There’s More to Freelancing Than Working from Home
Posted May 24, 2010 in Freelance Stories, Lifestyle
There are two types of freelancers.
On one hand are those who have been forced into self-employment as service providers, because they’ve lost their jobs and are having a hard time finding another one.
On the other hand are those who would be freelancing no matter what: even if the job market were booming, and even if the Internet weren’t around to give so many opportunities to work from home. They would still be hawking their services, working in their pajamas, and being completely happy doing it.
The latter are what I call freelancers at heart. They have the freelancing mindset. For them, freelancing is more than about working from home.
What Freelancing Is REALLY About
I’ve only been freelancing for two years, not at all as long as many others out there. However, I recognize that true freelancers–those who do so by choice and not by circumstance–have a different way of thinking.
In this post, I describe the five characteristics that make up the freelancing mindset.
1. Independence
Freelancers crave independence… from bosses and employers, from “the establishment,” from structures and hierarchies imposed upon them by somebody else.
Sure, we work for clients. In a way, they’re our bosses, because we have to meet their requirements and satisfy their expectations. Unlike bosses, clients can be chosen or rejected. We can sever relationships with a client if things aren’t working out, or if we don’t like how they’re treating us.
This isn’t very easy for somebody who’s an employee. Quitting your job is not something an employee can do lightly, unless you have a lot of money stashed in the bank, or a job offer waiting in the background.
Freelancers are willing to self-direct, to self-manage, and to be our own bosses–including all the responsibilities this entails.
2. Adventure
The freelancing mindset is one that is open to new experiences and challenges, and is always looking for adventure. In contrast, an employee mindset wants predictability and routine.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m a stickler for routine, and if I veer away from it, my productivity suffers.
Yet in spite of my daily routine, I’m always working on new projects, learning about new things, meeting new clients and prospects, developing new skills, and redesigning my business.
For other freelancers, part of the adventure is working in your home office one day and in a coffee shop the next. Or, working while traveling the world. Our lives are like a create-your-own-adventure book.
3. Risk
True freelancers are not averse to risk. With our independence comes more responsibility, more accountability for our lives.
Not having a fixed income every month, for example, is part of the risk. The risk may scare us, but it doesn’t stop us. It’s also part of the adventure.
This uncertainty is more than others can bear. If I were the sole breadwinner of my family, I’m not sure I could put up with this myself. (In fact, the reason I took so long to finally plunge in my dream to be self-employed was because I wanted to make sure that my family wouldn’t go hungry if I failed.)
4. Creativity
Freelancers tend to be creative people. I say this not just because a lot of us are writers and artists and photographers. Programmers, virtual assistants and other service providers are creative in their everyday lives as well.
Our work are forms of self-expression. Our daily lives are a reflection of what we believe in and stand for. We’re creative in the way we handle the daily problems and challenges of freelancing. We don’t rely on others for solutions.
5. Idealism
Finally, the freelancing mindset is characterized by idealism. This is what makes some of us stick through the hardships, failures and pitfalls of freelancing.
We believe in a “better world,” where one doesn’t have to fit a mold to succeed in life. We believe that fancy titles are meaningless (and if not, we can give ourselves a fancy title anytime we wanted to). We believe in the freelancing lifestyle, and we’re committed to make it work.
We believe we can be happy, even prosperous and downright wealthy, doing what we love.
In Conclusion
Freelancing is all about the desire for more freedom and all that it entails. This freedom means we’re solely accountable for our own success or failure, for our happiness or misery, for our wealth or poverty.
There are no bosses, no backstabbing co-workers, no unfair HR policies to blame. Unless you embrace this, then freelancing will suck.
If you don’t believe this in your heart, then you will resent the work it takes to find clients. You’ll hate not having a regular paycheck and paid sick and vacation days. You’ll reject having to work long hours occasionally (am I the only one who worked longer hours while employed?).
Some freelancers have a freelancing work arrangement, but they’re employees at heart. They’re the ones who will jump the freelancing ship at the first opportunity of a good job. I’m not saying that’s right or wrong. After all, freelancing isn’t for everyone.
