Freelancefolder

Why We Keep on Freelancing Despite All Warnings

Posted May 23, 2012 in Inspiration

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The number of freelancers is growing rapidly despite the fact that many articles and blogs (including Freelance Folder) warn would-be freelancers of the potential pitfalls of freelancing.

I still do think it’s a good idea to warn folks about possible freelancing drawbacks. It’s no secret that some people just aren’t cut out for freelancing.

However, there are also many compelling reasons why freelancing is becoming more and more popular. With all the negativity, it’s important not to lose sight of those reasons.

In this post, I’ll share six of the reasons why we keep on freelancing despite all the warnings. At the end of the post, you can share some of your own thoughts about why freelancing is growing in popularity.

Reason 1: We Can Be More Creative

For the most part, we freelancers are creative folks. You’ll find all kinds of talent in the freelancing world. Just a few of the many creative professions that lend themselves to freelancing include:

• Writing
• Web Design
• Programming
• Web Development
• Photography

Of course, there are many other types of creative freelancers as well. Freelancing lets creative folks express their creativity in a way that most workplaces do not.

As a freelancer, you can choose to work on the most challenging and rewarding projects–projects that might have never been assigned to you in a traditional work environment.

Plus, as a freelancer, you can express your creativity through personal projects. You can create your own products. Even your freelancing blog provides an avenue for creative expression.

There’s no doubt that freelancing attracts workers who want to be creative.

Reason 2: Freelancing Is More Flexible

Many workers have trouble fitting in to the traditional eight-to-five mold. If your peak performance time is late at night or early in the morning, you may be uncomfortable in a conventional workplace.

Sure, you might be able to drag yourself out of bed at 7:00 a.m. for a traditional employer–but if you don’t really wake up until noon what is the point of that? You won’t really be at your best.

As a freelancer, you can set your own hours. If you work best late at night, then that’s when you’ll do your work. Likewise, if your peak performance time comes at the crack of dawn there’s nothing to stop you from working then.

The ability to accommodate a differing biological clock is a huge draw to freelancing.

Reason 3: It Gives Us a Shot at Work/Life Balance

Many workers feel torn between their work life and their home life. The stress and tension of trying to meet the needs at home and at work with the same 24 hours in a day can be severe.

Add in a lengthy daily commute, and the tension between work and home can seem almost unbearable.

Freelancing can provide a healthier balance for many. You can adjust your workload according to your personal needs.

If your personal life is hectic, you can take less work. If your personal life is calm or you need more cash, you can accept more work.

Freelancing is an especially friendly work option to those who are caretakers for the chronically ill or for young children.

Reason 4: We Are in Control as Freelancers

Many freelancers feel more comfortable working for themselves because they are in the driver seat. They make all the decisions concerning their freelancing business.

At a traditional job, you must answer to a boss. As a freelancer, you answer to a client. But, a big difference is that you can choose your clients as a freelancers. Employees can’t choose their bosses.

Being in charge results in a pride of ownership that you don’t find with most other jobs.

Reason 5: Freelancing Provides Higher Earnings

Many people are drawn to freelancing because it offers a higher earning potential than traditional employment. This is particularly true for:

• Part-time freelancers–In fact, many part-time freelancers enjoy a full-time income. Most other part-time jobs offer relatively low pay.
• Entry-level professionals–Entry-level professionals can also earn more than their counterparts in traditional employment. Plus, in today’s economy recent graduates could wait months to find the right position.

In the end, how much you earn as a freelancer depends on how well you market your skills and how hard you work.

Reason 6: Freelancing Has Come a Long Way

Freelancing today is different from freelancing a decade ago. Here’s a list of technological advances over the past ten years and an explanation of how each one benefits the freelancer:

• Social Media–Provides a low cost means of marketing as well as a way to connect with prospective clients.
• WordPress & Blogger–Allows even the smallest business to create and develop a website for a minimal cost.
• Mobile Devices–iPads, iPhones, Laptops, and WiFi all give the freelancer the freedom to work anywhere.
• PayPal and other online e-commerce tools–Simplifies and speeds up billing transactions.
• VoIP and Skype–Using these tools and others like them freelancers can talk to anyone anywhere any time.

Looking back, it’s hard to imagine doing without these convenient tools. Freelancing today is easier than ever before.

Your Turn

Why do you keep on freelancing? Is it one of the reasons above, or some other reason? Why do you think freelancing is becoming more popular?

Share your answers in the comments.

Image by LaserGuided

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