Autonomy and Control in Work

Autonomy is the freedom to make your own decisions and manage your own work. It's a powerful motivator and a key reason why many people choose to start a _Company of One.

To achieve autonomy, you need to be a master of your craft. Competence and autonomy are intrinsically linked. The better you are at what you do, the more freedom you'll have to do it on your own terms. This often means putting in the time to learn the rules before you can break them.

For freelancers and entrepreneurs, autonomy can be a double-edged sword. You might trade a micromanaging boss for micromanaging clients. The key to avoiding this is to build your expertise and reputation. As you become known for your skills, you'll be able to attract better clients who trust your judgment and give you more control over the work.

In a corporate setting, companies can foster autonomy by creating environments like a Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE), where employees are judged on their output, not the hours they work. This leads to increased productivity, satisfaction, and retention.

Ultimately, autonomy is about building a career that fits your life, not the other way around.