What Do You Think?
Is there a freelancing mindset, as opposed to an employee mindset? If so, what other characteristics does the freelancing mindset have?
And do you think such a mindset can be learned and developed–or is it something wired into us?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Image by divemasterking2000
Related posts:
- A Recipe For Quitting The Day Job And Working At Home
- How to Keep Working at Home from Destroying Your Life
- Working From Home – 5 Tips To Avoid That Dreaded Loneliness
- The 7 Most Aggravating Assumptions about Freelancers and Working from Home
- Working With Friends and Family — Can It Ever Work?
About the author: Lexi Rodrigo is the creator of The Savvy Freelancer, a blog that's all about achieving creative and financial freedom through freelancing. Check out Lexi's free guide, 31 Days to Start Your Freelancing Business (or Make Yours A Better One).
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58 Comments
Jordan Walker
May 24th, 2010 at 9:01 amI am in accord with hocking services in my pajamas while sipping on fresh brewed coffee, but my wife starts to complain about my smell if I do not leave the office to shower. :-)
Glenn Sorrentino
May 24th, 2010 at 9:24 amNice post Lexi – I work for an agency right now but would love to freelance full-time in the future. It’s an intimidating idea but I think it would be worth the try.
Lexi Rodrigo
May 24th, 2010 at 9:57 am@Jordan Walker – I’m with your wife on this one!
@Glenn Sorentino – It certainly is intimidating! But you can do it, if you put your heart to it… and apply all the advice you’ll find here on Freelance Folder :-)
Cindy Bidar
May 24th, 2010 at 10:09 amI’m looking forward to jumping into freelancing full time in the very near future. You nailed it when you said it’s the adventurous souls who do best with freelancing. Giving up the “security” of a corporate job is scary for some, but for me, location independence is much more valuable than a regular paycheck.
Carey Lifestyle
May 24th, 2010 at 11:05 amDoes this sound like an unrealistic dream Not if you are a freelance professional. Carey Lifestyle
Jan Middleton
May 24th, 2010 at 11:13 amEither a person is an entrepreneur or not.
However, some people don’t have the choice to jump ship from their regular, “working for the man”, 8-5 job to leave the work-at-home business for their spouse.
I love Rich Dad Poor Dad. Your comments reflect his sentiments.
Thank you for the insight!
Pilar Wyman
May 24th, 2010 at 11:19 amIndependence, check
Adventure, check
Risk, check
Creativity, check
Idealism, check
– Nicely said, Lexi. 20+ years now, and it just gets more and more interesting, as far as I’m concerned. and I wouldn’t have it any other way. ;-)
Impulse Magazine
May 24th, 2010 at 11:21 amI think in order to be a great freelancer, you definitely need all of not most of these qualities
behzad
May 24th, 2010 at 11:48 amI like your article, but specially your last line”After all, freelancing isn’t for everyone.”
Many think it is a breeze to get into freelancing, that they end up free and rich. Far cry from the truth. I would not call it Freelancing but rather staring a company. I always thought of the word freelancing as having a full time job and doing projects on the side to make the extra cash. The general public, average Joe thinks of it this way.
Louise Fenwick
May 24th, 2010 at 12:13 pmHi Lexi, great article!
I run my own UK marketing consultancy, started in Jan 2007. After being employed for 13 years, clocking on and off, it was liberating to realise I could do whatever I wanted. But I found it SO hard to break the 9to5 mentality! Even though I work from home, I would make sure I was at my desk at 09.00, 30 minutes for lunch and then wouldn’t leave my desk until around 6pm! Such madness!
3 years on, I’m better – weaning myself off the “clock watching”! But am still trying to train myself to be more task related than time-oriented. It drives me insane!
You’ve given me more to think about…
Thanks!
Louise
Deb
May 24th, 2010 at 12:19 pm@ Jan Middleton: I hope you read the thorough critique of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” as well. That book is full of poor information, some of the advice is even illegal!
