# work for yourself

CEFR B1 · Fixed phrase

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/work-for-yourself
Updated: 2026-07-29

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.