hammer this in your head: you always work for someone—whether it’s clients, customers or the government—you DO work for someone. 

5. ___________

Some personal development gurus tell you having a job is sooo risky.

Let’s see, how do you get money to start that business?  You take it from your savings or borrow it.

So, if your business goes under (most do), you lose your savings or default on a big loan.

Do you ever lose your life savings by losing a job?

POST-READING TASK:

Say whether the statements are true or false:

• The author considers that you can easily refuse from a client if you don't like them.

• You shouldn't go into business if security is your main priority.

• You can hardly ever relax if you are running a business.

• If you own a business your income will always be stable.

• No one can guarantee that you will return the money you invested into your business.