I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there’s a lot of hype around pursuing your passion. And freelancing. There are dozens of blogs dedicated to it. Hundreds of articles on the internet about it. Thousands of people think that these two things are their secret ticket to happiness and will make them rich, both at the same time.
I’m here today to lay it all out for you the good and the bad about freelancing and pursuing your passion (and in my experience, although these terms are often used interchangeably, they’re different things) so that you can know once and for all if these two concepts will be good or bad for you!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Freelancing and pursuing your passion can be both good and bad, depending on various factors. |
| Freelancing allows for flexibility and independence in your work, giving you control over your projects and schedule. |
| Pursuing your passion through freelancing can provide a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in your career. |
| However, freelancing can also come with challenges, such as inconsistent income, client management, and the need for self-discipline. |
| It is essential to weigh the pros and cons, assess your personal goals and circumstances, and make an informed decision about freelancing and pursuing your passion. |
People Will Never Pay For Your Passion
Passion is not something that can be sold. It’s personal, it’s not tangible and it cannot be measured in any way. Passion is something that you need to develop and nurture on your own. If you think about it, people will never pay money for your passion because they don’t care about what you do or how much time or effort goes into doing it.
People only care about the result whether or not they get a good product or service at the end of their transaction with you.
So unless your job involves making other people happy by doing whatever makes them happy (i.e., working in customer service), then there will be no market for what makes you happy and why would anyone want to buy that from someone else?
Building a successful freelance career while having a full-time job is possible. Check out our article on 6 Reasons to Be a Freelancer in Addition to Having a Full-Time Job to discover the advantages and opportunities freelancing can bring to your professional life.
Pursuing Your Passion May Result In Increased Stress And Anxiety
Passion is often touted as a prerequisite for success, but it’s important to remember that passion isn’t everything. Pursuing your passion can lead to stress and anxiety. Your job whatever it is shouldn’t be something you dread doing each day.
If you find yourself feeling stressed out from working on projects related to your passion, ask yourself these questions:
- Can I make more money doing something else?
- How much would I have to earn to do this full-time?
- What other options might be available for me?
It’s Expensive To Depend On Freelance Income
One thing to keep in mind is that if you’re working on your own, you have to pay for things like health insurance and retirement. These are benefits that an employer will normally cover. You also have to pay quarterly taxes instead of once a year, and paying quarterly taxes can get expensive fast!
You also have to think about your office space if you don’t already have it free at home, then this can add up quickly too.
Even if you do work out of your house most of the time (which many freelancers do), there are other costs associated with having an office such as internet charges and utilities like electricity or water usage that may be higher than what they were before when living with roommates/family members/renting an apartment/etc…
You’ll also need equipment like computers which will cost money every month through service plans plus probably other peripheral items such as printers/scanners/etc… depending on how much paper-work gets done in each business venture type chosen by the company itself when starting up!
Losing money as a freelancer is a common concern, but understanding the reasons behind it can help you avoid potential pitfalls. Learn about 10 Reasons Why People End Up Losing Money Freelancing to protect your financial well-being and make informed decisions in your freelance career.
No One Will permit You To Do “Crazy” Things
You’re going to have to take risks. You’re going to have to fail, sometimes spectacularly. You’re going to have to try new things and learn from your mistakes. You’ll need courage when it comes time for you to put yourself out there, knowing that everyone else might think you’re crazy for doing so and that’s okay!
It’s important not only for you but also for your business. As we discussed above, no one will give anyone permission or approval (or even sympathy) if something doesn’t work out in their favor; they’ll just move on and find someone else who can help them achieve their goals instead of sticking around while they stew over their failure or rejection.
If people don’t want what you’re offering them anymore then clearly there isn’t enough value being added by staying within this particular relationship with them;
Instead of fighting against this inevitable outcome make sure it happens sooner rather than later so that both parties can move on more quickly without having wasted any more time than necessary waiting around until something happened organically on its own accord before deciding whether or not to continue down the same path would still be worth pursuing further into uncharted territory together as partners with shared interests!
