Imagine this: you wake up before noon, make your morning coffee, and don’t need to endure rush hour to get to work. You don’t even have to change out of your pajamas or remove your clear aligners if you don’t have meetings to attend. All you have to do is open your computer and start typing away.
This may sound like a scene from a movie, but for freelancers, this is reality. Or is it? There are many myths about freelancing that need to be debunked. If you’re considering freelancing full-time, here are five myths you need to know about it first.
Myth #1 Freelancers have it easy since they work remotely
Unlike office employees, freelancers get to work from the comfort of their homes. While this can be great in terms of comfort and convenience, it also comes with challenges. For starters, working from home can be isolating, and it can be difficult to stay motivated when there are no set office hours.
Additionally, freelancers often have to deal with distractions from family members or housemates, making it difficult to get work done. And if you don’t have a dedicated workspace, it can be tough to stay focused and productive since you might be working from your bed or the couch.
So while freelancers may enjoy the perk of working from home, it’s not always as easy as it seems. Arguably, not having to deal with the daily commute or office politics can be a major advantage of working remotely. But at the end of the day, freelancers still have to put in the hard work to be successful.
Myth #2 Freelancers can work whenever they want
While freelancers do have the flexibility to set their hours, that doesn’t mean they can work whenever they want. To be successful, freelancers need to be disciplined and manage their time wisely. This is especially true when they’re working with a strict client deadline.
Additionally, many freelancers must work odd hours to accommodate their clients’ time zones. So while freelancers may not have to work traditional 9-5 hours, they still need to be available when their clients are working, which may not always be convenient.
In other words, freelancers may have more flexible hours than office workers, but they still need to be mindful of their clients’ schedules and be available during traditional working hours. Of course, working from anywhere in the world is one of the significant advantages of freelancing. But it’s important to remember that with this freedom comes a certain level of responsibility.
Myth #3 Freelancing is a great way to make money quickly
While making a lot of money as a freelancer is possible, it’s not always easy. Building a successful freelancing business or creating a client base that pays well can take a long time. And even freelancers make good money; it’s not always steady.
Freelancers often have to deal with the ups and downs of workflows, which can make it difficult to predict how much money they’ll make from one month to the next. That’s partly why many freelancers juggle multiple jobs and clients simultaneously, which can also be overwhelming.
So while making decent money through freelancing is possible, it’s not the get-rich-quick scheme that most people make it out to be. Freelancers must be patient and prepared for lean times, even at the top of their game. This means having a savings plan to help tide them over during the slow periods.
Myth #4 Freelancers are always busy and never have time for themselves
One of the biggest misconceptions about freelancers is that they’re always busy. While it’s true that many freelancers are juggling multiple projects at once, that doesn’t mean they’re always busy. Most freelancers have periods when they don’t have any work at all.
This can be a significant advantage for freelancers since it allows them to take time off when needed, whether for a vacation or a mental health day. However, it’s important to remember that this downtime can also be a major disadvantage since it can lead to financial instability.
Freelancers must be mindful of their work-life balance and ensure they’re not working themselves to the bone. It’s also essential to plan what to do during the slow times, so you’re not left scrambling for work. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of being a freelancer without burning yourself out.
Myth #5 Being a freelancer is easy
Perhaps the biggest myth of all is that being a freelancer is easy. While there are certainly some advantages to working remotely and not having to deal with people face-to-face, it’s not always as simple as it seems. Freelancing can be quite tricky, especially when first starting as one.
There’s a lot of competition in the freelancing world, making it hard to stand out and get clients. And even when you do get work, it can be challenging to manage your time and stay organized. Not to mention that you have to be comfortable working independently and being your own boss.
All of this can be pretty overwhelming, especially for people used to working in traditional office environments. So while freelancing does have its perks, it’s important to remember that it’s not always easy. If you’re thinking about becoming a freelancer, be prepared for some challenges along the way.