As for the article, I guess I agree with most, although I don’t feel very “adventurous” at all. Neither do I feel like a risk taker. I think “creative” and “independence” are my motivators. I try not to think about risk and I don’t think the adventure will be something I think about until later on, when I look back at my life. =)
Freelance forums
May 24th, 2010 at 12:22 pmFor me freelancing meant FREEDOM. Freedom from a strict schedule, freedom to work from home or else, freedom to present myself as I wanted to, freedom to create and experience.
As we speak, I am working from NYC. We are visiting some friends here and we enjoy a 6 month “vacation”. I can squeeze in some work too, while also admiring this amazing city. Being a “normal employee” would have meant I’d lose my career with such a “gap”. Now, I am constantly building my portfolio, earn money, learn a lot about this society and still enjoy that freedom I’ve always craved for.
Lexi Rodrigo
May 24th, 2010 at 12:46 pmThank, everyone, for your comments and feedback!
@Cindy Bidar – I wish you the best! I also love that I can live anywhere. Well, almost anywhere, as long as there’s electricity and broadband Internet :-)
@Jan Middleton – Thanks for your comment. You reminded me that an entrepreneurial spirit must be part of what it takes to be a freelancer as well.
@Pilar Wyman – You’re an inspiration!
@Louise Fenwick – Know what, if having a 9-5 schedule is what works best for you, then stick to it! But if not, then you can change your routine. That’s one of the perks of freelancing: you get to design your work schedule and routines the way you want as long as you get the job done. For some of us, that means having a regular schedule much like that of an employee :-)
@Freelance forums – Woohoo! Enjoy your vacation in NYC. It’s awesome to be able to travel and still get our work done!
paul
May 24th, 2010 at 1:16 pmwow! you really managed to capture my philosophy. great read
thanks
Paul
5-Squared
May 24th, 2010 at 1:17 pmExcellent post. After reading this I feel that much better about ‘taking the plunge’. I’ve been taking my sweet old time in transitioning to full-time freelancing. I guess the thought of not having a salary is scary, but a lot of my ducks are in a row after 1.5 years of hard work, and I’ll be taking the plunge in the next couple of months.
I already work from home, so the working from home part isn’t why I know I want to freelance. It’s some of the other things you mentioned – Adventure, Risk, Creativity, Idealism. Freelancing can be so rewarding is so many different ways.
Really great post. Thanks again!
Stephen Tiano
May 24th, 2010 at 1:34 pmNice article.
And then there are folks like me who freelance with a net. I have a completely unrelated civil service job for almost 27 years – I’m nearing retirement there. And for most of that time I’ve also freelanced in a solo book design/production practice. What’s cool is that the job provides security in all economic climates, while the freelance work keeps me sane and gives me something to hang my hat on when I retire from the day-job. I love the freelance work and I’ve been able to take the time to build it into a serious business endeavor.
Travis
May 24th, 2010 at 2:08 pmGreat read! The best thing about freelancing is being your own boss, and being able to make your own choices. That trumps everything else. Wanna work from home? Awesome! Taking a vacation, do it whenever.
That in my opinion, is the most attractive aspect of freelancing.
http://werkadoo.com
Ashley Festa
May 24th, 2010 at 2:42 pmGreat post, Lexi. Each of your points is dead-on. I’m doing this primarily for the freedom; the other perks are just gravy!
Gabriella Sannino
May 24th, 2010 at 2:55 pmBravo, excellent. I have been out of corporate America for well over 20 years now. There are good time & bad times, but never have I missed working for someone else. The discipline is I think the hardest accomplishment.
As a freelance writer I find security and serenity in what I do. With that said the simpler we make our lives, the more abundant they become. Keep in mind that the outside world whether the Internet or the unknown darkness closes in. Inside is where you can find your own light. Be true to yourself and write excellent copy. Use each day as a canvass with 24 hours available to put brush to paint.
Zbigniew Goik
May 24th, 2010 at 3:03 pmGreat article! :]
It’s all in your mind!
art
May 24th, 2010 at 7:03 pmLexi, an important point that you mentionned and that is usually overlooked,
is the fact that beyond being a status, freelancing is “spirit”
not necesseraly a free spirit that rejuvenates the woodstock theories (cliché I know)
but a way to leave and make decision
I’ve been a freelancer in 4 countries, and eventhough I work part time in a company, its still freelancing, with the independance and (the other points you mentionned)…
good luck!
Pamela Hilliard Owens
May 24th, 2010 at 8:39 pmLexi: Are you hiding around the corner from my home office? You described me to a “T”!
1) I was “sorta” working for myself at other things while also working a *real* job for years; but *real* jobs and their restrictions and (non-golden) handcuffs really got old for me. I guess I could have gotten another teaching job, but I just didn’t want to. Teachers are now being laid off right and left these days–so where is the security in that “secure” paycheck?
2) I finally formalized the work I was doing off and on for other into a real business about two years ago and haven’t looked back since. Of course there are lots of ups and downs, but my company: Writing It Right For You has grown in wonderful ways that I never could have imagined when I started with a blog and a homemade website.
3) One of the most important comments above (and I think an idea that a lot of people don’t *get*) is that successful freelancers are really business people. Especially for creatives, we have to learn to run our businesses as businesses, period–even as we enjoy the freedoms.
Thanks for a great article.
http://writingitrighforyou.com
Stephanie
May 24th, 2010 at 9:27 pmAwesome article Lexi! You’ve definitely nailed me when you mentioned about being independent. This is the very first reason why I decided to build my freelancing career. Being adventurous and the work as a form of self-expression came afterwards and since then I couldn’t have been happier.
My husband and I are planning on becoming self-employed in the near future and we’re hoping things will be at least a bit stable by the time he gives up his 9-6 job and becomes a freelance web developer. I’ll keep these in mind till then. ;)
Allena
May 24th, 2010 at 10:19 pmI love your 5 points, but your intro confused me.
Wouldn’t the person who is just working for the next paycheck NOT be “all about” working from home, i.e. hoping and crossing fingers to go back to the warm burrito of corporate servitude which is safe and risk-free?
Whereas the true-to-heart, never-going-back-to-the-cube freelancer points to working at home as one of the main benefits? (That’s me. WAH is about 80% of the reason I adore this. Switching up projects is another 10%, and the financial freedom/growth is the other last 10%)
Chris Anthony
May 24th, 2010 at 10:33 pmLexi, while I think your rundown of the characteristics of successful freelancers is spot-on – that is, yes, successful freelancers have these characteristics – wouldn’t it make more sense to be inclusive rather than divisive? You say at the end “I’m not saying that’s right or wrong”, but you’ve just spent the entire article lionizing “real freelancers” and demonizing day jobs – and, by extension, the people who choose to work them.
Instead of saying “if you don’t have these characteristics, it’s okay if you just jump ship and go back to your awful job”, wouldn’t it be better to take the opportunity to present a teaching moment? That is – “here are the characteristics of successful freelancers, here are some ways you can acquire them“?
Perhaps I’m misreading your intent, but this post really does seem dismissive to me instead of educational, and I’m really not sure that’s what you were going for.
Holly
May 24th, 2010 at 10:43 pmI think I understand the point you’re making, Lexi, but I would argue that there are many freelancers who started their businesses out of necessity, and have become true and successful freelancers in every sense of the word. If you want some well known examples, check out James Chartrand’s blog about his personal experiences; it’s particularly illuminating and discusses this topic very well.
Freelance businesses take many people from working minimum wage jobs to buying their first house. In fact, I’d argue that those people tend to ultimately do better with online businesses because for them, failure is simply not an option. They work as long as they have to, and they become as creative as they need to make ends meet, usually without any outside investment. While I think your description of the characteristics are right on, by making it so black and white, you’re belittling the hard work of many successful business owners.
Defining yourself as a freelancer and a business owner shouldn’t be about how you start. It should be about how you finish and what your reputation is as a person and as a business.
Loretta
May 24th, 2010 at 11:05 pmWow, Lexi, you really hit the nail on the head with this one for sure. There is sort of a line drawn in the sand between the different types of freelancers and it is difficult to shift your mindset from the “have to” over to the “want to” way of thinking.
TLC
May 24th, 2010 at 11:14 pmAs the single parent of a 15-year-old, it’s very scary to freelance and have an unpredictable income. However, I’ve made more money than I imagined I could, and after 20+ months, we’re doing OK. Right now it’s a little slow, but I have to remind myself that this is why I charge a higher rate and save everything I can — to cover the slow periods. I’m using this time to do the advertising I need to do, and to paint/redecorate my basement/office.
Even with the risk, I’m sooooooo much happier than I was working, and my son can tell. I was offered a full-time job, and talked to my son about taking it. His reply was, “Yeah, you can have the income, and be miserable going back to an office every single day.” He was right!
Thanks for putting into words the reasons I’ve never fit into a corporate environment. Onward and upward!
Laura Espinosa
May 24th, 2010 at 11:21 pmI’m sorry, but I have to be honest and say I’m a little offended by this post. I understand the spirit of freelancing and how self employment is much different (and not for the faint of heart) compared to a normal job. And that it does take a certain type of character to be able to thrive in that environment. You have to take risks. You have to be able to work long hours sometimes and possibly not earn enough to feed yourself because it’s for the long term goal of building your freelance business. And being an optimistic, roll with the punches type of person can naturally get you over the scary moments of freelancing more than other types of personalities.
I get that. I do.
But I don’t find that people who aren’t in this category are automatically set up for failure in a freelancer’s world. I’ve met some amazing people who, yes, got dropped into the self employment world unexpectedly, either by a loss of job or by a disability or some other circumstance. And I have watched these same people transform into fierce, innovative, and amazing freelancers and business owners because they’re back was to a corner, and they refused to hoist up the white flag of surrender, simply because if they didn’t make this work, then there was nothing else left for them.
Freelancing was their shot at a better life. Plain and simple. Hard cards were dealt to them and instead of folding, they bluffed their way up to a win because they had to win. Is there some resentment? Sometimes yes. Is there stress and days when you wish for the steady paycheck? For the uncertainty to be over? Yes. We are human. We doubt. We bleed. And sometimes that water is tempting when you feel you’re dying of thirst. Sometimes, we want someone to take care of us, just for a little bit, instead of always walking out there day in and day out on our own. By ourselves.
But that doesn’t make us any less valuable, any less capable than the freelancer who has a natural sense of adventure, who has that specific calling in their soul to run wild and run free. Freelancers come from all walks of life. And I guess if there is any category to divide between freelancers, it would be those that make it work, and those that don’t.
My two cents.
-Laura
Issa
May 25th, 2010 at 2:44 amI believe freelancers are a class all on its own. Nice list you’ve got. I would like to add passion. Only those with the passion to do what they love to do sets freelancers above the rest. By getting out of the usual employee comfort zone and stepping into the unknown, freelancers are definitely a toughie that many companies would love to have. The only mind set is passion and it drives us to achieve more than the usual.
Carole Seawert
May 25th, 2010 at 7:14 amI was made redundant in the early 90s and have been freelance ever since. I love the way I can plan my day how I want, I don’t have a boss breathing down my neck, and I don’t have to fit into a corporate way of doing things. However, it is a bit scary in these recessionary times when budgets are cut and your husband is out of work!
funny pranks
May 25th, 2010 at 7:54 amI am born in 84 and i never had a job
Thanks to the Internet as i work and earn my living since 2004 as a freelancer ….
I also own several sites and try to be …. an antreprenour ….
But yea being a freelancers means first being open minded and to have curage and not be afraid of taking risks then having a “stady job” there are ups and downs but my downs are way better then any job i could have
If i add to that the freedom i’m bless what can i say …
Lexi Rodrigo
May 25th, 2010 at 2:46 pmThanks for your comments everyone!
Just wanted to point out that I never mentioned the five characteristics as being necessary for freelancing success. I never said you had to have them or you’re doomed to fail as a freelancer.
