For some people freelance work is an object of sarcastic jokes, for others it’s a successful reality every day. Times are changing fast, technology is evolving. E-mailing, videoconferences, social networks make all kinds of Internet communication, including business communication, easier. In fact, more and more people become extremely interested in working from home. It is an excellent opportunity for those who are disciplined, who know how and want to manage their working time by themselves. But don’t get too excited! Freelance is not for everyone, this practice has its own pros and cons. Let’s study them!
Positive sides of working as a freelancer:
- As it has been already mentioned, you are the only boss for yourself. You've got to choose both place and time to work. This gives you a chance to develop your organizational skills and successfully combine work and leisure. It also sets you free from the necessity to travel to and from work, which saves your time, money and energy considerably.
- You can work anywhere you like. This is about the most important feature of freelance activities and it’s very appealing. The first image which comes to mind: working on a sunny beach. Is it a dream? It's reality!
- You get to develop your hidden talents. Most of the freelance activities are creative: photography, writing articles and essays, drawing, writing music. You may practice freelance creative activities in combination with your regular job, which will lead to a win-win situation: increased money income plus satisfaction with creating something new.
- No pressure! Except for deadlines, of course. You need to do your work in a limited period of time, sometimes it is very short, but that’s it! Unlike working in the office, freelance job doesn't mean maintaining relationships with colleagues, unwanted social activities and forced studying.
Negative sides of working as a freelancer:
- You have to face unpredictability in every form, especially at the beginning of your practice. Before you find reliable and decent employers online and offline, you may face many unpleasant situations where you are left without payment. Unfortunately, it happens very often.
- You must find a way to promote yourself and make yourself visible on a vast freelance - job market. Freelance sites, social networks, the word of mouth - everything comes in! You’ll have to put much effort in advertising yourself. In case you don’t do this, you risk to find yourself without any projects to work on.
- Before you become experienced and busy, you have to start with modest rates. This may not be very pleasant, but it’ll facilitate the process of initial recognition.
- You realize that being organized is very hard in the world full of temptations. You start procrastinating and this, of course, ends badly for your performance, health and nerves. You may find more information on this issue right here: Royalessays.co.uk
It’s clear that before you quit a full-time or so-called "real" job and enter the world of freelance, you need to consider all the pros and cons, mentioned above. Maybe, you'll be able to find even more of them! Nonetheless, in the beginning you may combine traditional and "free" approaches to working in order to decide which one fits you most. Good luck