If you’ve considered freelancing at some point in your career, this is the blog post for you. Most people are interested in freelancing simply because they don’t want to work at a 9-to-5 job. They want the flexibility and freedom that can only be found in a freelance lifestyle.
And while freelancers do enjoy those perks, what most people don’t realize is that working as a freelancer also makes you more skilled in your profession. That’s why USA experts say it’s better to work as a freelancer rather than as an employee, especially if you’re just starting out with your career.
Below are some of the best reasons why working as a freelancer is better than doing regular jobs:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Flexibility: Freelancing offers greater flexibility in terms of working hours, location, and project selection. |
| 2. Independence: Freelancers have the opportunity to be their own boss and make decisions about their career path. |
| 3. Potential Earnings: Freelancers have the potential to earn more per project compared to a regular job, but income can be irregular. |
| 4. Stability and Benefits: Regular jobs provide more stability in terms of consistent income and employee benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans. |
| 5. Work-Life Balance: Freelancing can offer a better work-life balance, allowing individuals to have more control over their schedule and personal life. |
| 6. Skill Development: Regular jobs may provide more opportunities for skill development and career progression within a specific industry. |
| 7. Client Acquisition: Freelancers need to actively market themselves and acquire clients, while regular jobs typically provide a steady stream of work. |
| 8. Risk and Responsibility: Freelancers bear more responsibility for their business and financial stability, while regular jobs offer more stability and shared responsibilities. |
| 9. Personal Preferences: The choice between freelancing and a regular job depends on individual preferences, goals, and circumstances. |
| 10. Hybrid Approach: Some individuals choose a hybrid approach, combining freelance work with part-time or remote employment to enjoy the benefits of both options. |
Freelancing Is A Flexible Job That Lets You Set Your Own Hours
One of the big perks of being a freelancer is that you can work from anywhere. This means you have the freedom to choose which projects you work on, and if you feel stuck with a project, you can take time off as needed. You also have the choice to set your own working hours—you don’t need to be confined in an office for eight hours straight every day.
You also get more flexibility when it comes to how many hours per week you want to work—you can choose whether or not to accept certain projects depending on how much time they would require.
For example, if you only have time for one project this month, but two companies need your services, then you can only accept one client and tell them they’ll have to wait until next month before starting their project.
If these perks sound appealing, then I’d say freelancing is right up your alley!
The rise of the gig economy has transformed the way we work. If you’re curious about the present state of freelancing and its impact on the job market, explore our insightful article on Freelancing: Not the Future of Work, the Present. Discover how freelancing is reshaping industries and creating new opportunities for professionals.
Freelancers Can Choose When And Where They Work
If you choose to freelance, it means that you can do your work in the environment of your choosing. You don’t have to stick around at an office until 5 pm. You can set up shop at a coffee shop, in your home office, or even on vacation.
If you’re on a deadline, then of course you will have to put in more hours—but if a project isn’t due until next week and you’re excited about something else right now, then go ahead and take care of what’s important first!
This flexibility is a huge benefit for freelancers because they get to control their own schedules. They don’t have to go into an office and sit there for nine hours every day. They don’t waste time commuting or paying for gas or lunching with boring coworkers. And they can work from the comfort of their own living rooms, in their pajamas if they so desire (which I know I would).
Freelancing Lets You Put Your Talent To Good Use
Freelancing can be a great way to supplement your regular income. If you have a natural talent for something, it may be worthwhile to see if you are able to make money doing it. You might also discover that there is a market for your skills, and ways in which you can use them to earn extra cash outside of your day job.
There are many benefits of having multiple sources of income. For example, let’s say that you work as an accountant for a company that pays $50 per hour (your salary). That $50/hour would still be taxed at the same rate as any other type of income (25-30% typically).
However, if you were to work as a freelance accountant on the side, earning $200 per hour while still earning $50/hour at your day job, then not only would you benefit from the increased pay ($200 instead of $50), but also from decreased taxes ($75-90 less in taxes). The tax savings alone could add up significantly over time.
Freelancers Have The Freedom To Travel And Explore The World
One of the biggest benefits of being a freelancer is that you can travel and explore the world. You are free to work from anywhere you want, whether it be your home or on the road. You can take your office with you on vacation, or even just set up shop in a coffee shop if you need to get out of the house for a little while.
In today’s rapidly evolving work landscape, freelance work has become a driving force. If you want to understand how freelance work is reshaping traditional employment models, delve into our comprehensive analysis on Freelance Work Is Changing the Nature of Work. Gain insights into the advantages and challenges of freelancing and discover its potential impact on the future of employment.
Freelancers Are Their Own Boss
Working as a freelancer offers many benefits. Because you are self-employed, no one is looking over your shoulder telling you what to do or when to do it. You can choose where and when you work, and there is no one to tell you that you need to be at the office by 9 AM sharp every day (although if you want to work or set any other hours for yourself, feel free!).
