Why Programmers Shouldn’t Be A Freelancer
Tags: freelance, webdev, beginners, react
Published: 2024-07-11 04:29:10

It’s better to quit if you can. There are so many benefits to being an employee.

## **Protected by labor laws**

If you enter into a contract (especially a contract for work) as a freelancer, no one will protect you, even if you end up working huge amounts of time. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own death from overwork.

In contrast, company employees are protected by a very powerful law called labor laws. Although it is lax in other places, overtime is illegal, and there are limits on working hours. If the terms of your contract with a company do not comply with the Labor Standards Act, the contract itself can be invalidated. That is how powerful labor laws are.

## **There are great financial benefits.**

For example, if you want to study for your job, your company may cover the cost of specialized books and paid courses. Some companies also pay for welcome parties, and some even subsidize rent. Depending on the company, the monthly health insurance premium may be capped at $200-$300.

In addition to the amount you pay for yourself, the company also pays the same amount for employees’ pension insurance, so on average, you can receive more than twice the amount of the national pension, depending on your income. There are many direct financial benefits like this.

## **Even if you lose your job**

There is an item for “employment insurance” on your pay slip, right? If you are enrolled in this, even if the company goes bankrupt tomorrow, or if you are laid off due to personnel reductions, unemployment insurance will be paid immediately if it is due to company circumstances (there are conditions such as a waiting period of several days, enrollment in employment insurance for more than six months, and job hunting).

If the company goes bankrupt due to unpaid wages, you can also use the accuracy of the government guarantee. However, freelancers usually do not have such a safety net. If you lose your job, your income is $0. You are essentially a NEET. You will always be fighting this fear, so if you are mentally weak, I recommend that you stay as a company employee. If you are an employee, you will receive a salary just by sitting.

## **Social trust is enormous**

Unless **y**ou have a very well-known track record, it is safe to say that you have almost no social trust. For example, there are the following specific disadvantages.

-   It is more difficult to apply for a credit card or take out a loan compared to when you are an employee (basically you apply for a credit card while you are still an employee)
-   It becomes harder to pass the screening process when renting a room.

It can also cause problems in business. For example, when trying to make an appointment with a company, if you are an employee, you are seen as a member of that organization, so if it is a first-section listed company or a group company, you can make as many appointments as you like. It may sound bad, but you can use the company’s trust as your own.

However, if you become an individual, you must prepare to be turned away unless you know them. Being treated like this can be quite mentally tough.

## **There are almost no tasks other than your main job**

In a company with a certain number of employees, roles are divided and there are specialists in each field. However, the moment you become freelance, you will be responsible for all of them.

Of course, you can outsource, but you can’t do without studying at all. If you want to enter into a contract or do any commercial activity, you need legal knowledge, and you need to file a tax return at least once a year, so accounting and financial knowledge is also essential.

Freelancers are “managers,” so if you are not good at finance or numbers, you tend to get into a difficult situation. You will also be given general affairs work. Even if you become independent in a position other than sales, you will need to do a minimum amount of sales activity.

There are many people who want to concentrate on their main job but are not allowed to do so, or who are not suited to these jobs, so they quit freelancing and return to being a salaried employee.

## **Why do people become freelancers**

So why do people give up these enormous benefits to become freelancers? It is said that there are two main types, and most people would fall into one of the following categories.

-   You have a proven track record and advanced skills, so you can expect to receive a very high salary.
-   I am not suited to being an employee (in an organization) and have no choice but to live as a freelancer.

By the way, I’m a social misfit so I’d say it’s more the latter lol ＼(^o^)

Back to the point.

If you consider yourself to be the former, I think it’s a good idea to take the risks mentioned above and become independent. You only live once. It’s very meaningful to take on challenges so that you don’t have any regrets, and if you’re lucky, you can expect a return that’s commensurate with your efforts.

In the latter case, the most difficult thing is where to get work from. It is necessary to get it continuously, not one-off. Recently, there are companies that will introduce you to projects, but they charge a 30–40% “commission” and in many cases you will work at the client’s site. It’s the worst.

If you can only get work from these places, you will end up taking a lot of risks even though the environment and treatment are not that different from that of a company employee. In other words, technical ability is important, but sales ability and communication skills to get work are also extremely important.

So, whether you choose the former or the latter, the golden pattern for going independent is to build up a track record and connections while working for a company. You need both, not just one. It’s also effective to start a side business little by little while you’re still working for a company.

Recently, there’s been a trend towards lifting the ban on side jobs, so this

might be a good time. It would be great if you could go independent when your side business is on track and you’re sure you can make a living even if you quit your job.

Why do you want to become a freelancer? Why do you need to become one? Do you have the achievements and skills to be able to live as a freelancer, and even more so, the communication skills?

It’s up to each individual to decide based on their own circumstances. You don’t necessarily have to become a freelancer. If you feel that the things I’ve mentioned so far are difficult, I think you’d be happier working as a company employee.