When you think of freelancing, you may think of the unemployed who are trying to make ends meet or those that want to be their own boss. But freelancing is not only for the unemployed or entrepreneurs. It’s also for those that are currently employed full-time and want to bring in some extra cash.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Freelancing offers flexibility and the ability to work on your own terms. |
| It allows you to pursue your passion projects outside of your full-time job. |
| Freelancing provides opportunities to diversify your income streams and increase your earning potential. |
| You can develop new skills and gain valuable experience through freelance work. |
| Freelancing offers a chance to build a professional network and expand your connections. |
| It allows you to explore different industries and expand your knowledge. |
When You Go Freelance
This is especially true in these tough financial times. There is no shame in looking for another source of income. The more money we can bring in, the more freedom we will have to reach our goals – whether it be a dream vacation, putting money towards your child’s college education, or building up your emergency fund.
Instead of working a second job when you get home from work, why not put on your freelance hat and turn that hobby into a profitable business?
[My Freelancing Journey: An Introduction To Being Own Boss]
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Why Freelancing
Freelancing is the opportunities, possibilities, and flexibility that you can’t get from a full-time job. Full-time job postings are so competitive and most of them are about systemizing. When you have a freelancing business in addition to full-time jobs, you gain more income opportunities and experiences that you’ll not likely get if you stay in one position.
Freelancing Experience
Several freelancers have told me they have enjoyed the wide spectrum of projects as well as the creative freedom that come with freelance.
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Some Benefits Of Freelancing While Working Full-Time Include:
1. You Are Free To Choose When To Do Things
As a freelancer, you decide when, where and how to work. There is no office space that tells you what to do or makes demands on your time. It means that if there is something important coming up in your life, such as an event with friends or family, for example, you can simply rearrange your schedule accordingly (as long as you don’t have any contracts with a client).
[Read – 8 Proven Steps to Overcome Freelancer Burnout]
2. You Can Build Up Your Resume And Gain New Skills
Being a freelancer will allow you to develop new skills while adding them to your resume. When you have multiple skills, it makes you more marketable to potential employers down the road.
If you are in the marketing field, freelance writing is a great skill to have. You can use this skill to show how you are adaptable and how you can write in different tones.
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3. You Gain Valuable Experience Working With Clients
One of the biggest benefits of being a freelancer is that you get experience working with clients. Working with clients will help you build relationships that may come in handy later on down the road.
If a client needs help with something and has a friend or another business that needs your services, they will most likely refer them to you if they have had a positive experience working with you as a freelancer.
Generation Z is reshaping the freelance economy with their unique skills and perspectives. Explore the impact of this generation on freelancing by reading our insightful article: Generation Z Is Driving a Freelance Economy.
4. Being A Freelancer Allows For Flexible Hours
Many people wrongly think that having two or three jobs means spending less time on each job. However, a lot of freelance work can be done digitally, from the comfort of your own home, which means that you can work from as many or as few jobs as you like.
Because this kind of work is so flexible, you’re never forced to sacrifice either completing a task in an organized and efficient manner or working in addition to another job while also trying to keep hold of both your personal and professional life.
5. Financial Security
When you have a full-time job, you don’t need to worry about the next paycheck. However, if you were to find yourself searching for another job, as an independent contractor, your income would be more consistent. Because freelancing offers a more certain flow of income, it would not affect your financial situation as much as it would if you were only working one job.
6. You Have The Time And Ability To Be Creative
Freelancers are quick to grasp new ideas, as they only have to please themselves. It is easier for them to see through their own eyes where the project could be improved. This is something that agencies often struggle with. Short deadlines can force them to make compromises to stick to a schedule that is set by somebody else.
Are you passionate about writing and interested in the renewable energy industry? Discover how to pursue your dreams by becoming a freelance writer in the renewable energy sector with our comprehensive guide: How to Become a Freelance Writer in the Renewable Energy Industry.
Final Thought
In the end, being a part-time freelancer is a great way to make a little extra cash on the side while maintaining full-time employment. It keeps you busy on the weekends and during holidays. Plus, earning your first dollar as a freelancer is an incredibly fulfilling feeling that can be difficult to match elsewhere (especially if you’re just starting out). There are many other ways that freelancing can benefit you, but hopefully, these five have helped illustrate how it can benefit both your current career and the full-time job that you already have.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to explore the benefits and reasons for choosing a freelance career:
Becoming a Freelancer Is a Great Choice. Here’s Why.: Discover the advantages of freelancing and why it can be a rewarding career path.
Benefits of a Freelance Career: Learn about the various benefits and advantages of pursuing a freelance career.
Top Reasons People Choose Freelance: Explore the top reasons why individuals opt for a freelance lifestyle and the advantages it offers.
Benefits Of Being A Freelancer In Addition To Having A Full-Time Job FAQs
Question: How does one go about being a full-time freelance writer, along with having a full time job?
Answer: Start small and be disciplined: When I first started doing freelance writing on the side, it was only for a few hours each week. To be honest, I didn’t make very much money during that first year because of this. But what was important is that this gave me a good understanding of the industry.
Question: Is working freelance doable?
Answer: Many people ask “Should I freelance?”, especially if they are already employed by a company. Freelancing is not for everyone, though. There are still some potential drawbacks to this profitable job which makes one consider whether they should be a freelancer. But don’t let those discouragements stop you from trying freelance work out! Freelancing offers different benefits.
Question: Does Freelancer pay taxes like regular employees do ?
Answer: Though freelancers don’t pay taxes for money earned, they do have to pay them on their earnings. This means that a freelancer who makes $12,000 a year has to pay taxes on that portion of his or her income. (Freelancers earn an additional 10 per cent of wages in self-employment tax.) In Tanzania, however, you do not have to pay freelance taxes.
Question: How Many Hours Per Week Do You Work As Freelancer?
Answer: That’s according to the most recent annual freelancing report from Freelancers Union and Upwork. The report surveyed nearly 7,000 freelancers across the U.S. and found that 22 per cent of them worked over 40 hours a week, while 26 per cent worked less than 20 hours per week.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.