If you are thinking about going freelancing, you have surely considered the pros and cons of freelancing before changing direction.
Having worked as an online freelancer since 2018, I will share my experience as someone who has been helping you to make a wise decision by outlining both the advantages and drawbacks of the career. One-of- a-kind opportunities abound in freelancing; yet, before starting this road, one must carefully weigh their benefits and drawbacks.
As an online freelancer, you are considered self-employed, thus you will be responsible for your own government benefits such as SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. Switching from employee to self-employed took me about a year. Unlike in traditional employment, freelancers must stay on top of contributions, which ensures you’re covered when needed. You can also top up Pag-IBIG with an HMO, but all of this comes at your own expense.
Lack of regular company perks including 13th-month pay, sick leave, or vacation time is one of the main drawbacks of freelancing. Although this was an exception rather than the norm, one of my clients offered a 13th-month incentive.
Usually, you should expect to be paid just according to the rate you set for your work. Any further advantages would be regarded as a luxury rather than a guarantee.
You may consider this as a positive way to start your career, but there are opportunists who will require your service but will not proceed with the transaction.
The uncertainty of dealing with new clients is one major drawback of freelancing. Working from home can be stressful sometimes, but there’s nothing more stressful than looking for trustworthy clients.
Early in my freelancing journey, I had a client who didn’t pay after weeks of hard work. This taught me to always have contracts in place and vet clients thoroughly. Freelancers can be vulnerable to opportunistic clients, and navigating these challenges requires diligence and careful planning.
Focus on your goal – your goal is to earn a living, build a career and get potential clients that will know your worth.
Working as a freelancer feels like operating a tiny business. Investing in your own equipment—including an efficient computer, a steady internet connection, and software related to your services—is your responsibility. For those just starting out especially, these expenses can mount up. It’s something every virtual assistant or virtual marketing assistant like me needs to be prepared for.
While there are certainly disadvantages of freelancing, the freedom it offers makes the career path highly attractive. Let’s look at the pros of freelancing.
One of the greatest advantages of freelancing is the freedom to work at your own pace.
Having worked in a corporate setting for nearly two years, I know what it’s like to follow someone else’s schedule. As an online freelancer, I decide when and how I work, giving me complete control over my daily routine.
Working in a corporation is a great opportunity and there is no doubt about it, however working in an office can also be considered as melodramatic TV series, but without the whole film crew. There are non-stop gossip that can greatly affect your mental health. Politics in your career growth, that disrupts your ability to learn more or take it a step further.
Being a victim of corporate politics is stressful as it sounds. There are moments in which I see people who slack off work gets a raise or a promotion. And is one of the best things about working as a freelancer for me. I don’t have to worry about how things work at work when I’m doing my work.
Living in Metro Manila, the daily commute can easily be two hours or longer. waiting for hour’s end on a public transportation is not only time consuming but it may drain you of your energy. This is especially, if you are working on a place that is too far from you, and renting is not an option.
Switching to freelancing in 2018 relieved me of the long, exhausting travel times. Instead of wasting hours in traffic, I now devote that time to business or personal hobbies. This is a significant benefit for anyone thinking about freelancing, especially in high-traffic locations.
You can save more money when you work as a freelancer. I’ve cut back on costs that aren’t necessary by not traveling or buying food from the office cafeteria. Parents who work from home can save money on child care costs because they don’t have to pay for a babysitter or daycare. These small saves add up, which makes working as a freelancer an even better choice.
Conclusion: Is Freelancing Suitable for You?
As someone who has been freelancing for several years, I’ve discovered that there are both advantages and disadvantages to this professional route. Freelancing has issues ranging from maintaining your own benefits to dealing with unreliable clients. However, the flexibility, lack of office politics, and ability to work at your own pace make it a worthwhile decision.
For me, I found the pleasure of working online as I am more capable of performing the task all to the comfort of my own home. You might be having your second thoughts on working freelance, but like other challenges, you may get through it.
If you’re thinking about going freelance, do your homework, understand the benefits and drawbacks, and weigh them carefully before making the decision. When I started in 2018, I knew very little about freelancing. My advise is to start slowly, grow your clientele, and keep informed. Freelancing can be a rewarding career provided you are willing to take on the necessary obligations.
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