Some might ask, “what is a side hustle?” It could be defined as any type of work that you do in addition to one’s full-time job. Freelancing is different. Freelancers are self-employed and often referred to as independent contractors.

Being a freelancer comes with many benefits and advantages. It allows for a flexible work schedule and to pursue something one enjoys. One can have the luxury of working remotely as well depending on the field. However, there are also some drawbacks that come with being a freelancer as well. We will take a look at both the pros and cons of being a freelancer.

The pros of being a freelancer

There are different industries and fields that one can be a freelancer in. The wide variety of job choices is something that can be attractive to a person considering becoming a freelancer. As the world of technology continues to evolve and change, many freelance positions available online and remotely are becoming more commonplace. Some career options as a freelancer are:

  • Freelance writer
  • Affiliate marketing
  • Seller/reseller
  • Graphic designer
  • Gig work such as delivery or ridesharing
  • Social media manager
  • Tutor or coach
  • Entrepreneur

With many different career options at one’s disposal, becoming a freelancer seems like an enticing idea. It is possible to work the above-listed jobs on one’s own time and schedule. It is entirely possible to be a self-employed freelancer and advance at one’s own pace. It is also possible to become an entrepreneur and follow one’s own desires such as building an online business.

Another advantage of being a freelancer is that one can choose who to work with or work entirely by oneself. This level of flexibility is a very attractive benefit of being a self-employed freelancer. As well as choosing who to work with, one can also have the luxury of choosing where to work depending on the field. If one’s freelance job is catered to a more remote style of work, then it is possible to work wherever one chooses. One could work at home or abroad while traveling.

Becoming a freelancer also comes with a certain level of autonomy. One is able to be in charge of one’s self and not have to report to a manager, supervisor, or boss. If one is a person that likes the responsibility of making one’s own decisions on work matters, then being a freelancer is a great career choice. Another form of freedom that comes with freedom is one’s earnings. When one is a freelancer, one’s earnings are dependent on clients and customers. As a freelancer, one has the ability to create one’s own path to financial success.

The cons of being a freelancer

Even though there are many positive benefits of being a freelancer, there are also some drawbacks that should be considered. It is important to take a look at both the positives and negatives of being a freelancer. Having an open mind and understanding what being a freelancer entails is vital.

One of the first things to consider as being a freelancer is one’s earnings. As a freelancer, one’s income is dependent on clients and customers. This can create fluctuations in one’s income and is different from having a fixed salary or hourly pay. It is important to keep this in mind because one’s income can be variable as a freelancer. Being a freelancer also means that one will have no benefits such as health insurance, company perks, or paid vacation time that one might have at a traditional workplace.

Being a freelancer also comes with the responsibility of finding a work-life balance. It’s important to separate one’s work and one’s personal life. This can be tricky for some because of the way freelance work is. It’s crucial to set boundaries and be aware of how one is managing their time.

As a freelancer, one’s clients or customers are the basis of everything. One might have to do a considerable amount of communication to maintain working relationships with clients. One will also have to reach out to potential clients as well. This is a demanding aspect of being a freelancer. It’s also possible to encounter clients that do not pay when the time comes. This can create income problems.

Freelancing is a popular way of earning money. If you have a desire to be your own boss, check into it and see if it will be right for you.