You can also take on jobs only when they appeal to your interests and abilities. Freelance work gives the ultimate freedom in terms of choosing your own projects: if you don’t like a certain product or service, then you don’t have to market them!
Freelancers Get To Choose Which Projects We Take On
Choosing the right job is an important decision that should be well researched before making a final decision. When deciding how to choose the best job for you, your personality and personal preferences are more important than any salary or benefits package. You’ll want to find a position where your unique talents and strengths can contribute to an organization’s success.
The most important thing when looking for a new job is finding something that you enjoy doing. The best way to find out what you like is by trying many different things. Even if you don’t end up staying in one specific career path, this experience will help you determine what skills and hobbies matter most in your life. If certain jobs aren’t giving you the same satisfaction, you may have to make some compromises to get what you want.
You Can Begin Freelancing At Any Time
To be honest, I didn’t even know how to start freelancing. Like most people my age, my career plans were figured out years ago. For the first few years of my life, I was determined to become a doctor. Then, everyone, I knew graduated from medical school, and there went that dream. The next plan was to study human physiology under Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but that didn’t happen either because he died too early in my timeline to make that happen.
Then I discovered Freelance Writing and started working with an editor who suggested I try writing for a blog instead of going straight into journalism because it would be more fun and still provide me with a steady income. As you can tell from this rambling story, it’s something we all have to face at some point: what comes next? What do you want? How do you get there?
Should You Become A Freelancer Or Take A Daily Job?
Here are 12 tips to help you make a good decision when you’re deciding if you want to be a freelancer or an employee
1. Do You Like Benefits?
If so, being an employee might be the way for you. Benefits like health insurance and vacation time are nice, but they will take away from the freedom you have of working on your own terms.
2. Do You Need Someone Else To Enforce Deadlines?
Being an employee might be the way for you. You’ll have the security of knowing that if you complete tasks by a certain time, you will get paid. Working for yourself offers no such guarantees: if you don’t put in the work, you won’t get paid. But working freelance offers far more flexibility: you can pick and choose which projects excite you, and work when and where it suits you best.
3. Do You Like Working Within Specific Parameters?
Freelance writing requires a lot of creativity and flexibility—you need to be able to come up with tons of different ideas, and you have to be comfortable with letting them change a lot. If this doesn’t sound appealing, freelance writing might not be your jam, but there are other paths you could take!
4. Do You Like Having A Structure In Your Day?
You might want to look for a full-time job. This type of work has the benefit of giving your days shape and routine, so there’s less chance that your work will bleed into your personal life.
Are you curious about the future of work and how freelancing plays a significant role? Our thought-provoking article on The Job of Tomorrow: How Freelancing Is Changing Work explores the evolving dynamics of the workforce. Uncover the ways freelancing is disrupting traditional job structures and learn how professionals can adapt to this new paradigm.
5. Do You Want Health Insurance?
You can find some freelance jobs that offer benefits—but not nearly as many as full-time jobs do. (If you have to choose between freelance work and a regular job, you should know that freelancing has the potential for making more money, but the security of having health insurance is really important.)
6. Are You Comfortable With Negotiating For Yourself?
Freelancers have to negotiate rates, contracts, and deadlines with clients—so it’s important that they know how and when to negotiate.
In a traditional 9-to-5 job, you’ll likely have someone who negotiates on your behalf (like an HR rep or boss). But as a freelancer, you’ll need to be that person for yourself—and if you don’t know how to do that, it can get messy.
7. Like Having Other People Around?
You may find yourself feeling lonely as a freelancer since you’re usually working from home. If you’re an extrovert, it can be hard to be surrounded by four walls for the majority of your day, and when you do go out you might talk to other people about work because you don’t have coworkers to discuss it with!
In uncertain times, freelancing offers a unique avenue for financial stability and independence. Dive into our enlightening piece on Freelancing Is the Best Way to Prevent Your Own Personal Recession to explore the resilience of freelancers in the face of economic challenges. Learn how freelancing can empower you to take control of your financial future.
8. Asking Yourself What Kind Of Work-Life Balance You Need?
Do you like to have time off on weekends and evenings, or are you more interested in being able to take a day off when it works for your schedule, even if that means working nights/weekends? If the latter is true for you, freelancing might be better.
9. Do You Need Help With Personal Productivity?
If so, being an employee might be the way for you! When you are freelancing, you have to do all the things for yourself: wake up on time, make sure your work is done on schedule, find clients to work for, and generally be responsible for your own success.
When you’re an employee, however, it’s a different story: your boss wakes you up in the morning, tells you what to do and when to do it, and pays you even if they don’t like your work. It sounds great!
If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive and succeed—not just meet expectations but exceed them with ease—then being an employee is definitely right for you. You’ll feel less stressed out and more motivated than ever before!
