English Reference

Word

work for yourself

Definition

fixed phrase. to be your own boss and run your own business instead of being an employee for a company.

fixed phrase. to be self-employed; to operate as a freelancer or business owner rather than being employed by a third-party entity.

Examples

“I decided to work for myself as a graphic designer.”

“After years of corporate life, she quit her job to work for herself and enjoy a more flexible schedule.”

“The rise of digital platforms has enabled many professionals to work for themselves, though they often trade job security for greater autonomy.”

Examples

simple

“I decided to work for myself as a graphic designer.”

contextual

“After years of corporate life, she quit her job to work for herself and enjoy a more flexible schedule.”

complex

“The rise of digital platforms has enabled many professionals to work for themselves, though they often trade job security for greater autonomy.”

Usage

often used interchangeably with 'be self-employed' in general conversation.

Teaching tip

contrast this with 'work for a company' to show the difference in prepositional objects; it is a useful phrase for discussing the 'gig economy' or entrepreneurship.

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference