"Freelancing offers you the freedom and flexibility to work on your own terms, choosing your own projects and clients, and setting your own rates. With the potential for higher earnings and a more varied work experience, freelancing can be a great option for those seeking independence and control in their career. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, freelancing may be the perfect opportunity to achieve your goals and live life on your own terms."
If you've been considering freelancing and stepping out as an independent worker, be it on a part-time basis or as a full-time job, you’ve probably got a multitude of questions; not least wanting to know what is so great about freelancing in comparison to a 9-5 job. So, if you’re still ‘sitting on the fence’ about whether to start freelancing or not, we’ve put together what we believe are the top ten reasons why freelancing is better than any 9-5 job to help convince you.
You're the Boss
How many times have you worked overtime work because your boss didn't manage their schedule effectively, or been micro-managed? Probably too many to count but that’s not to say you won’t be working any overtime, or long hours or have to deal with weird requests when you are a freelancer; the likelihood is that you will. But the difference between freelancing and a 9-5 job is that you are your own boss running your own business so you decide if you want to (or need to) work those extra hours. We’ll let you into another little secret about freelancing and working longer hours, you get paid for it! Not every 9-5 job pays you for overtime, particularly office-based jobs.
Set Your Work Hours
It’s a drag having to be at your desk by 9 am and you’re not allowed to go home until 5 pm; that’s for a typical 9-5 job, some jobs are longer hours. When you step into the world of independent working, you set your working hours in a way that best supports the freelance lifestyle you want to lead. For example, if you work better in the morning, organize your schedule so you're done by 2 pm every day. Alternatively, if you’ve got the school run to do, schedule your working hours around it. In the 9-5 world, there aren’t many jobs that allow for this level of flexibility.
Set Your Work Hours
It’s a drag having to be at your desk by 9 am and you’re not allowed to go home until 5 pm; that’s for a typical 9-5 job, some jobs are longer hours. When you step into the world of independent working, you set your working hours in a way that best supports the freelance lifestyle you want to lead. For example, if you work better in the morning, organize your schedule so you're done by 2 pm every day. Alternatively, if you’ve got the school run to do, schedule your working hours around it. In the 9-5 world, there aren’t many jobs that allow for this level of flexibility.
Freedom to Work From Anywhere
Any freelancer will tell you that one of the best aspects of freelancing is being able to work from anywhere, as long as you have a reliable internet connection. Even that is easier in today’s digital world by using a mobile internet connection. So, as long as you are in an area that has 3G, 4G, or 5G, plug in your mobile dongle and away you go!
Do the Work You Love
A problem with many 9-5 jobs is that it’s a mix of projects you love and projects you hate. Then there's office politics, maintaining your working relationship with your boss, and perhaps even worse, working for a company that doesn't appreciate your hard work. A great aspect of freelancing is that you have freedom. You get to choose your own projects you really want to work on and refuse the ones that don’t appeal to you. You make your own decisions and choose projects that you like. Managing your work commitments allows you some free time in your life.
Take Control of Your Future
When you work for someone else, you're at their mercy, literally in some cases! If there are budget cuts, your job could be on the chopping block. But with freelancing, this isn't the case. For example, if you lose a client it's possible to quickly score another without the lost client having an impact on your daily schedule or your financial obligations. You're in charge of your future so you don't need to depend on some big corporation.