10. Are You More Motivated By External Rewards Than Internal Ones?
Being an employee might be the way for you! Being an employee might be the way for you! You probably know that feeling of being completely energized by the thought of giving someone a present, or receiving something in return, or even just looking good to yourself.
11. Does Your Ideal Boss Provide A Lot Of Feedback And Guidance?
Being an employee might be the way for you! It’s true: employees are more likely to be happier if they have an ideal boss who provides a lot of feedback and guidance. If you find yourself struggling with decisions on the job, or wanting to know that you’re doing a good job, being an employee might be the way for you.
Embrace the future of work where flexibility and autonomy are paramount. Our engaging article on The Future of Work Is Here, and Freelancing Leads the Pack delves into the transformative power of freelancing. Discover how freelancers are shaping the new normal and find inspiration to embark on your own freelance journey.
12. Is Job Security Important To You?
Being an employee might bring an employee might seem to be a pretty safe way to make a living, but nowadays, that’s not always true. You could be let go at any time, and then you’d have to start all over again—and who knows how long that would take!
Wrapping Up
So, should you freelance? That’s something you’ll need to decide for yourself. But we hope this article helped you to understand the differences between freelancing and a regular job, and how to get started with your own freelance career!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to explore for further reading:
Employment vs. Freelancing: This article provides a comprehensive comparison between traditional employment and freelancing, highlighting the pros and cons of each.
Millennials’ Guide: Being a Freelancer vs. Employee: Dive into this guide to understand the considerations and factors millennials should weigh when deciding between freelancing and traditional employment.
10 Reasons Why Freelancing Is Better Than Any 9-5 Job: Explore this insightful blog post that outlines ten compelling reasons why freelancing can be a preferable alternative to a traditional 9-5 job.
People Also Ask
What Is The Difference Between A Freelancer And An Employee?
A freelancer (or independent contractor) works with businesses or other professionals who need their skills for a specific project or job.
The person hires out their services to accomplish a project, but they are not actually employed by the business that hired them. An employee works directly under someone else. They belong to one company and work there full-time, part-time, or on-call in exchange for payment from that company.
What Is Considered A Freelancing Job?
A freelancer does any type of service for another individual or company without being directly employed by them. The most common types of freelance jobs are writing, editing and translation services, graphic design, website development, sales and marketing,, and accounting services.
What Are The Top 3 Differences Between Freelancing And Working A 9-5?
Freelancing requires way more paperwork, 9-5 jobs are more likely to include dental insurance, and freelancers have to pay their own taxes.
In Terms Of Time Commitment, How Much More Time Does It Take To Be A Freelancer Than To Have A Regular Job?
It depends on how many hours of extra work you put into your side hustle. Most people will need at least 30 hours per week for their side business before they’re able to quit their day job.
Can I Be Both A Freelancer And Employed By A Company?
Yes! In fact, many people choose to start off this way. It can be very helpful to get established in your industry and build up your portfolio before quitting your day job. You’ll also have less financial risk if you have another source of income while starting out.
What Are Some Of The Pros Of Working As A Freelancer?
Working freelance means you get to set your own hours, choose your own projects, and work wherever you want. You can even pick and choose which clients you take on, so you never have to deal with someone who won’t pay or who demands more than you’re willing to give for what they’re offering.
You also get to be your own boss, which means you don’t have to deal with annoying coworkers or an overbearing boss breathing down your neck.
What Are Some Of The Cons Of Working As A Freelancer?
The biggest con of being a freelancer is that there’s no guarantee of steady income—you’re always going to come across dry spells where work is hard to find and money is tight. You also don’t get any benefits from having an employer.
Are You Thinking About Going Freelance?
It can be a great way to make extra cash, get some experience, and fit work around your schedule. But it’s not for everyone. Check out these pro tips to see if freelancing is right for you.
Are there any jobs you could do from home?
You don’t have to travel to an office or other workplace to be a freelancer – in fact, most freelancers work from home. You can even write off some home expenses as business expenses. That said, some jobs require specific skills or equipment that may be hard to find at home.
For instance, if you’re a content writer, you won’t need anything special. But if you’re a photographer, you’ll need somewhere with plenty of natural light and the right camera equipment.
Should I Quit My Job Right Away?
While freelancing can be a great option, it’s not always a good idea to quit your job and start your own business without careful planning. It’s important to remember that freelance work is often feast or famine—in other words, you may find yourself with work one week and none in the next.
Thinking Of Making The Big Leap From Employee To Freelancer?
If so, you’re not alone. More and more people are choosing the independent lifestyle—and it’s easy to see why. Who wouldn’t want control over their schedule and the luxury of working from home?
But freelancing isn’t for everyone. The life of a freelancer can be just as stressful as a 9-5 job, and there’s no guarantee you’ll make enough money to support yourself (or your family).
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.