Freelancers Are Usually Well-Rounded People
You may think that freelancers are only good at one thing and, if they’re not, they will never be able to do it. This is false. The fact is that most freelancers have to wear many hats because they don’t have a boss (or bosses) to tell them what to do and how long to work.
For them to make money, they must be self-starters and know how to prioritize tasks based on their clients’ needs or deadlines. They also need good communication skills for them not only to be able to interact with potential clients but also with other freelancers when collaborating on projects together with them (which happens more often than not).
Freelancers also need time management skills so that they can finish everything before their deadline comes around again; otherwise, their clients will lose faith in their ability as an employee/contractor/whatever term you prefer using here!
Finally and this one goes without saying freelancers must know how to manage multiple projects simultaneously while still delivering high-quality work every single time
There’s Always Something “More Important” That Needs Your Attention
You must prioritize. It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of life, especially when you are working for yourself. To keep things in perspective, you must schedule time for your passions and self-care.
You must create boundaries with clients and friends/family alike. This is especially true if you have a side hustle; if your business is already established and has been going for some time, then this may not apply as much but I still suggest setting aside client communication hours each day so that people know when they can expect responses from you.*
You must say no sometimes! Whether it’s an event or project request from a friend or family member who wants your help with something but doesn’t need it (yet).
Sometimes saying no will give YOU more time instead of being helpful to them at all because they’ll just find someone else who’ll do it better anyway so don’t feel bad about saying no when necessary – but also remember that saying yes can sometimes be good too 🙂
Being a fulfilled and well-paid freelancer is not an unattainable goal. Explore our insights on how to become a fully fulfilled, well-paid freelancer to discover strategies, tips, and success stories that can inspire and guide you on your freelance journey.
Freelancers Have More Control Over Their Time
If you’re a freelancer, you can work when you want. You don’t have to go into the office or work at a specific time every day. You can choose your hours and make your schedule.
You also have more control over where you do your work. If you’re an entrepreneur, then it doesn’t matter whether or not there is a nearby space that works for what you need it to do you can work from anywhere!
This means that if things are going on in your life that causes distractions (like children), then there are ways around them (such as video chatting with clients). If being productive is something that matters for working remotely (or even if it doesn’t).
Then having control over how much time is spent on each task will help keep things moving along smoothly throughout the day/week/month/year depending on what kind of goals are being set out ahead of time by those involved with getting their message out there.
Through some type of media outlet such as blogging about topics related specifically to other people who may be interested in learning more about certain areas within their field(s).
You Should Treat Freelancing Like A Business
Your time is your money and you should treat it that way.
Keep track of your time so you can bill clients correctly, as well as know how much work you’ve done in a day or week.
Have a business plan so you can see where the money is coming from, what expenses are necessary, and how to get more sales/clients/businesses in general working with you! (See below)
Create marketing materials like flyers or brochures for potential clients who will give them out at events they go to (parties or conferences), and pass them out on college campuses if possible! etc., so people know about what services/products are available on the marketplace today!
You Won’t Like Every Aspect Of Being A Freelancer
If you’re like me, you might be wondering if it’s worth pursuing your passion as a freelancer. The answer to that question is yes it can be very rewarding and fun. But there are also some aspects of being a freelancer that is less desirable than others, and I think it’s important to talk about them here.
The thing about being a freelancer is that sometimes, even when we’re working on something we love doing with people we love working with and for clients who appreciate what we do, things won’t go exactly as planned.
Perhaps the client doesn’t have enough money in their budget at the end of the day; perhaps they need changes made late in the project timeline, or maybe they just decide they’d rather have someone else design their website instead (that last one happens more often than I’d like).
No matter how hard you try or how much thought goes into every project before starting work on it, these kinds of things will inevitably happen from time to time, and sometimes more often than not!
Now here’s where most people would stop: “Well then!” they say aloud while looking into an imaginary mirror placed in front of their faces by magicians who taught us how mirrors work so many years ago.
When we were children playing pretend games outside during recess hours at elementary school back before any of us realized our lives would turn out this way… “This wasn’t what I wanted!”
