When you’re considering whether you should become a freelancer, the answer is really dependent on you. But there are a few things that successful professional freelancers have in common.
If you’ve been asking yourself the “should I become a freelancer?” question, then read on for some considerations that may help you decide whether or not it’s for you.
What Is a Freelancer?
Before we go any further, let’s define what makes someone a freelancer.
Freelancers work for a client (or more often, multiple clients), but are not employed by them.
Yes, freelancing is a real career.
Unlike contractors who typically work for a client for a set period of time or contract, freelancers work with clients on a project basis or, often, will continue working with clients on a rolling basis as long as both parties are happy.
Freelancers may opt to go into a client’s office for meetings or presentations, but for the most part work when and where they want.
Learn more about what freelancing is here >>
Can I Become a Freelancer?
Sometimes people who are wondering “why become a freelancer” are actually wondering “can I become a copywriter?” As in, is this really possible for me? You want to know whether something is achievable and not far fetched before pursuing it. Valid question!
First, there are nearly 70 million freelancers in the U.S. as of 2022. That number is projected to grow to 90 million by 2028. That’s good news for you: it means it is entirely possible for you to become a freelancer!
There are several traits that make freelancers successful, like a commitment to deadlines and a willingness to take action to name just two. (See all 6 traits of a successful freelancer here.)
Second, there’s plenty of work to go around for freelancers in all industries. There are more than 34 million companies and nonprofits in the U.S. alone. (And plenty of these companies work with multiple freelancers; even multiple freelancers in the same industry.)
If you want to hit six figures as a freelancer, you really only need three or four clients each month. Most freelancers have several repeat clients, meaning you don’t need new clients each month.
Why Should I Become a Freelancer?
Here are three of the most common reasons professionals decide to go freelance versus working as an employee. Use these as a guide to help you in your decision making process.
You Love Flexibility
For freelancers, one of the biggest perks is being able to work when and where you want for whom you want. Since you’re not employed by your clients, you can opt to stop working with them at any point.
Of course, if you’ve agreed to a project, then you need to finish that project. But once the project is done? You have no obligation to take on more work from that client.
Your employer also has no control over when and where you work. So if you’ve dreamed of being a freelance digital nomad or you simply want to work from your kitchen table every day, you can do that.
You can also work when it makes senes for your energy levels. Not everyone is at their tip-top at 9 AM. As a freelancer, you can work when it works for you.
Of course, you do need to set work hours for yourself to get work done. But if you want to watch your kids’ soccer games or have lunch with a friend during the day, you can arrange your schedule to fit the other aspects of your life.
You Want to Increase Your Income
Typically, freelancers have a higher income potential. Think about it: your clients do not have to pay for vacation time, healthcare, or other benefits that typically come with a full-time job. But that doesn’t mean you ultimately make less. You factor these benefits into your rate.
And, when you charge by the project, you ensure you’re getting paid for the value of work you’re providing (unlike full-time employees who are often penalized for being efficient).
Listen for More: Hear more about why freelancers earn more than employees on the Freelance Success Framework limited podcast series.
Or perhaps you want to freelance as a side hustle. The nice thing about freelancing is you can ramp your work up and down as you need.
That means if you want to save for an upcoming vacation or have another expense you want to save for, you can increase you freelancing work to hit that goal.
You Want to Be Your Own Boss
Let’s face it: who doesn’t want a career where you’re the boss? As a freelancer, you do have to answer to clients. But for the most part, you’re left to make the decisions.
Who do you want to work with? Do you want to take on a project? Do you want to charge more for a project because you know it will require more work?
These are questions you can answer. Just because a client offers you work does not mean you need to take it. (That’s the perk of having a proven system for finding and landing freelance work.)
A client can’t meet your rate? That’s fine. You know there are plenty of other clients who value your services and will pay your rates—no discounts or working for peanuts necessary.
Your Turn! What are some of your considerations as you weigh whether to freelance? Let us know in the comments!
Last Updated on July 1, 2023.
