If you choose the freelancing approach, just be aware that you'll be self-employed -- with everything that that entails 

By Kent Johnson

Choosing to freelance route in your new career can be a great option.  You'll have more flexibility, and more control over your day to day business affairs. Many occupations like photography, modeling, graphic design, acting, and writing are well suited to the freelance approach.  Many thousands of people have built successful careers as freelancers. 

But you'll also be out there alone, and you'll have to learn how to promote yourself, manage your own finances, schedule and keep appointments, etc.  Self motivation is a must, along with a strong will to succeed. And don't forget the financial aspects. You won't have the comfort of a monthly salary, and you'll have to keep bringing in new clients and new business in order to survive.

That said, freelancing can be a great option. Many people have taken the plunge, and never looked back.  But you'll want to take a long look at yourself and your options before you give your current employer notice.

Here are some of the pros of freelancing:

• You can set your own hours. As a freelancer, you'll have the flexibility to work when and where you want, as long as you get the job done right--and on time.
  

• You can set your own prices, and get paid what you're worth, not what an employer thinks you're worth.  After all, why fill  your employer's pockets when you can fill your own?
  

• You can pick your jobs.  Instead of doing the work that's handed to you by your employer or supervisor, you can pick and choose the projects that interest you. (Of course, if you're struggling to find work, this might not be an option, at least in the beginning.)
  

• You can grow as your business grows.  If you're good at what you do, and market yourself aggressively, you should soon have more work that you know what to do with. Many people who  started out as lone freelancers eventually found themselves running their own medium-to-large-sized companies--with the financial rewards to go with it.

Here are some of the cons of freelancing:

• You won't have a monthly salary to fall back on. If the idea of not having a salary scares you, or you're not good at budgeting your money, this could be a real problem.
  
• You'll have to collect the money.  Just because a client promises to pay you for a project, doesn't necessarily mean they'll do it. Freelancers have to learn to be their own collection agencies, and follow up with clients who keep telling them that "the check's in the mail."
  
• You'll be a salesman. As a freelancer--especially in the beginning--you'll be spending most of your time marketing and selling yourself to prospective clients. If the idea of making cold calls and drumming up work terrifies you, think long and hard before you leave your current job.
  
• You'll have to plan for tax day. Unlike working for an employer, as a freelancer you'll have to set aside enough money to pay your estimated taxes every quarter -- or risk getting a nasty surprise on April 15th.
  
• You'll have to provide your own health, dental, and life insurance. When you freelance, you don't have an employer paying most or all of your health insurance and other insurance costs. Paying for these expenses yourself can take a healthy chunk out of your monthly revenue.

So as you consider trading in your current job for the life of a freelancer,  just be aware that you'll be in for some unique challenges along the way.  But for many, these hurdles are part of the excitement of exploring their own career destiny, and the rewards of freelancing can more than make up for the occasional bumps in the road.  

Top | Home | Site Map | About Us | Contact Us| Privacy Policy

© CareerAdrenaline.com  All Rights Reserved.