You are thinking about taking salaried employment
- Frances Gallimore
- The choice
- 31 October 2025
- Edited 24 November 2025
- 3 min
- Ending and deregistration
You once dreamed of being your own boss. Making all your own decisions. But that also means paying for everything yourself, arranging everything yourself, and earning everything yourself. Sometimes you wonder whether you would be better off with a permanent job and a salary. Are you considering becoming an employee? First find out how you can become more secure as an entrepreneur and then make your choice.
Do these statements reflect your situation?
- You want a more secure income.
- You find some things about being an entrepreneur difficult.
- You miss having colleagues around you.
- You feel like you are always working and want more free time.
- You have been offered a permanent job.
What options do you have?
Read here what you can do.
1. Get an overview of your turnover, costs, and profits
Work on increasing your security as an entrepreneur by calculating your financial situation. Use these insights to determine what choices you can make. For example, can you reduce costs or increase your prices? Or do you need to find more customers? Clear solutions may also give you the confidence to continue doing business.
> Download the KVK Book of Finance
> Help with finding clients and assignments
2. Collaborate with other entrepreneurs
You do not have to do business alone. Connect with other entrepreneurs and share knowledge, pass on assignments, or even start new projects together. Look for networking organisations or meetings in your area, or visit a KVK event.
> KVK Events
3. Part-time employment and entrepreneurship
You do not have to stop running your business and go into full-time employment straight away. By taking on part-time salaried employment, you can combine the security of a fixed income with the freedom to run your own business. Not sure how to go about it, or what kind of job you are looking for? You can get guidance from a Werkcentrum (work centre) in your area. Just make sure you avoid false self-employment.
> Self-employed professionals in paid employment
4. Working for a temporary employment agency
Do you want the security of a permanent job, but also variety? Then working for a temporary employment agency is also an option. You often work on a contract basis for a shorter period, which is similar to being an entrepreneur. And you do not have to worry as much about your administration or finding new assignments.
5. Becoming an employee (at your client's company)
Does your client offer you a permanent job, for example to prevent false self-employment? Discuss this and see how you can retain a certain amount of freedom and flexibility. If this is not possible, look for vacancies, for example via LinkedIn, job sites, or by sending an open application to organisations that interest you.
Continue to file your VAT return, even if you have no income temporarily
Are you going to be an employee and also a self-employed professional, and do you temporarily have no income from your business? Then continue to file your VAT returns, you can file a zero return if you have no turnover. This way, you remain active as an entrepreneur and avoid fines. If you are not active with your business for more than 6 months, you must deregister your business with KVK.
How do you choose?
Whether you continue or stop, it is about choosing what is most important to you.
- List the pros and cons: the freedom of being an entrepreneur or the security of a permanent job?
- Compare your costs and income as an entrepreneur with those of a permanent job.
- Talk about it with others. What do they think suits you best?
- Take your time. Also consider an intermediate step, such as combining salaried employment with entrepreneurship.
Want to discuss your personal situation?
Every situation is different. That is why our business advisers are happy to to help you think things through.
- Our advice is always free of charge.
- We are available every working day from 08:30 to 17.00
- Our advisers understand the practicalities and provide personal advice.
Call the KVK Advice Team
The pros and cons
We have listed a number of pros and cons for you.
| Â | Entrepreneurship | Salaried employment |
|---|---|---|
| Advantages | Freedom and independence. Growth opportunities and higher income if successful. Work based on your preferences and expertise. Control over your own decisions. | Vaste inkomsten en financiële zekerheid. CFixed income and financial security. Colleagues to brainstorm and talk to. Pension accrual, continued payment during vacation or illness, and development opportunities. Finding a job is easier due to the tight labour market. |
| Disadvantages | Uncertainty about income. Arranging your own administration and insurance. Risk of loneliness, especially without a network. Constantly looking for new clients and assignments | You are no longer your own boss. Less flexibility in working hours. Adapting to organisational culture. Sometimes less satisfaction if your work does not match your preferences. |
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Frequently asked questions
Read about everything you need to arrange in the Ending your business checklist.
It is not possible to put your business on hold. Sometimes you may have to stop your business temporarily. For example, for a study, a (temporary) job, or to travel. Read what you need to arrange depending on your situation.Â
No, deregistering from KVK is free of charge.