I was merely making a distinction between those who freelance out of necessity and those who would freelance, even if they had the opportunity for a good employment.
I would never knock those who choose employment over freelancing. After all, I was an employee myself for 19 years before I started freelancing.
If you read anything like that into my post, then I invite you to read it again. I completely respect the fact that others would want to be an employee and be completely happy as one.
And those five characteristics are precisely why a “freelancer at heart” would never be happy as an employee, no matter how fascinating the job, how big the paycheck, or how prestigious the title.
Storm
May 26th, 2010 at 7:21 amIndependence is important for me, and even though clients may be like our bosses, there is one special difference, Clients have to take ownership of their mistakes (not meeting asset supply deadlines, not paying bills etc) whereas an employer as a boss takes more of a ‘shit rolls down hill approach’ where nothing is ever their fault. Making your ‘boss’ accountable for their actions makes the job so much easier.
The hardest part for me about freelancing is the minimised contact with people. While its cool to work in my pyjamas and take a break in the middle of the day to go to the pool for a swim, I miss those work relationships you make. Then again, its only been 6 months for me in the freelance game so maybe there are ways out there to keep that feeling alive.
Next blog topic maybe?
WritingItRightForYou
May 26th, 2010 at 7:58 am@Storm: “Loneliness” can be a downside to working from your home office. I have made it a habit to work at different places in town with free wi-fi. Just the synergy is helpful and I have also found leads and prospects when I’m out and about.
I guess having two laptops and two phones on the table tells people that I am a writer! LOL!
Just have to be careful to stay away from all of the doughnuts and bagels. When will coffee shops, etc. start selling fruits and veggies?
Gordon Campbell
May 26th, 2010 at 8:34 amAwesome discussion! I am a freelance infant! I got laid off in November 2009 from the usual corporate shackled day job. I told myself – no more – I want to have better control of my destiny. I enrolled in an online college to get my degree in Web Design and Interactive Media and signed up with four freelance sites (subscription based). In that time I have only won ONE freelance project that paid $100.00! I am, however, not discouraged and realize I have a lot of learning and work to do towards my goal. In the meantime I kept pounding the digital pavement for a new job (whatever I could find, freelance, corporate) and was sort of semi-successful landing a sales job with a major national corporation that is 100% commission working from home. Sort of halfway to my dream, but gives me a little more independence and works toward my main goal of financial and career security independence. Thanks for this discussion!
Scott Corgan
May 26th, 2010 at 11:55 amI think the main thing I overlooked was the fact that I would have to be self motivating AND when I woke up, I would already be at the office…boo
Ameet
May 27th, 2010 at 1:01 pmIts surely not for weak soul and mind….I personally think a person is either born freelancer or a normal person….freelancing can b so demanding that its definetly not for weak and undetermined mind…it needs all the traits like discipline, determination and perserverance…..Happy Freelancing :)
M.Akramsaim12812
May 29th, 2010 at 1:07 amI think the main thing I overlooked was the fact that I would have to be self motivating AND when I woke up, I would already be at the office…boo
Angelee
May 31st, 2010 at 6:37 amI thought this article would imply something about “Financial Freedom” by looking at the Sky Diver’s very-happy face. haha…
This is another great post for refreshing freelancers’ spirit towards Freelancing. I definitely agree with AMEET, “it needs all the traits like discipline, determination and perserverance…” to keep on FREELANCING. (redundant but its what this is all about).
Freelancers and Wholesalers Auctions
June 3rd, 2010 at 5:03 amGood post Lexi. I am inviting you to write a guest post in my website. Are you ready?
Make Money Online
June 17th, 2010 at 12:32 pmLexi,
Thanks Interesting post.
Ex Workaholic
April 29th, 2012 at 3:53 pmHi Lexi
I’ve just resigned from my well-paid job to go freelance. I’ve been reading your blogs for the past few months and they’ve helped me reach the decision to take the plunge… Thanks for your thoughts and advice – much appreciated! :-)
Linda
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