I feel quite lucky to be able to make money from home. I can work around the children, meaning working pretty much every evening, and bring in extra income for our family. It is nice to be earning my ‘own’ money again and having a bit more financial freedom. There are lots of great things about working for yourself. There are are few downsides to it too, of course. So I’m just sharing my thoughts, for anyone thinking of steeping into freelance life.
Working Wherever You Want
As I write this post, I am sat in Wales on a little family staycation to Bluestone. All you need is your laptop and wifi and you can get on with your work. Safe to say, my laptop comes everywhere with me! When Max is at school and Chloe at nursery, I might even start working outside of home for a change of scenery. My local coffee shop, here I come 😉
The Work is Varied
Some days and weeks are busier than others; some days and weeks might be a bit quieter. But the work varies from client to client. Some topics that I write about a easy and things that I know a lot about. Others involve a bit of research or crowdsourcing. Social media management is varied, from running a Facebook competition and promoting posts to holding a Twitter chat.
Chasing Payments
For me, this is pretty much the worst part about working freelance. I was let into the freelance world gently, as to start with, all clients paid me pretty much straight away. Or at least within a few days. When you have you have to wait for a few months, then it really is the worst. It is hard to rely on for certain payments, though you’ll know you’ll get the money eventually. Some freelancers might consider something like a guarantor loan, as you know you’ll be able to pay the money back when your invoices are paid. You have the money coming in, just not right there and then.
You Set the Schedule
This is something that I need to get better at, so it can be a bit of a double edged sword. It is great that I can work when I want. If I take holiday or a day off, though, then I don’t earn any money. I could miss out on some potentially great opportunities if I don’t check my emails every few days. So it is hard to switch off completely. I can say no to work if I have a lot on, but that is something that I find hard to do! Tips on setting a better work schedule would be much appreciated!
I Enjoy It
Perhaps I am easily pleased, as I have loved a lot of my previous jobs, but I find blogging and freelance writing satisfying and enjoyable. There are some times when I just don’t want to sit down at the laptop and write. But that is usually due to other commitments and bad planning, rather than being fed up with the work. For me, the negatives outweigh the positives and I would recommend freelance life to most people!
Are you are freelancer? What are the ups and downs for you?
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Freelancing is hard because you are technically your PA, company director, accountant, advertiser etc. I freelance and love it though.
I’ve been self-employed for most of my working life but teaching specific classes throughout the week. This, I’m finding a whole new ball-game, as I’m juggling coaching with writing and trying to build up my blog in order to turn it into a business. I think you are right in that organisation and planning are key. As I move forwards, I certainly need to develop in these areas!! xx
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Thank you for this honest and enjoyable post. I would love to freelance but the thought of waiting for payments is a little terrifying. I am glad to hear the positives outweigh the negative side of it though! Makes me still want to take the plunge 🙂 Enjoy your staycation!
I’ve been self-employed for the last 3 years and like you, i love the fact that i’m able to work from home, doing something that i love and something that fits in around the boys. Chasing for payments is THE worst…but the benefits definitely outweigh the negatives. Hope you’ve had an amazing week at Bluestone, we were there last week and had such a fantastic time! xxx
I’ve never been a freelancer but I will be soon so this has been a good read for me. I don’t like the idea of having to chase payments but I guess a lot of the time it comes part and parcel x
Yes, true. You just have to do it. Good luck!
It was really interesting to see the inside view point on freelancing. I have been reading a lot about it as people are saying it is a good way to bring in extra income. I just don’t know if I could handle the pressure of writing for others. Thanks for sharing your insights 🙂 PS. Chasing payments would be so hard!
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Chasing payments has got to be the worst thing about working freelance. I’m waiting on 3 payments from one magazine company now and they are waiting on my next article for an up and coming issue. I’m half thinking about walking away. And yes working from home rocks!!
Kellie Kearney recently posted…Birth Story #6 | My Induction/Emergency C-Section Birth Story | Laura Begley
This is a great informative post for anyone thinking about going freelance! I would love to one day although I think that’s a long way off yet! Xo
Great post, there are so many bonuses and negatives about it isn’t it. I struggle to switch off from it, and the pressure of deadlines to work around. However I love being able to work for myself and not someone else!
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