Flying Solo: Freelancing Pros and Cons
By: Fashion Potluck
Tags: Freelancing, Freelancers, Freelance, Employment, Freelance Writing

Originally published at fashionpotluck.com.

Freelancing — a term many people link to being at the beach in Bali and sipping your 3rd Mojito while doing some casual, enjoyable work from your laptop. Unfortunately, the reality is a bit different and although the following content might crush your dreams, you will at least be equipped with insights into the pros and cons of freelancing. If you are a complete newbie and would like to start looking for freelance jobs, check these sites: Freelancer, Sologig and Upwork. Also, make sure to join Slack Community for Growth-Minded Freelancers.

Freelancing undoubtedly gives you freedom, however good self-discipline, risk-taking, and persistence are necessary. Before suddenly quitting your full-time job and rushing into a freelance career, read the following pros and cons to find out whether it is really what you’re looking for.

You get the freedom everyone keeps talking about

Pros: Long gone are the days when you would find a company, get a desk, and stay at the same spot for the next 25 years. Nowadays, more than ever, young people are not afraid of job hopping and are regularly seeking new challenges, environments, and experiences. Some studies show that ‘45% of newly hired college grads remain with a company for under two years’ and by the age of 35, about 25% of young employees have had five jobs.

Freelancing is becoming more popular every year: currently, 57.3 million Americans are doing freelance jobs. One of the main reasons people choose this lifestyle is that it gives them more freedom to organize themselves and set their schedule. Indeed, when working as a freelancer, you are the one setting the schedule of your work and you have much more flexibility. You don’t have to wake up and start working at a specific time, and if you prefer working overnight, you are completely free to do so.

Cons: Although you are your own boss, you still have to respect your client’s deadlines. To help you manage your time wisely, check this article to find out the 9 Rules for Successful Management.

You can work from your bed

Pros: How many times have you wished to stay in your pajama and work from bed? Being a freelancer, you can actually do so! The casual work attire indeed sounds great, not to mention saving money on fancy work clothes.

Although being a freelancer does not guarantee you a stable salary, it, however, helps cut some costs. One of the biggest expenses when working for a company is the cost of transport. Working as a freelancer, you can finally quit your daily, annoying commute and can move to the cozy spot in the coffee place around the corner. If you feel like talking to other people and exchanging your insights and ideas, joining a co-working shared space is also a good idea. Check these sites to find shared spaces and offices around the world: Sharedesk, Share My Space and LiquidSpace.

Cons: Working from home might be nice in the beginning, however, you can easily become lazy. If you work from home, you need to organize your schedule and stick to it, otherwise, you can lose both your time and motivation!

You can finally unleash your creativity

Pros: Being a freelancer, you can finally use your own approach to get work done! Although you have less guidance, you do have more creative freedom and can fully realize a project in your own way. As a freelancer, you can indeed reach your full potential and do stuff you actually love. If you mess up, you take responsibility and learn from it. And, you appreciate your effort more than someone else ever will.

Cons: Working by yourself is…

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