Business

Matthew Jordan, a freelance designer, explores the benefits of being a lone freelancer. Though I’m a freelance writer rather than designer, both share many things in common. I started writing on the side as a part-time gig while holding a corporate job for the benefits and security.

I made the move to full-time freelancing when my husband settled in a job with better health benefits AND my freelance plate was full enough. Obviously, I have the benefit of being married — so I didn’t have to worry about health benefits as long as my husband had a solid job with such benefits.

Those wanting to go freelance should pay attention to the following key sentence, which happened in my case: “My best recommendation is to get involved in freelancing while you’ve still got the comfort of your full-time job. Now, for many people, this causes a conflict of interest with the current company, so be sure you aren’t violating any corporate rules by moonlighting.”

The Downside of Freelancing

• No health benefits (although some freelancers find a deal — but I have kids and it would be pricey)

• No paid holidays or vacation (This one is also a benefit. Taking vacation makes it tricky to one without guilt, but that may just be me. I know plenty who have no trouble taking regular vacations.)

• No supplied supplies and support (software, hardware, PC, more powerful printer, etc.)

• Do your own marketing to get clients. This was a bigger concern for me as I can’t make phone calls in the same way the average person does.

• Do your own books/accounting (better to do it yourself to protect yourself and not be robbed blind — or at least stay on top of what comes in and what goes out). I’m not implying that you shouldn’t hire an accountant — in fact, experts recommend it — the key thing is to take steps to ensure no one steals from you.

• No team to bounce ideas (unless you work with a project team that makes it possible — for example, I’m a newsletter editor for InternetVIZ — we’re all freelancers around the country and we make up a team). But someone I know hates her job because of this same issue and she works for a corporation.

• You get paid whether it’s a slow day or not. In freelancing — most cases — you don’t work, you don’t get paid.

Upside of the Freelance Life

• Flexibility in terms of hours and location, and holidays (My holidays don’t match the traditional holidays, so I don’t have to deal with asking the boss for those off) and I’m available for contractors needing to do something in my house. This benefit is a biggie especially as a mom.

• Work in PJs or whatever.

• Variety of assignments and clients. I bore easily doing one thing.

• Lack of politics, red tape and bad management. Sure I have to deal with politics from a client perspective, but still a far cry from the kind of politics in a corporate setting. If I don’t like a client or prospect — I can get out of the work. If you’ve got a bad boss… (like someone I know) you’re stuck unless you can switch jobs.

• When I don’t feel well, I can easily lie down and even work in bed with a laptop.

• Exercise anytime and not worry about getting dressed again for work.

I’m sure I’m forgetting a few things. I’ll add them, if they come to mind. Feel free to chime in with your experiences.