One of the best things about freelancing is the ability to work from anywhere in the world. Freelancers around the world can opt to work from their beds dressed in their pajamas or while sitting outside in a posh cafe. The control over where and when to work is very empowering for freelancers because it enables them to schedule life and work so that they are balanced.
Choosing to become a freelancer gives you better control over life-work balance. This is particularly advantageous for parents. During a typical day, the kids go to school while mom and dad are off to work. This is alright for many families. However, when a child falls sick, it becomes a problem. Who’s going to take care of him or her? Freelancers on the other hand, just need to reschedule work and commitments to take care of their child. Most of the time, there is no need to skip work.
For many, freelancing is just like working a 9-5 job. Many freelancers start the day just like normal people do, with a cup of coffee and breakfast. Afterwards, it’s time to power up the PC or laptop and start working. Freelancers take breaks too. Meetings with other team members are a bit different though, because freelancers usually “meet” each other via teleconference. Some companies use videochat, others use collaboration websites like Dropbox to communicate, monitor, and share progress.
Freelancers also need to socialize. Thanks to social media, freelancers can chat with friends and family without leaving their computers. Because of freelancing, they spend their lunch breaks this way, which is not really different from a typical 9-5 employee. After the break, it’s back to work to finish the work load for the day. At quitting time, regular employees share drinks at the local pub to let their hair down. Freelancers are not different, except they usually just head to the fridge for some refreshments. However, the option to socialize face to face is always there.
The only difference between regular employees and freelancers is when they start their day. Regular employees usually follow the 9-5 routine, but not freelancers. The latter can start their day whenever they want and take a break when they want to. Many freelancers work more than 8 hours a day doing multiple jobs and tackling different projects. This is because freelancers can choose who to work for and the number of hours they want to work on it. Freelancers have a deadline they stick to, but most of them have the power to choose when to start and stop working.
Becoming a freelancer is like being on an adventure, but it is certainly not for people who do not like taking risks or are not self-motivated. Freelancers love adventure because their job can take them anywhere. Having the ability to work as long as you have an internet connection and a laptop enables workers to see the world and experience other cultures. Freelancers meet different people from around the world. A freelance web designers can work in a desk in India for a big multi-national company in the United States.
Freelancers have to be self starters, because there is no boss looking over their shoulders to check on their progress. It might be tempting to take 2 hour lunch-breaks, but it could mean delays and staying on the project longer. This means that freelancers need to be organized and know how to stick to schedules.
Becoming a freelancer can be risky, but it is a good choice for people who want flexibility over their schedules. It is also a good starting block for mothers who want to be there for their families or those that are coming back to the workforce. It is also a good choice for people who want to save on gas money or hate fighting rush hour traffic and then getting stuck in it for hours.
