5 harsh realities of being a freelancer
Being a freelancer comes with some great perks. Few other professions allow you to work from a beach in Thailand with a cocktail in hand! The fact that you can work remotely, plan your own schedule and work as much, or as little, as you’d like makes it a popular career choice for many.
This doesn’t mean, however, that there aren’t some harsh realities you will find yourself faced with when entering into this booming, competitive market. Here are five of them to consider before severing ties with your nine-to-five.
1. You are a business
Being your own boss can be a liberating and lucrative experience.
But not having the security of a regular paycheque and the support of a company can be tough. It means having to be brave in your decision making, be honest with yourself and be upfront with your clients. Being a wallflower is not going to cut it!
2. Your quality speaks for you
It doesn’t matter how visible you are on social media or how good your pitch is. At the end of the day, it all boils down to the quality of your work and the experience of working with you. Deliver great, timely service and top-notch work, and word about your brilliance will start to get around. Trust me.
3. You can experience loneliness
Many people who work in offices surrounded by others all day might relish the idea of being able to work from home and for themselves. The reality, however, is that it can be an isolating experience. This is why joining an online community and taking regular breaks that get you outside and away from your desk are crucial.
4. No client is forever
As a freelancer, you might think that a good client relationship means that you can count on their regular business. But this is not the case. This is because people change positions and companies change business models all the time, or may decide to hire someone to handle work internally. Sad, but true.
5. The risk of burnout is real
Freelancers are notoriously bad at maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This is because they often make themselves available at irregular times to accommodate clients and their needs. Establishing ‘office times’ that you inform clients of and adhere to can help you to avoid burnout.
