Freelance Pros & Cons

"Freelancing are just for the lazy people without any plans about their life." or "Freelancing are for people who got laid off from their real jobs and have no choice left." are the most common expression AND notion about Freelancers. Well, sorry to burst your bubbles my friends. This is not the case. Although, we understand where you're coming from but let us show you why we love what we do and what are the things we don't like about it as well, just to be fair. You might learn a thing or two about us.

What I love about Online Freelancing

1. Flexible work time and place

Yup, we choose when to work and when not to work. We can attend to our life events without worrying compared to regular employees who needs "valid" reason just to have a "day" off from their boss. We can have a week or a month's off if we please. If we really have to work due to deadline submission, we can bring our work anywhere as long as there are stable internet connection, working computer and a good cup of coffee. You can even be with your child, pet and partner while doing your projects at the comforts of your home. Bet you can't do that on your workplace.

2. Higher pay

You can't beat that. Nowadays, business owners would prefer to outsource their businesses to online freelancers and cut the cost of hiring onsite employees. That means, freelancers have a wide variety of projects to choose from and a potential source of income. Not to mention, most clients pay in US dollars per hour so do the math especially, if you leave outside the USA. Freelancers receive twice the amount of regular employees.

3. I'm the boss

Ever get tired of impressing someone at work especially your boss just to keep your job? We do! As professional freelancers, these clients (business owners) "need" our skill set for their businesses to work. They treat us as business partners rather than subordinates. Well, most clients are and a few "newbie" clients still brings their office-setup demeanor who treats freelancers as slaves. Sad to say for those clients, we can leave you without even feeling sorry for it. Freelancers are not slave monkeys who would work for a penny. We can choose who our clients can be and finish a certain project. Like what we said, "I'm the boss".

4. No small talks

In an office set-up you have to mingle with your co-workers and listen to their pathetic stories. Worst case, you get involved with their lives. The real Netflix everyday drama. Other times, you have to attend to unproductive meetings wasting your time. You guess it right, as online freelancers, there no such dramas. All you have to do is just deliver the goods to your boss and that's it. If you have failed due to your short comings, lucky you if your client would not end your contract right away.

What I hate about Online Freelancing

1. Finding projects and clients

Initially, if you are still building your online portfolio or profile, it's very hard to find clients and projects. Either they've chosen another experience online freelancer or they've cancelled the project itself for some reason. That is why, it is your utmost priority to keep building an excellent online presence for clients to see you and seek your service. If you want to transition to freelancing, better have enough savings while looking for your potential online clients. Some may take months before landing the perfect job. Just be patient and work yourself up, it is all worth it at the end.

2. Multi-tasking

Not all are built to do multiple tasks at the same time. Online work perse, there are certain clients that hands down tasks not included on your initial job description. Some take it positively as it signifies promotion but most freelancers are not. On the other hand, you are responsible for your own accounting, upgrading your skill set and sell your expertise. But if you are a natural, multi-tasking is not even an issue.

3. Inconsistent income

Working online as a freelancer have a higher pay, if you are lucky to maintain your good standing or find a long-term client. Some online freelancers have this cycle of feast and famine in some point of their career. As there are projects that are shorter than 6 months while others are years in the making, as long as the company needs your service. But since this is online freelancing, you can have multiple clients at the same time and you can give high quality work results. For sure, you won't experience the famine stage.

4. Time management

It is overwhelming at first to have a flexible work time online and you might be adjusting with it. In terms of work time, some clients have different time zone than you do so you might be working at the middle of the night or so. Night owls are so welcome.

So, there you go. These are just some of the pros and cons of being an online freelancer. Remember not all are suited for this nature of work but worth trying.