5 Most Common Assumptions about Freelancing
Things most people get wrong about freelance work
Tired of explaining yourself
Telling people that you’re a freelancer can provoke questions or assumptions from your friends and family. What is freelancing? Do you have a contract? How do you find work? It’s often due to your own initiative that you become a freelancer. This means we sometimes feel forced to explain our careers to those around us.
If only everybody knew more about freelancing… Here are 5 of the most frequent mistaken assumptions people make about freelancing.
1. You’ve got no job security
Having to source your work might seem unusual for conventional workers. Most people search for a new permanent role only when they need to. For freelancers, it works a bit differently. We’re always advertising our services and looking for new opportunities.
But the truth is, many freelancers have a very consistent set of clients, jobs, and projects. Once you get off the ground as a freelancer, you’ll sometimes need to turn down new work due to the volume you already have. There’s security in diversity, too. By opening up multiple streams of income through taking on a range of clients, you’re not reliant on a single employer paying your wages.
2. You’ve got loads of free time
Freelancing can often remove the hassle of travel. Work hours are not set in stone, this flexibility certainly creates a freedom that is not possible in most other jobs. But freedom does not always equate to free time.
In fact, for many freelancers, time management can be a real headache. Commonly, work can eat into the limited free time freelancers have. It’s important to remember to give yourself time to rest. Why not try ‘Implementing a Four-day Workweek’ to better balance your life? Overworking is an enemy of productivity.
3. You must be lonely
The image many have of a freelancer is someone who works alone, with just their laptop on hand. There is no office environment, no co-worker gossip or socialising. No office parties. It sure seems like a lonely path to choose. So, why is it that freelance work seems to lead to improved mental health over office work?
It might be all the networking, or all the meeting calls. The possibility to collaborate and interact within the freelance community also helps. Using Coworking spaces opens doors to collaborations. Even the chance to spend some time alone can help. With freelancing the opportunity to engage with others is possibly greater than before.
4. You are your own boss
Working for yourself surely means there is no one keeping a close watch. No chance of getting called into the manager’s office or being summoned to their desk. You’re self-employed. All of the rate that you charge goes directly to you.
Well, who doesn’t want to be rewarded fully for the work they do? It’s a real pro feature of freelancing. That’s why we offer a commission feeless platform, read more in Revolancer Announces 0% Commission. And while it’s true that a freelancer is self-employed. The responsibility ends with you. Each client is similar to a temporary boss. If they are unsatisfied with your service it will have a direct impact both in the short and long-term. A good reputation is essential to growing the number of opportunities available.
5. You must be looking for a full-time position
‘The income isn’t enough to support you. You’ll find another job soon if you keep looking.’ The assumptions are that being solely a freelancer is perhaps not adequate, not legitimate. Currently, most freelancers are in another form of employment or embarking on their studies. But, there is a growing trend of people transitioning into freelancing as a standalone career.
The beginning stages of becoming a freelancer involve lots of networking, the building of clientele and your reputation. It could be necessary to charge slightly below the market rate in the early days to gain an opportunity. Not too dissimilar to many salary-based jobs, which may have pay variations based on experience. Once your reputation has been built, it is very feasible to earn more money than the salary given for the same role within a company structure.
Writing some wrongs
Making the wrong assumptions can be harmful. Luckily the fact you’re reading this article means you either have an interest in freelancing or are already doing freelance work. Either way, you’re sure to face some of these questions. Remember, just because you’re a freelancing graphic designer, doesn’t mean you’re any less a professional graphic designer. Take pride in the work you do, and give yourself some praise when you do well.
It’s only natural to have doubts or worries, this happens whether you’re working for a company or you’re freelancing. However, those doubts can be put to bed with a reliable platform like Revolancer, so join today. Worried about distractions? Read our guide on ‘Working Where You Relax’ to find the right solution for you.
Before you go
If you enjoyed this article, why not check out ‘5 Essential Pieces of Tech for Freelancers’ – a guide on which essential gadgets will help take your skills to the next level. And if you also want to take your freelancing game to the next level then join Revolancer and sign up to Plus today!
Freelance marketplace: Revolancer