Freelancing as a Career?

Becoming a freelancer is a little like stepping off a ledge into the abyss, not knowing whether there’ll be enough work to keep you afloat, and whether your business idea is actually going to succeed.

I have learned a lot about the pro’s and con’s of working as an employee or choosing to go it alone as a freelancer.

With employment comes a certain level of safety and stability; which includes a steady income with rights to sick pay, annual and other forms of leave. There is also potential for promotion and some jobs include training and development, bonuses and company benefits.

With freelance work, I would be able to potentially earn a lot more money and claim tax benefits, as well as choose my hours of work, therefore having more flexibility. I would be in control of who I work with, choose the company direction, and have more creative freedom.

There are of course some downsides to being a freelancer. The biggest threat is financial instability, and not knowing when the next job will land. There is also no applicable employment rights, which means that if the business isn’t doing very well I would not be able to take leave.

Employment can also have many negatives. These include capped pay and creativity, set hours, working with people who don’t respect you and office politics.

Overall I have learned that although there are concerns for going freelance, I would be responsible for running the business my way, and with confidence and determination, I’m looking forward to the challenge of seeking out new opportunities as a freelance creative.