Some people may be wondering if this is a good time to be freelancing or starting a business. The quick answer to that is: Stop seeing freelancing as an all or nothing proposition. You can freelance and be an employee. As a freelancer, you get to decide how many hours a week or a month you can devote to your sideline business and what projects to work on.
One of the best things about freelancing, while you’re still employed, is the freedom to make a few dumb and costly mistakes (yes, we all make them) while you still have the security of a paycheck.
If you love your job, freelancing provides an outlet to share your expertise and ideas with others outside of your company. You will likely appear more valuable to your employer when you publish information related to your industry online.
The skills you gain ‘after hours’ will likely benefit your current employer as well. I learned HTML and Photoshop in my spare time but my employer benefited from those skills as well when I started producing online content at work.
If you’re dissatisfied with your job, freelancing can provide a way to work on projects you enjoy and gain a sense of control. It’s also a great confidence booster and a way to network with like-minded people. Think of it as building bridges and opening doors to future work. Getting positive feedback from a client can help you cope with a less than satisfying or unstable job.
As an added bonus, you’ll be getting paid while making valuable connections and building a body of work. You don’t have to work every night or weekend. As a freelancer, you get to pick and choose when to work and what projects you want to tackle. If things get too hectic at work, you can just stop.
Freelance Folder provides an excellent article on this topic with many thought provoking questions regarding cash flow and security.
You may want to check it out here: Should you Freelance in a Recession?
Leave a Comment Here's Your Chance to Be Heard!