The Switch To Working As a Freelancer
Posted on December 7, 2009 by Eric
I quit my job just over a month ago. I was working at a pretty old and established internet marketing company for a little over a year and half and it was time for a change.
I do not intend to get another full time job. I am currently working on a number of contract projects, and I intent to stay in a “freelance” state of mind from now on. I hate 9-5 jobs, and I’m finally out. I intend to keep it that way.
The first full time job I ever had was working for Boston Pizza. It was a pretty decent job for a 15 year old, and I eventually ended up managing the kitchen after a few years. I learned a ton from that job, and I don’t regret it… even though it really sucked sometimes.
I’ve worked construction, tech support, sales, auto body repair, at a golf course and as a web designer. All of these jobs have been great learning experiences, but none of them really fulfilled my need to constantly grow at my own pace… Running my own company allows me to do this.
So far here are the advantages of working as a contractor that I’ve experienced:
Freedom of time
For the most part I can work hours that I choose, and in locations that I choose. I don’t have to be confined by someone else’s idea of a work day.
Extra Cash Flow
My cash flow has increased because of the lack of income tax being deducted off of my cheques. Sure I have to put money aside for this purpose, but having the extra cash in low income times will help, whereas I can always put away more later on.
More motivation
I can work a 5 hour day and get a normal day’s work done. In fact, at a 9-5 job there is probably only 4 hours of solid work that goes on in a full work day. All the other time is wasted. This means that I can start at 7am and get all of my work done before noon… time for some sun!! This means I have more motivation to work harder.
Whenever there are advantages, there are disadvantages… you’ll notice some similarities:
Lack of time
Sometimes I have to work around deadlines. This means I have long hours and I have to put off the things I would rather be doing… like launching affiliate marketing campaigns.
Less Cash Flow
I have more expenses… which means less money. This means I will have to pay less tax at the end of the year, but in the short term sometimes big cash months will have to go towards equipment that I need instead of toys. I also no longer have a dental plan, which means future expenses on my teeth etc.
Less Motivation
I know that I’ve completely mirrored the advantages, but sometimes when working at home you simply have no motivation… this leads to slacking… and slacking leads to late nights to finish a project. Freelancing takes a lot of self discipline, but I think I have what it takes to keep going.
All in all I am freaking stoked about not working a 9-5er and I think that everyone should at least try it at some point in their life. I mean, sure sometimes you have to work super hard and lose some sleep… but other times you can sleep in and head outside for a run while everyone else is spouting bullshit at the water cooler trying to avoid their boss and their desk.
Are you a freelancer, or have you done it in the past? What other advantages/disadvantages have you run into?
Filed Under: Personal
