Ah, freelancing! The dream life, right? Wake up whenever you want, work in your pajamas, take a break to binge-watch your favorite show. No boss breathing down your neck. Sounds perfect, doesn't it? Well, buckle up my friend because we're about to take a tricycle through the REAL world of freelancing.

The Freedom Myth

Let's start with the most tantalizing myth: Freedom. Yes, you have the freedom to choose your clients, but remember, they also have the freedom to not choose you. And those breaks to watch Netflix? They quickly turn into guilt trips as you realize you're not earning while you're chilling.

Oh, and let's not forget about the benefits - or rather, the lack of it. No sick leave, no paid vacation, no health insurance unless you cough up the cash yourself. So much for freedom right.

The Determination Factor

Now, let's talk about determination. You thought climbing the corporate ladder was tough? Try building a freelance career from scratch. You're the CEO, the sales team, the accountant, the coffee maker - all rolled into one.

You need the determination of a marathon runner, the tenacity of a bulldog, and the patience of an ant. And remember there's no one to pat you on the back for a job well done, except maybe your cat 😂😂😂 if it likes you.

The "Boss-Free" Life

Ah, the allure of a boss-free life! But here's the kicker: as a freelancer, you don't have one boss; you have many. Each client is a boss with their own demands, deadlines, and issues. And unlike a traditional boss, they can fire you at a moment's notice without any severance pay. So much for the boss-free life!

The consistency conundrum

Let's talk about consistency, or rather, the lack of it in freelancing. In a regular job, you have a consistent paycheck, consistent hours, and consistent expectations.

In freelancing, consistency is as elusive as a unicorn. One month, you're rolling in dough; the next, you're scraping the bottom of your bank account. Consistency in freelancing is like a game of hide and seek, and let me tell you, it's a master at hiding.

The Upside

But it's not all doom and gloom. Freelancing can be rewarding. You can earn more than a salaried job if you play your cards right. You get to work on diverse projects, which can be more fulfilling than the monotony of a 9-to-5 job. And there's a certain thrill in knowing that you're building something of your own.

I’ve also heard about several cases of people that through freelancing they landed opportunities that changed their lives, such that if they were working 9-5 jobs they wouldn’t have been able to attempt let alone had the time to see through.

So, after all this ranting, you might be wondering, "How does anyone make it as a freelancer?" Well, it's not easy, but it's not impossible either.

Being professional about one’s freelancing career is the first step to take. Many people think freelancing is free styling where anything goes anyhow, no, successful freelancing involves conducting every area of that business professionally.

Another thing that leads to successful freelancing is persistence, showing up everyday, persistent in improving one’s skills, persistence in believing because no one will believe you for you when you don’t believe in yourself. Other things that spice up ones freelancing career are Putting in the work, being creative, joining a community and networking.

Conclusion

So, if you're considering taking the plunge into the world of freelancing, remember this: it's not just a career choice, it's a lifestyle. And like any lifestyle, it comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. But who knows? It might just be the best decision you ever make, it is for me, but I can only speak for myself.

So if you’re new to this, buckle up and enjoy the ride. If you play your cards right, financial freedom will be one of the goals you hit, among many others. That’s what makes it fun. And oh the freedom you get at the end.

Posted Using LeoFinance Alpha