Many of us dream of being our own boss, setting our own hours and reaping the rewards of our own hard work. That’s why working as a freelancer can be so appealing. However, before you make the leap to self employment, make sure you have considered all the pros and cons.
Why do you want to do it?
Before you start, think about your objectives and what type of work you want to do. Maybe you simply want to avoid commuting in the mornings or maybe you have a specific goal in mind.
Can you afford it?
It can take time to find work as a freelancer, so do you have any projects to get you going? Do you have savings set aside in case times are tough?
How will you get work?
Perhaps you have some contacts that have promised to put work your way – however, how reliable are they? Familiarise yourself with freelancer websites such as WorkDublin.com, vWorker.com and Freelancer.com. Some of these websites will involve a subscription fee but it can be worth paying as thousands of jobs may be posted daily.
Consider home distractions
A lot of people think they will work better at home than at work and that there are many advantages to being your own boss. While this is true, remember you will still have deadlines to hit and unless you do the work you won’t get paid. So weigh up whether you have the self-discipline to be a freelancer and whether there are too many distractions at home.
You are everything…
Let’s say you’re a freelancer writer – you might think that writing is your only task. However, the reality is that you’ll need to be your company’s marketing department, project manager, IT department, legal department and everything else. You’re not just your own boss – you are the entire business.
Is it worth it?
There is no denying the advantages of being a freelance worker. From setting your own hours, to potentially earning more money, it can really pay off. However, it will require a great deal of dedication and determination to make it work – and once you’ve tried it, it’s hard to go back to a regular job. So think carefully and make a decision that’s right for you.
