Are you thinking of quitting your 9 to 5 and trying your hand in the freelance market? Going freelance has become pretty easy in today’s digital world. Technology has made it easy to freelance right from the comfort of your own home. It’s flexible, you can set your own rates and most importantly, you’re your own boss.
However, offering freelance services does come with its downsides. There’s little stability, you don’t get paid for any sick leave and you’re responsible for your own taxes, healthcare and pension. It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of going freelance before deciding whether or not it’s right for you.
Decided freelance is the right move for you? Here, you’ll discover how to decide when it’s the right time to go freelance.
Are you willing to work hard?
One thing’s for sure, freelancing isn’t easy! There’s a misconception that becoming a freelancer will free up a lot of time, and you’ll be rid of those dreaded 9 to 5 hours. While you definitely won’t have to work 9 to 5, freelancing often requires you to work even longer hours than you would in a day job. However, that being said, as you’ll enjoy your freelance business more, you won’t necessarily mind the extra hours you put in.
Provided you’re willing to work hard, especially to get the business of the ground, freelancing does provide a lot of rewards. You’ll also need to be highly-motivated and able to overcome distractions.
Can you afford it?
Another important consideration to make is whether or not you can afford to start freelancing. A lot of freelance careers don’t require much in the way of initial investment. However, you will still likely need some equipment. For example, if you’re planning on offering landscape gardening services, you’re going to need supplies from companies such as SGS. The cost of setting up needs to be factored in.
You also need to account for the fact that it can take a while to start bringing in serious money. Can you afford to live without making much in the way of income when you get started?
Will you be looking to secure a mortgage or credit?
If you plan on securing a mortgage or credit anytime soon, you might want to do that before you set up as a freelancer. Getting a mortgage and credit when you’re a freelancer is much harder due to that fact your income isn’t guaranteed. So, this is something to consider before deciding when to make the switch.
Overall, there is a lot to consider before you change to a freelancing profession. The above are some of the main factors to think about when deciding whether now is the right time to become a freelancer.