Business Models Are Often Changing And Evolving
You’re constantly learning new skills and changing as a person. You might be working a 9-5 job at one moment and then suddenly find yourself working from home, freelancing full-time. You may find yourself in a similar situation but with different clients or projects, or you could decide that you want to switch industries altogether.
What we do know is that business models are often changing and evolving, which means it’s important to be flexible in your work style so that you can adapt quickly when necessary.
The best way to ensure this flexibility is by seeing the bigger picture of your life while also keeping an eye on what makes sense for you right now. Do some research about what other people have done in similar situations like yours (or if it’s something completely new).
Think about how they got there; what skills did they need? How did their lifestyle change? What kind of person was successful at this type of career move? Then use all this information as part of your strategic plan and take action!
Are you wondering if freelancing and entrepreneurship are a good fit for you? Dive into our thought-provoking article on Are Freelancing and Entrepreneurship Good for Me? to gain valuable insights, considerations, and self-reflection questions to help you make an informed decision about your professional path.
Being A Freelancer Is An Asset To Employers
Freelancers are assets to employers because they offer the following:
Flexibility
Freelancers are more likely to work from anywhere and at any time, which means they can take on projects that require different types of environments. You can even see if your boss would be open to having you work from home one or two days a week!
Motivation
Many employers will tell you it’s hard to motivate employees who don’t care about their job, but freelancers tend to be motivated by more than just a paycheck they’re looking for ways in which what they do matters, too.
When an employer hires someone as a freelancer, he or she has access not only to their expertise but also their enthusiasm about the project itself (which could translate into better performance).
Independence/Initiative
When working with an independent contractor whom the client doesn’t have direct control over (like the case with most full-time employees), there’s often not much incentive for them to go above and beyond what’s asked of them;
However, since freelancers don’t answer directly through anyone else other than themselves and don’t necessarily have any superiors watching them closely every second either–it gives them greater freedom within which they can act without having anything holding them back!
This allows them greater freedom when it comes down to making decisions quickly so things get done correctly without delay.”
There’s Lots Of Potential For Growth As A Freelancer
As a freelancer, you have lots of growth potential. You can start your own business and work for yourself, which means that you have the freedom to make all the decisions about how much money you make, where and when you work, what kind of work is appropriate for your skill level, and more.
In addition to being able to set up shop on your terms, being self-employed also gives you more flexibility in terms of scheduling. You can decide when it makes sense to take time off without having any worries or concerns about missing out on billable hours or clients who need help right away.
The Money You Make As A Freelancer Will Fluctuate Over Time
As a freelancer, you’re not going to have a stable source of income. The amount of money you make as a freelancer will vary depending on how much work you’re doing and the types of jobs you take on.
If you’re working hard at finding clients, the more clients who hire you means more money coming in! However, if you don’t work hard enough or if there’s not enough demand for what it is that your doing, then naturally there won’t be as many paying gigs available to pick up.
This can be difficult for some people because they might feel like their work isn’t appreciated or appreciated as much as others’ work when this happens.
The key is being able to manage your finances accordingly so that when times are good (and there will be plenty of them) then save up so that when things slow down again (which again there will), then spend wisely rather than living paycheck-to-paycheck only spending what’s in hand each month.”
Freelancing Can Help You Learn How To Run A Business And Push You Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Freelancing is the best way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and into the real world.
It can be hard to find a job when you’re starting, especially if you have no experience in the industry or field that interests you. This is where freelancing can help:
You will have to learn how to run a business. You will have to learn how to market yourself, negotiate terms, manage your finances, and balance work with other aspects of life (like making sure there’s food on the table).
Freelancing can also improve your confidence and self-esteem. When I started my photography business in 2012 I was really shy because it was my first year as an adult without college or university classes every day I didn’t know anything about being responsible for my survival or dealing with people who weren’t used to me yet!
Now I am much more comfortable working with clients and running meetings because I learned how during those first few years while working at home full-time before going back into school again last year.”
