If you are a fee based earner, or commission only earner how do you stop worrying about the uncertainty?

You don’t. That is why it is best to save and secure as much earnings as possible.

”perhaps they do not focus on it so much as I do?”

Bingo!

@davidbetterman thanks :)

I lived in a state of constant anxiety for 35 years. That’s why, when I grow up I am going to get a job which pays a salary.

You have been making this work for 15 years and that “anxious” feeling is probably what has served as a motivator to make this all work. I would worry when you stop worrying as then it will be time to look for another line of work.

@Cruiser ty

Make sure you have a cushion. Make sure to spend 10% of your time lining up the next jobs. You’ve already worked that into your fees, right?

I don’t know; I’ve always wanted to know what would be coming in each month.

Don’t buy a home with a variable mortgage package!

Depending on the industry the commissions can swing a little to a lot. I worked on commission for years, and what I did was try to live on what was most likely the minimum I would earn, and bank the rest. Once I built up a cushion, as @worriedguy mentioned it was not a big deal, but my commissions did not swing tremendous amounts from month to month, most months were similar, but there were about 2 months a year that were traditionally VERY low, and two that were very good.

If you are exhausted look for something else that has a salary. Or, maybe think about lowering your expenses if ther is some room to do that, so you are not so dependent on the money you bring in.

@thriftymaid I know! I wish there were some magical coping skills but davidbetterman has a great outlook, wish he would expand it! Looks like he hit the nail on the head, for my question anyway.

It isn’t always easy to just not focus on if you will earn enough each month. But I have finally achieved this state of mind (I do sometimes worry a little if i am behind near the end of the month…but just a little).
I have found meditation to help me calm my mental turmoils immensely. I have been doing so for many many years.
I have been penniless and homeless before, so it isn’t too worrisome to me should it happen again (it was an adventure).
I am not a super-genius, but i am no slouch, either and I believe in myself and my ability to keep on truckin’ to the very end.

And I always remember this song! I Will Survive!!!

It is a question of perception. There is no certainty in having a “good job with a good company” anymore – if there ever was – as witness the ranks of the uemployed. Corporate employers have minimal or no loyalty to their employees. By having a diversified base of persons who want to employ your services you may in fact be more secure than anyone who works for a corporation.

I worked for a wage and for myself. I think the wage earner thing gets you used to a regular income so you end up structuring your obligations on a regualrly monthly payment. Switching from that structure to a more flexible repayment structure was one of the things that I overlooked when I first started working for myself.

I have worked commission a lot and on strictly tips and such. I just know that I will make enough to pay my bills and rent and take care of myself. I have done it for 2 years and hasn’t failed me yet. If it starts to get bad I will find another job, other than that just put away money for emergencies. Then if it starts to fail you have some put away to secure yourself while you find something else.

Get a job with a government (local, state, of federal) and you’ll work less, get paid more, and have greater security than those working for a living.