Becoming a Freelance

Many people dream of becoming their own boss. Whilst the idea of working for yourself seems like an appealing one at first, it is important that you understand how freelancing is different to a more traditional working environment.

Better Work-Life Balance

Freelancers can often pick and choose when and where they work. This means that if you want to spend time with the family, or go catch a movie at lunchtime; there’s not much stopping you. As long as you can motivate yourself, a freelancer can usually work in the hours that most suit them.

One of the most common reasons that people become freelancers is that they feel that their work-life balance will improve. However, it is common that a freelancer will end up working as many (if not more) hours than if they worked on a full-time, permanent basis. Creating a daily, or weekly structure of working hours is key. Great organisation and self-discipline are essential traits of a successful freelancer.

More Variety in the Working Day

As a freelancer’s reputation grows, there may be scope to pick and choose clients accordingly depending on the project involved. Initially it is more likely that any work offered should be taken, to help boost the profile of a freelancer and increase financial security.

It has been known for full-time employees to become bored with doing the same things day after day, and feel that freelancing could offer them more variety in their working day. Whilst sometimes this can be the case, many freelancers will find that more than half their work will come from one client. As a result, you may still be expected to carry out the same tasks on a regular basis.

But as time goes on and a freelancers reputation grows, an array of opportunities should present themselves, allowing for a more varied work schedule. When getting started, things will be tough, but that just adds to the sense of pride you will feel when things start going right for you and your career.

Less Stress

Before becoming a freelancer, you may feel that your boss is putting unnecessary pressure on you, or that office friction is impacting on your work-life happiness. But all the pressures of finding clients, legal work, accounting and making time for family will soon catch with you. For a driven, focused person, it’s hard not to let the search for success bleed into everyday life. Even working from home can present a challenge, especially with young children.

A great accountant can be a life saver in terms of reducing workload. PI Insurance can also add to your peace of mind as it covers you against any claims of professional negligence (for example if a client is unhappy with your work).

Starting out as a freelancer can be tough, but the rewards and freedom you will gain will make it all worth it in the end. Once a freelancer is known for the quality of their work, projects will roll in, allowing for a fantastic work-life balance and great financial rewards. Any initial struggles will pale into insignificance in comparison with the sense of satisfaction that comes with being your own boss.

Submitted by Valerie Hockley, Managing Partner at PolicyBee.PolicyBee, is an insurance broker that specifically helps freelancers, independent consultants and small businesses with their professional indemnity insurance needs.

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