What are the pros and cons of being a freelance
Career Paths, Careers advice

Freelance: pros and cons

Being a freelance is not a job for everyone, but if you have a strong and clear vision of your professional goals it might be a wise choice.
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Before going through the pros and cons of becoming freelance, it might be fun to discover the history of the freelance evolution. But what is freelancing today? The Oxford dictionary offers the following definition: being freelance means being “self-employed and hired to work for different companies on particular assignments”; but no matter what the title may be, freelancing is spreading inside all industries.

 

Freelance Evolution

The emergence of printed magazines made “freelancing” quite popular on the job market, even though its origins go back quite a long way: the oldest reference dates back to the early 19th century.  The word first appeared in The Life and Times of Hugh Miller by Thomas N. Brown (1809).

Later in 1820, Sir Walter Scott mentioned it in his famous book Ivanhoe. Here’s an interesting quote: “I offered Richard the service of my Free Lancers, and he refused them – I will lead them to Hull, seize on shipping, and embark for Flanders; thanks to the bustling times, a man of action will always find employment.” So, if during the Middle Ages, free lancers were free mercenary soldiers who sold their skills, as the years passed, the word eventually progressed from the military field to the business sector.

Today the internet is an important tool for freelancers, helping them to emerge and thrive, find the clients they want and work on a project-by-project basis.

Let’s get to the heart of the matter: what are the pros and cons of being a freelance?

 

Pros

  1. You can work and manage various clients that will allow you to develop new skills and enhance your expertise.
  2. You can build and strengthen a partner network.
  3. You can showcase your talents
  4. You have flexibility in terms of timetable and location
  5. You can boost your sense of independence and your income

 

Cons

  1. Taxes and the costs of running a business may be higher
  2. You may not have social security benefits
  3. There is less job security
  4. Payments often come on an irregular basis
  5. Invoicing and collection is the responsibility of the contractor

 

It is a well-established fact that many employers prefer hiring freelancers over permanent employees in design, marketing and programming companies, because it offers flexibility, smart working and project management opportunities for both parties.

How about finding more advice and news on our blog jobrapido.com
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