What Are the Advantages of Becoming a Freelancer?
Did you know that there are around 44 million self-employed people in the United States? From running small coffee shops to owning a private law practice, more people are switching to self-employment than ever before.
If you are thinking about making the leap to self-employment, becoming a freelancer could be the perfect career for you. A freelancer is someone who does work for someone else but isn’t employed by them.
Some of the most common freelancing jobs include writing, photography, design, and computer programming. Do you want to learn more about the benefits of becoming a freelancer? If so, keep reading!
Flexible Hours
One of the best things about having your own freelancing business is that you get to choose your work hours. For many people, the traditional 9-5 doesn’t work.
Working from 9-5 makes it difficult to pick the kids up from school, go to the doctors, or hit the gym when it’s not busy. When you become a freelancer, you get complete flexibility with your hours.
If you are someone that prefers to work in the morning, you can start working as early as you want. If you prefer working at night, you have the freedom to do so.
Do you want to go grocery shopping around lunchtime when it is slow? If so, that’s not a problem.
Location Independence
In addition to getting the freedom to choose your hours, you also get to decide where you work. Many freelancers work in a home office, but others work while traveling the globe.
One of the best things about freelancing is figuring out where you work best. While some people need the peer pressure of working in a coworking space, others do just fine working in bed.
No boss is telling you when or where to report to work, so you have the freedom to decide.
Avoid Office Politics
One of the worst things about working in an office is office politics. If you don’t like gossip, meetings that waste time, and new policies that don’t make sense, being a freelancer is ideal for you.
When you work for yourself as a freelancer, you save time and energy by avoiding drama. No one can hold you back because of office politics. You are in control of your professional growth.
No Commuting
If you currently have an office job, you know that commuting is horrible. Whether you live 5 minutes from the office or an hour away, having a daily commute can feel like a waste of time.
Driving to work each day can be especially bad if you live in a big city with a ton of traffic. Not only do you have to worry about showing up to work late, but there are also safety concerns.
When you become a freelancer, your daily commute will be from your bed to your office. Avoiding the daily commute will give you more time to get your work done and spend time with your family.
Control Your Income
Another benefit of becoming a freelancer is that you get control over your income. When you work a traditional office job, you have a set salary.
There isn’t potential to make more money unless your boss determines it is time for you to get a raise.
As a freelancer, you can work as little or as much as you want. You also have the freedom to determine your pay rates, so you can make more money if you want to.
Have Multiple Streams of Income
In addition to controlling your income, becoming a freelancer also allows you to have multiple income streams. As a freelancer, you should always try to have more than one client.
If one client decides to no longer do business with you, you will have other work to do until you find a new client. If you have a traditional job and get fired, you will be out of work until you find a new job.
Many people believe that freelancing comes with a lack of job security, but it can provide more job security than a traditional job.
Achieve Work/Life Balance
If you have ever worked a traditional office job, you know that work/life balance is difficult at times. Between business trips, evening meetings, and projects, it may feel like you never get time off.
Maintaining a good work/life balance is essential to avoiding burnout, reducing stress, and keeping motivation. Having a good work/life balance allows you to spend time with family and do your hobbies.
One of the best things about being a freelancer is that you are in charge of your schedule and workload, making it easier to keep a good balance.
You can decide to take time off when you are feeling stressed, when your children have an event, or when you need a vacation. You don’t have to ask for permission or feel guilty.
Learn New Skills
Another benefit of becoming a freelancer is that you get the opportunity to learn new skills. If you are a freelancer, you have to be good at the service you offer to clients.
That means you should keep learning new things. For example, if you are a freelance writer, you should learn new writing techniques and focus on reading new books. There is always room for improvement as a freelancer.
In addition to having a specialty, you also need to have good business skills. You have to learn about finances, taxes, networking, and contracts for freelancers.
Are You Ready to Enjoy the Benefits of Becoming a Freelancer?
If you want a break from the traditional 9-5 career, becoming a freelancer could be a good option for you. Before deciding to become a freelancer, keep these benefits in mind.
