Mastering Professional Communication: Essays, Opinions, and Formal Letters

Self-Employment: Advantages and Disadvantages

Discussing the Pros and Cons of Being Your Own Boss

Have you ever considered becoming your own boss? In recent years, the number of people choosing to start their own business has risen significantly. Many claim that this trend is due to a growing desire for independence and a shift away from traditional employment.

Advantages of Self-Employment

• Complete Self-Reliance: You are fully in charge and can make all decisions independently.
• Sense of Freedom: This autonomy provides a great sense of freedom, allowing you to pursue your vision without external interference.
• Flexible Working Hours: Your working day can be planned for your convenience, enabling you to work when and how you are most productive.
• Direct Credit for Success: If your business thrives, you alone receive the credit and recognition for your hard work and achievements.

Disadvantages of Being Your Own Boss

However, there are also significant challenges to being your own boss. Many self-employed individuals report that building a successful business often requires:

• Long Working Hours: A willingness to dedicate extensive hours to your venture.
• Sacrifice of Personal Life: The need to often compromise personal time and social activities.

All things considered, self-employment can be a profoundly gratifying experience, though it is certainly not without its difficulties. Yet, when success is achieved, the greatest reward is the profound knowledge that you have built something significant entirely on your own.

Mobile Phones in Schools: An Opinion Piece

Balancing Student Safety and Classroom Focus

Nowadays, more and more students bring their mobile phones to school. While I believe that students should carry mobile phones for emergency situations, I am strongly opposed to their general use at school, particularly within the classroom.

Arguments for Mobile Phones in Schools

Firstly, many students travel to and from school without their parents. Therefore, it is important for them to have a mobile phone in case they need help or encounter an accident on their way to or from school. Furthermore, parents who work may need to contact their children. For example, if a parent has to work late, the student needs to be informed if alternative arrangements have been made for a relative or neighbor to look after them.

Arguments Against Mobile Phones in Classrooms

On the other hand, nothing is more disruptive during a lesson than the sound of a mobile phone ringing or playing an annoying tune. Moreover, students who send and receive text messages in class are clearly not paying attention to the lesson, which hinders their learning and disrupts others.

In conclusion, I feel that students should be allowed to take mobile phones to school for use strictly in emergencies. However, all phones should certainly be turned off and put away during lessons to ensure a focused learning environment.

Formal Letter: Apology for Meeting Absence

Professional Correspondence Example

The Bank Manager
11 Tree Road
Sheffield
S22 7UK

Dear Sir/Madam,

Subject: Apology for Absence from Meeting on Wednesday, 15th May

I am writing to sincerely apologize for my inability to attend the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 15th May.

My absence was due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond my control. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused you.

I would like to inquire if it would be possible to arrange another meeting in the near future to discuss the relevant matters.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,

Ignacio Hernandez