Joel Young and France-Inge Muller have both taken the plunge into self-employment and are reaping the rewards.
Going from the security of being employed to becoming their own boss was “double the risk” for Northland couple France-Inge Muller and Joel Young.
But despite the highs and lows, and sheer hard work, the Whangārei residents are adamant; they wouldn’t give it up for the world.
Muller, 23, had been working in the banking industry for five years in various roles including assistant manager, when she decided to become self-employed as a financial adviser last March.
Young, 26, had taken the plunge the year before, leaving his landscaping job to become self-employed as a personal trainer.
“When I was employed, it didn’t feel as rewarding, I was doing more and nothing was coming from it,” Muller said.
“It got to the point where I had to try, and if I failed, I failed.
“It was a big risk, especially since Joel was also self-employed before I made the switch ... so it was double the risk.”
Muller said being self-employed had been a bit of a “roller-coaster” so far.
It took a while for her initial work to pay off, and she had to be patient as the referrals and reviews started rolling in.
But the couple knew the first few years would be tough.
There were financial pressures, uncertainty, long hours, and a constant investment of time and energy, they said.
Last year in particular, they had very little time for each other as their schedules often clashed.
Typically, Young’s days start early, and many of Muller’s clients are only able to meet in the evenings after work.
“There are nights I don’t get home until 7 to 10pm, while he’s already preparing for a 4 to 6am start the next day,” Muller said.
“There are all the stresses that come with financial pressure ... not knowing if we have enough to pay rent or groceries.”
Young said he’d always wanted to get into the sport and fitness industry and had been studying it for six years before becoming his own boss.
He gained a degree in sport science from the University of Gloucestershire in the UK before moving to New Zealand in 2023 on a rugby scholarship.
“The opportunity came up to be a personal trainer in a Whangārei gym.
“I’ve built up a good client base ... it’s been tough but I wouldn’t change it.
“I’m starting to see the rewards; I’m getting more consistent clients, it’s busier, and personally, we’ve been able to get engaged and have holidays and get some balance back.”
When things slowed down over the Christmas holiday period, the motivated couple offered to do odd jobs on social media, such as house cleaning, lawn mowing, gardening, house sitting, and dog walking.
They need the extra money to save for their wedding, after Young proposed while they were in Fiji in January. They plan to marry in March 2027.
Despite the challenges, Muller said she has more ambition and drive to succeed, along with greater freedom and flexibility.
The couple also feel a deeper sense of reward than they did while employed, now that they’re doing what they love.
They are both proud of the impact they’re having on their clients’ financial, physical, and mental wellbeing.
“Mentally it’s been a game changer, knowing the direction I’m going in and the value I have in my family and myself,” Muller said.
“Watching people grow stronger, healthier, more confident, or more secure financially is incredibly fulfilling, and that sense of purpose overtakes the struggles that come with being self-employed.”
Northland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Leah McKerrow said while she hadn’t noticed a trend in young people leaving their jobs to become self-employed, it was worth the risk for some.
“Any business requires passion and commitment.
“If people have an idea and follow business processes they can do really well.”
McKerrow said as demographics change, this generation may not be willing to work for others, so they’re taking work matters into their own hands.
“Our normal view of what work is, is changing.
“Many young people are not buying into the ‘working for a boss’ mentality.
“They want more flexibility, they want to be masters of their own destiny.
“They possibly see their parents and question ‘why would I do that for someone else and not have a life?’.”
Muller said while their work requires some sacrifices now, they believe it will pay off in the long-run.
“I love the role I’m doing because it impacts people’s lives and I can see the benefit it has.
“I wouldn’t give it up for the world despite the hardships.”
Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.