Pros and cons of freelancing: 10 things to consider

People might imagine writers working from a coffee shop or photographers taking photos at a wedding. Although those are viable career options, many other lines of work can happen from home. People can have different definitions of freelancing, depending on their careers.

As such, the advantages and disadvantages of freelancing listed here are based both on my experiences, and on feedback from lots of global freelance workers. Another major disadvantage of freelancing is the lack of benefits. No paid holidays, sick leave, group medical scheme, Christmas bonus, gym memberships or free lunches. All the nice extras that make an employee’s life a little bit easier are non-existent to freelancers. One of the most important benefits of freelancing is that it helps professionals develop their careers. But as a freelancer, because of the continuous professional growth and the networking opportunities presented at every turn, moving out of the limitations of your profession is inevitable.

Money

If a freelancer is working in a time zone different than the company they are working for, then they have to plan their schedule according to the company’s time zone. This freelance con is very typical for individuals working as  virtual assistants or a sales representative. Adjusting to a different time zone can prove to be challenging. Many times working in the office with colleagues could lead to unwanted breaks. A noisy workplace can lead to decreased productivity and be a source of irritation.

pros and cons of freelancing

Nowadays, people think of going freelance, but they don’t know where to start. Most people have a full-time job, or some might have lost the job due to a pandemic and thinking about going freelance. It might be any reason for someone, but if someone thinks of doing freelancing, they should know that freelancing holds many potentials. Freelance jobs offer independence that what freelancing many career professionals long for. Not only would you be free of traditional offices and schedules, but you also can work alone, and for the most part, where you are most comfortable doing so. Although even freelancers will need to find a way to make themselves available to their clients when they need to be, your work hours can be as open and flexible as you like.

Ability to take on diverse projects

The continuous workflow is one of the main disadvantages of freelancing. Freelancers have to strive hard in the starting or even forever to get the following projects after completing the previous ones. Often, clients may ask to work on a project and then shelf it for unknown reasons. Flexibility and freedom are one of the key benefits that freelancing allows. If you are restricted, whether you are concerned about work-life balance or worry about childcare, freelancing can offer you refuge.

pros and cons of freelancing

The perk of working from home (or your favorite place) also comes with the obligation to ensure that you do it efficiently and productively. Because it’s very easy to lose concentration when you work from a comfort zone. You can negotiate your rates, deadlines, and project scope, which can lead to a more satisfying work experience. This level of flexibility can be appealing to many freelancers. However, it’s essential to consider the fees, competition, and limited client interaction before committing to any platform.