If you have read my latest life update, you know a lot has been going on in my life: getting a new job, moving to a new city, reflecting on the past, thinking about the future, etc. While I was looking for a new job, I decided I needed to do more than just applying: I started to do some freelance work. While I am now working for a London-based startup and decided to keep freelancing aside, I want to give you 5 reasons why you should go freelance!
1. You want to leave the corporate world
After finishing university, we pretty much all follow the same path: we apply for jobs. Some will be lucky enough to get something right after graduation, other will have to wait longer. Yet in the end, we end up entering the corporate world. We work for a bit in the same company to get experience, connections, something to add to our resume, self-develop, etc. Or just because we love it. Some people however, don’t, and will realize it sooner than later. It is not for them. Or just because they want a change. Going freelance will bring that change: you do what you love but not for a company.
2. You want to be your own boss
There are two kinds of manager: amazing or awful. Obviously the latter is the problem. I keep on hearing stories. From my friends, from colleagues, from family, etc. Everyone has, at one point in their life, worked with a manager they could not get along with. For many reasons: micromanagement, free-rider, over controlling, bullying, blaming other for own mistakes, etc. You are tired of this and you are right. Life is too short for this. Working freelance allows you to be your own boss and decide for yourself.
3. You want to make more money
Officially, the UK does not have a minimum wage. There are recommendations but nothing compulsory. Thus, it is up to companies to decide how much they want to pay their employees. According to industry standards and national average of course. But still, many people start with a really low salary and don’t progress fast enough. Solve this problem with freelancing. Although you still have to take into consideration your industry, field and experience, you are the one deciding on your hourly fee. Thus, you can ask for more.
4. You want to work from home
I have always been pretty lucky. Of all the cities I have lived in, my longest commute was 35 minutes, in London. Which is pretty good for London. But think of those people who are in the train for an hour and a half each morning? And back. Three hours that could have been spend productively working on something. When you go freelance, you work from home. You save money on the travel pass and time on the commute. Less stressful and more enjoyable. Also, I don’t know for you, but I always find that I am more productive at home where I can take small breaks and work smartly than in the office where it is non-stop for 7 hours.
5. You want control over your hours
When you work for a company, you sign a contract stating your work hours. 9 to 5, 9 to 6 with a lunch break. You don’t have control over it and you need to work all these hours. More is okay but less is not. When you are a freelancer, you are your own boss. You decide how many hours you want to work on each project. If you are paid by the hour, you know that working less will pay less but working more will pay more. Good incentive, right? You also decide when you start and finish. Wanna sleep in one morning? Well, you’ll work until later then. Wanna have a two hours lunch? You will work an extra hour in the evening or the next day. See, how flexible!
So, what do you think, considering freelancing yet? As an extra source of income or as a full-time job?
Have you ever thought about going freelance? Have you already done some freelance work? Are you thinking about it now? What services do you think you’d offer? Any other reasons to go freelance I forgot to mention?
Thanks for reading. I hope you liked this post.
See you soon,
Love,
Corinne
