Freelancing seems to be the ‘cool’ thing to do at the moment. Phrases such as the ‘gig economy’ and ‘start-up’ are often bounded around.
Traditionally freelancing was associated with web developers and graphic designers. But, now you will find that people from all industries and niches are going freelance. We attended a freelance networking event not so long ago and we met people who were Change / Program managers, Script Writers, Copywriters, Interior Designers, Business Coaches and even a Composer!
The question I asked all of them was, “what made you become a freelancer?”
Here are some of their reasons:
“I do freelance work alongside my part time job. I can work the hours I want which fits in perfectly with having a young family and it is a way for me to earn some extra money“. Caroline, London.
“I was made redundant from my position as an IT Manager and after 8 months of looking for a new position, I decided to set up my own freelance business. I now handle the IT requirements for small businesses who can’t afford to hire an in-house IT Manager“. Nick, Manchester.
“I got tired of working long hours and building up the business for somebody else. I decided to put my energy into building a business for myself instead. That was 5 years ago and it was the best decision I ever made. I now get to work with clients who operate in different industries, every project is different and they all bring their own set of challenges. I am constantly learning new skills and this keeps me interested in what I am doing“. Claire, Cardiff.
Many of those we spoke said they had simply got tired of the corporate world and were looking for a refreshing change.
In fact, the profile of your average freelancer is changing. If you look back 7-8 years, freelancers were typically in their 20’s. Now, you find that the majority of freelancers are 30+, who have been employed and are now branching out on their own.
Is freelancing for everyone?
No! That may seem like a bold statement. But, the truth is, it isn’t! You won’t work 9-5, it can be lonely (you might spend a lot of your time working on your own), you don’t have colleagues around you to ask for advice, you will not have a fixed monthly salary and you have to say goodbye to paid holidays.
However, it is not all doom and gloom. We mentioned many of the positives earlier, and if you do feel lonely working on your own there are lots of shared workspaces popping up that don’t cost a fortune to use.
Is freelancing risky?
Not anymore. Long term job security doesn’t exist anymore. You could be working for a company for 15 years and then they go into administration and you lose your job.
When you launch your own freelance business, you hold responsibility for the business and it is down to you to make the business a success and profitable.
You are not alone
If you are thinking of going freelance there are lots of sites that can give you useful information, these include; Network Freelance, Freelancer News and Freelance UK.
Additionally, if you are new to freelancing and would like advice about the best way to set up your freelance business, give us a call on 020 8952 2234, and our team will discuss the best option for you.