Table of Contents
- Freelance freedom comes at a cost
- 🟢 Pros of freelancing
- 1. Flexibility in work hours
- 2. Control over projects
- 3. Work from anywhere
- 4. Potential for higher earnings
- 5. Variety of work
- 🔴 Cons of freelancing
- 1. Inconsistent income
- 2. No paid benefits
- 3. Isolation and loneliness
- 4. You rely on yourself
- 5. Client management challenges
- ✔ Checklist: Are you ready to be a freelancer?
- Final thoughts
Do not index
Do not index
Read time: under 5 minutes
Freelance freedom comes at a cost
Freedom isn’t free (but it’s worth it).
On the surface, freelancing might seem like the perfect gig.
You set your own hours, choose your clients, work from wherever you want. But it’s not for the faint of heart.
It’s a world where you trade job security for flexibility, and your next paycheck is never a guarantee.
If you do it right, though, it’s a game-changer.
You’ll get to call the shots, chase your passions, and build a career that fits your life, not the other way around. But before you take the leap, it’s crucial to know what you’re signing up for.
Let’s break down the pros and cons, and see if you’re truly ready for the freelance life.
🟢 Pros of freelancing
1. Flexibility in work hours
You set your schedule. No more clocking in and out. Work when you’re at your peak, whether that’s 6 AM or midnight.
2. Control over projects
You get to pick and choose the work that aligns with your skills and passions. If a project doesn’t excite you, you can walk away.
3. Work from anywhere
Coffee shop, home office, a beach in Bali—your workplace is wherever you are. Say goodbye to long commutes and stale cubicles.
4. Potential for higher earnings
When you’re good at what you do, freelancing can pay more than a traditional job. You set your rates, and you can increase them as your skills grow.
5. Variety of work
Boredom doesn’t last long when you’re juggling different projects and clients. Every new gig brings a fresh challenge, keeping things interesting.
🔴 Cons of freelancing
1. Inconsistent income
Some months are booming, others are crickets. If you’re not ready to manage the financial ups and downs, this could be a dealbreaker.
2. No paid benefits
Health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans? Forget about it. Those perks are on you to sort out.
3. Isolation and loneliness
Working alone can get lonely. You miss out on the social buzz of an office, and there’s no water cooler to chat by.
4. You rely on yourself
There’s no boss breathing down your neck, which sounds great until you realize you have to be your own motivator. If procrastination is your best friend, it might be a struggle.
5. Client management challenges
Not every client is a dream to work with. Some don’t pay on time, others want the world for pennies. You’ll need thick skin and solid negotiation skills.
✔ Checklist: Are you ready to be a freelancer?
- Do you have a financial cushion to handle dry spells?
Freelancing can be feast or famine. A few months' worth of savings can make the transition smoother.
- Are you comfortable with uncertainty?
No steady paychecks here. If uncertainty keeps you up at night, think twice.
- Do you have a marketable skill that’s in demand?
It’s not just about wanting to freelance—clients need to want what you’re offering.
- Can you motivate yourself without external pressure?
Without a manager, you’ll need the discipline to get things done on your own.
- Are you good at networking?
Freelancing often relies on who you know. If networking feels like pulling teeth, it might be harder to find clients.
- Are you prepared to handle your own taxes?
Freelancing means dealing with self-employment taxes, so get comfortable with paperwork or hire an accountant.
- Do you have a workspace that suits your productivity?
Whether it’s a home office or a cozy café, a good workspace is crucial for staying focused.
- Are you okay with rejection?
Not every pitch will be accepted, and not every client will come back. Resilience is key.
- Do you have a plan for finding clients?
Relying on a single job board won’t cut it. You need a strategy for consistently finding new work.
- Are you willing to learn continuously?
Trends change fast, and what worked a year ago might be outdated now. Staying relevant means learning new skills on the fly.
Final thoughts
Freelancing isn’t a walk in the park, but for those who can handle the pressure, it offers a level of freedom that’s hard to beat.
It’s a trade-off—security for autonomy, routine for variety.
If you’re willing to embrace the highs and endure the lows, freelancing can open up a world of possibilities.
But if you’re still on the fence, use this checklist as a reality check.
It’s not about making the leap blindly; it’s about knowing what you’re jumping into and being ready to land on your feet.
Whenever you're ready, there are 4 ways I can help you:
1. Junior Designer Bundle: Transition into UX with my playbooks: breaking down portfolios, applications, and UX frameworks, to build a solid career foundation. Craft an unforgettable portfolio & get hired.
2. Senior Designer Bundle: Become a design leader with systems to build healthier, happier teams and grow you and others meaningfully. Join 500+ aspiring leaders.
3. UX Portfolio Critique: Get a 20-minute video of brutally honest feedback, a checklist of things to fix, in less than 48 hours. Get a personalised portfolio critique here.
4. Job Sprint Course: Stand out in an unpredictable job market by building a memorable personal brand and a killer job search strategy. Get hired in UX with Job Sprint.
