Is The Freelancing Lifestyle Right For You?
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably daydreamed about working from home, being your own boss, making your own hours, and working in your pajamas. Freelancing is one way to make this daydream a reality. And there’s never been a more opportune time to do it.
The number of workers freelancing globally has been rising rapidly for a number of years with the emergence of new technologies, and as companies realize the benefits of employing freelancers. In the UK, there are already over 1.5 million freelancers, and that number is expected to rise sharply by 2020.
Is freelancing, and working from home, right for you? Well, maybe. Like anything else, it has its pros, and then it has its cons. Let’s take a look at some of the realities of the freelance lifestyle.
Working As A Freelancer
Freelancing requires self-discipline. Working at a regular job, you’re usually doing the same things each day, and you’re motivated by your boss and fellow workers. Completing work assignments on a deadline without supervision is completely different, and not everyone can be successful at it.
It’s feast and famine. Sometimes you’ll have so much work you’ll feel overwhelmed, at other times you’re sitting there waiting for something to do. And not making any money.
You’ll work more hours. Yes, you can work when you want, but if you want to pay the bills you’ll probably find you’re working more hours than you did at your old job, often unpaid administrative chores.
It’s lonely. You’ll likely be working all by yourself, with very little human interaction. An active social life after work helps a lot.
Freelancing isn’t for everyone, and it has its downside, but it can also be very rewarding. Consider carefully before making the leap.