Is Freelancing Right For You?

By: april boone | Jun 3 2008 | 387 words | 1193 hits

There are millions of freelancers out there: Working in local as well as specialized fields, and earning quite a bit more compared to full-time workers. Freelancing seems to be the ideal career choice for everyone, since it includes keeping your own hours, having the freedom to work at your time and your pace, bringing in hefty paychecks etc. But is it really? Here are a few questions that may help if you're thinking of shifting over to freelancing.

Do you like your job? One of the biggest factors that influence the change from full-time jobs to freelancing is the love you have for your job. Does your job give you the satisfaction of having done something well? Does it stimulate you, challenge you, motivate you? If you're working at a job which does none of the above, then you'll definitely be feeling the impetus to get into something else that pays better and gives you more of a challenge.

Are you adventurous? Getting into freelancing is not easy. Although freelancers seem to be enjoying all the freedom in the world, this is hardly the case. Getting into freelancing requires strength of will, an ability to work hard for long hours, and the strength of mind to know that you could be getting into something you really aren't suited for. Most freelancers start out with only the basic equipment required for their services: If they aren't cut out for the freelancing career choice they've gotten into, at least they won't be losing out on funds invested into sophisticated equipment and tools.

Have any paycheck woes? Do you hyperventilate at the thought of not knowing when your next paycheck's going to be? Steady paychecks are a security blanket. If you're one of those who have steady responsibilities, and can't sleep without knowing where or when your next one's coming from, then you're definitely not cut out to be a freelancer.

Freelancers, especially those just breaking into the market with no portfolio to back them up have to be willing to work at low rates to get some experience and hence be able to command more. If you haven't any cash in the bank and some serious monetary responsibilities, you may have to think hard to let go of your job to get into a freelance career.

Get more on starting a freelance career at FreelanceSprout.com.