Hi MSE forum,
I really need some advice, as I thought I was ready to do this, but I'm still wet behind the ears, and I'm beginning to panic and wonder if it was the right choice.
I'm 4 months into being self-employed full-time, having quit my day job to focus on starting a business, and on my first book contract.
I'm working as a freelance illustrator on a big comic book contract, which is taking longer than expected (6 months+). It's great, as I want to be 'known' as an artist and get more work as a freelancer. However, it's taking time, and I get paid nothing until it's published - And that will be digital download only. I get a small % per download. If it does well, it will be published as a paperback and I'll get a bit more... But besides all that, I am not getting paid anything for it right now.
At the same time I am slowly setting up a small t-shirt design business. I am in the middle of setting up an online shop, and I plan to run a few market stalls this summer.
However, my savings are dwindling and I'm afraid the money will run out before I get going. I am luckily living with family for free to help me start, however, this will only be until June (as I initially agreed with them), then I will be expected to pay rent as a normal tenant.
So that's my situation...
I've just heard about the New Enterprise Allowance, however I must be on JSA to claim. Am I qualified for going on JSA? I am working, but again I'm getting nothing until things are published.
With NEA, I could at least get more support for my business start-up.
Or should I apply for Working Tax Credits instead?
I'm really unsure of what to do now, and any advice would be GOLD. Please, does anyone have some advice?
I really need some advice, as I thought I was ready to do this, but I'm still wet behind the ears, and I'm beginning to panic and wonder if it was the right choice.
I'm 4 months into being self-employed full-time, having quit my day job to focus on starting a business, and on my first book contract.
I'm working as a freelance illustrator on a big comic book contract, which is taking longer than expected (6 months+). It's great, as I want to be 'known' as an artist and get more work as a freelancer. However, it's taking time, and I get paid nothing until it's published - And that will be digital download only. I get a small % per download. If it does well, it will be published as a paperback and I'll get a bit more... But besides all that, I am not getting paid anything for it right now.
At the same time I am slowly setting up a small t-shirt design business. I am in the middle of setting up an online shop, and I plan to run a few market stalls this summer.
However, my savings are dwindling and I'm afraid the money will run out before I get going. I am luckily living with family for free to help me start, however, this will only be until June (as I initially agreed with them), then I will be expected to pay rent as a normal tenant.
So that's my situation...
I've just heard about the New Enterprise Allowance, however I must be on JSA to claim. Am I qualified for going on JSA? I am working, but again I'm getting nothing until things are published.
With NEA, I could at least get more support for my business start-up.
Or should I apply for Working Tax Credits instead?
I'm really unsure of what to do now, and any advice would be GOLD. Please, does anyone have some advice?