Does Freelancing Really Offer the Flexibility You’re Looking For?
Freelancing is still one of the most highly sought-after lifestyles due to the flexibility it supposedly offers. However, most freelancers (at least, the ones with average lifestyles) will tell you that freelancing isn’t as flexible as you might think. However, does that change the fact that people still long for a career as a freelancer? Probably not, but it does present a rather confusing dilemma.
In this article, we’ll be discussing just how “free” freelancing really is, and we’ll tell you how exactly a freelancer works and what it could mean for you.
Freelancers still have bosses
You’re technically your own boss since you’re self-employed, but don’t forget that you are being paid by clients that are requesting work from you. If you upset them or don’t the work you’re asked to, then you’re obviously not going to get paid. It’s not entirely difficult to grasp this concept, but there are many people that incorrectly assume that since you’re your own boss, you don’t have to abide by any rules.
Freelancers still have schedules
It must be great being able to work wherever and whenever you want, right? Well, not really. You see, it’s easy to become distracted as a freelancer if you’re working at home with your family around you because they’ll ask you questions, they’ll request things from you and they might keep your attention away from your work.
Freelancers do their own finances
One of the most time-consuming things about being a freelancer is having to do your own finances. This is something that can confuse many freelancers because it’s a fairly complicated subject. It can take up a lot of your time and you don’t get much flexibility until you’re able to hire a freelance accountant to help you, or if you learn to do your own finances with the help of cloud accounting.
Freelancers have opportunities
One of the best things about being a freelancer is that you do indeed have many opportunities. For instance, the UberEATS driver pay might not be the most you’ve ever seen, but keep in mind that you can work for several different delivery companies at the same time. Since you’re a freelancer, you find and take advantage of opportunities that you have–you don’t sit and wait! This ultimately means that you’re going to create your own success and you have to train yourself to recognize opportunities when possible.
Freelancers can choose who to work with
Although you have a boss (your client) keep in mind that with every job, you’re going to encounter a different boss. You can pick and choose who you want to work with, and that’s something that people working regular jobs don’t have access to. Don’t like a particular client? Blacklist them and work with someone else. Like working with a client? Send them follow-up emails and nurture a professional relationship.
As you can see, freelancing does offer plenty of flexibility, but there are limitations and you’ll want to consider freelancing as a whole, not just the perceived benefits.