The question of whether freelancing and pursuing your passion are beneficial or detrimental is a common concern. Explore our in-depth analysis on Are Freelancing and Being Pursuing Your Passion Good or Bad? to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics involved and to make informed choices aligning with your goals and aspirations.
Clients May Fail To Appreciate The Value You Provide
When clients don’t appreciate the value you provide, it can be frustrating for both parties. It can also lead to resentment on both sides of the table.
Take the example of a friend who owned a small bookshop in his hometown and was struggling with sales. He decided not to renew his lease and move his store into a new location after he was unable to find enough customers who would buy books online.
When I asked him why he said that it was because people just weren’t buying books anymore, regardless of where they were purchased or how many other options they had available online – there just wasn’t any interest in reading anymore…
This is when I knew there was something wrong with how he viewed his business model: if people aren’t buying your products, then it’s because those products aren’t valuable enough for them! If someone doesn’t see value in what you have created (or tried creating), then maybe it just isn’t worth their time or money at this point?
Freelancing Reduces The Amount Of Money You’re Able To Save Each Month
Freelancing means you have to be prepared for the possibility that you’ll go months without receiving any income. It also means that you’ll pay taxes quarterly instead of annually as most full-time employees do through payroll deductions.
This can make it difficult to save money and plan for the future you not only have to keep up with your day-to-day bills but also save for taxes, health insurance, retirement savings, and vacations.
Additionally, if you’re freelancing full time and not working a traditional job (or if you’re in between jobs), it’s very difficult to take time off if something comes up at home or with family members.
Conclusion
Your passion doesn’t always have to turn into a business. If you know what you love, that’s enough. You don’t need to monetize it for validation or prestige. Some people thrive under the constant pressure of being in charge – but not everyone does!
Before deciding whether or not freelancing is right for you, think about your work/life balance goals and how much time you want to spend working on each aspect of your career.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to explore the benefits of freelancing:
Benefits of Freelancing: Discover the advantages and perks of freelancing, including flexibility, independence, and potential for higher income.
5 Brilliant Benefits of Freelance Life: Learn about the five key benefits that make freelance life appealing, such as work-life balance, diverse projects, and personal growth.
Follow Your Passion: Freelancing: Explore how freelancing can provide the opportunity to pursue your passion and turn it into a rewarding career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Get Clients?
The most common way to find work is through word of mouth or referrals. If someone you know needs help, they might think of you first. You can also start by posting on online job boards like Freelancer and Upwork.
These sites have large networks and many opportunities available for freelance writers. They’re also great places to network with other freelancers who can refer work your way if they need help on a project in the future!
What Are The Different Ways I Can Set My Rates?
Many factors go into how much money you charge for your services: what type of writing it is (journalism vs fiction), whether it’s commissioned or not, how much experience you have as a writer, etc.
The best way to determine how much to charge for specific pieces depends on what kinder of clientele you’re trying to target — but there’s no one right answer here!
You could say: “I’ll write an article about [something] for $100 per hour” or “I’ll write this novel chapter-by-chapter over 10 weeks at $40 per hour.”
In either case, these prices reflect real market value while still leaving room for negotiation during contract negotiations between the client(s) and freelancer(s).
What Is The Difference Between A Freelancer And An Entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurs are people who take risks to start their businesses, but freelancers don’t have that financial risk. They make money from one-off jobs they aren’t trying to build up a business.
What Is The Difference Between A Freelancer And A Contractor?
Contractors usually work for other companies or organizations, while freelancers are self-employed and work for themselves (although they might work with clients).
Freelancing can be as simple as working on your own time in your home office, or it could involve traveling across the country or world for extended periods to complete projects at remote locations (for example, photographers often travel from location to location).
What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Freelancing?
Some people think that if you freelance you must not like your job very much because you would rather get up every morning and go somewhere else instead of going into an office as everyone else does!
I am a content writer, and I love what I do! Writing makes me feel like the words are flowing through my fingers, and then onto the keyboard, like magic. My experience as a writer has taught me that writing makes me feel good, as well as helps others to feel better too!