The truth about freelancing

I assume that by reading this piece, you are seriously considering to start a career in freelancing.

You may have read and heard the benefits of being a freelancer. Having to enjoy working anywhere, like even just at home and not worry about traffic anymore. That alone should be enticing enough for one to decide, “Goodbye office-based job! Freelancing, here I come!”

Well, not so fast there. 

Now you may be wondering why I am being such a party-pooper here. Am I not a freelancer myself?

Yes I am a freelancer. And that is precisely why I am saying not to rush a decision as drastic as shifting to a freelance career.

Let me lay down the brutal truth here. Not everyone is cut out for a freelancing career. It is disappointing to hear but it’s true.

Sure, there is the perk of working anywhere cozy, even at home, and no longer have to bear the heavy weekday traffic or having to spend on outside food and transportation. But there is also the struggle of finding freelance work, especially one that provides the compensation you deserve to have instead of being treated as cheap labor. Believe me, I’ve been through that phase in my career for a long while.

Then there’s also the matter of contracts that can be terminated at any time. And when those things happen, you’re pretty much left without a safety net unless you have another project or work that you handle which you can use to cover the lost workload and pay (assuming that is even equal what you were getting in the terminated contract).

There is the hassle of doing things yourself now as well, from filing taxes (yes, you have to pay taxes); paying for government benefits such as SSS, Philhealth, and PAGIBIG; and having your own protection coverage.

Suffice to say, you are your own boss, which is both terrific and terrible at the same time. And believe me, the terrible part is no exaggeration.

With that said, if you are considering the freelancer route, think about all aspects of it as thoroughly as possible. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Can you adapt to the radical change in your lifestyle a freelance career entails?
• Can you handle not only such change but also the challenges of a freelance career itself?
• Are you ready to handle things on your own and go to the challenges that come with it?

There is a certain level of aptitude to be a freelancer. It is not just aptitude when it comes to knowing the skills. It is also the aptitude to handle the challenges and be able to thrive in the midst of them. And believe me, the challenges of the freelance career are far greater and more difficult than what you may be facing in your regular office-based job.

Whatever decision you may arrive at, let it be one that you are comfortable with. Either way, no one will nor should take that decision against you. After all, you are the master of your own destiny, be it as a freelancer or otherwise.