Busting Common Myths about Working on Freelance Jobs

Critique

Freelancing tends to breach the notion between those who see it as a dream career as well as those who can’t think of anything worse.

Plenty of people think they have an idea of what a freelancing career is like – the good and the bad – but if you ask any freelancer, he will tell you the exact meaning of Freelancing.

So, if you’re considering a career in freelancing you need to be cleared about the myths associated with it which will give you an insight into what this independent profession is really like.

Common Myths of Freelancing

1. You’ll have no idea of where your next cheque is coming from

This means to be one of the biggest misconceptions about freelancing, that it is insecure and you’ll constantly be worrying about where the next pay cheque is coming from.

2. You will have more free time to relax

A lot of people think that freelancers work just a couple of hours as well as after that they are ready playing with their friends or else going out on shopping.

Just think of all the new hobbies you can take up with all those extra hours to spare.

Freelancing does give you more flexibility over your schedule but, the fact is, you still need to put the hours in if you want to earn a decent wage.

As a freelancer, you’re more acutely aware of the value of your time.

3. Less stressful as compared to a 9-5 job

With no meetings, office politics or colleagues to get on your nerves, many outsiders perceive freelancing as less stressful than the traditional 9 to 5.

The fact that you can work when you please and freelancing seems like the perfect stress-free lifestyle.

While freelancing definitely helps you avoid some of the big workplace stresses, such as the daily commute, pointless meetings and yes, the dreaded office politics, it’s not without its tense moments.

Juggling deadlines can leave you feeling exhausted, particularly with no colleagues to turn to for support. Plus, you have to find time for additional jobs, such as invoicing, chasing late payments and managing your taxes, all of which can raise the stress levels.

4. Freelancing is a career killer

There is also the perception that freelancing is what you do when you are no longer ambitious about progressing in your career, or that it’s the choice of those who can’t hack the pace of the workplace.

This misconception can lead some potential clients to think that they won’t get the best work or skills by using freelancers.

On this point, a lot of freelancers choose to make the jump from very senior positions in agencies or in-house, as it gives them the opportunity to work really closely with their clients.

If you’ve always worked as part of a team or big company, freelancing can seem like a very isolated lifestyle.

Suddenly you’re out in the wilderness on your own, with nobody to talk to, ask for advice, or worry about your wellbeing. You worry that you might start to feel a bit cut off from society.

5. Work from home is the best

Office workers rarely get to work from home, which makes them super watchful of freelancers who get to do it every day. It’s true that when you’re bored of office life, working from home can seem like the solution to all your problems.

When you first start freelancing, working from home feels like living the dream. But the novelty wears off pretty quickly. You’ll start to crave human interaction, a change of scenery, and a break from the distractions that are all around you at home. That’s why many freelancers choose to join a co-working space.

These are some of the most common myths that we come across, but the truth is that every freelancer has a different experience, depending on their personality and how they like to work. That’s why the most important piece of advice is that if you’re tempted by freelancing, why not give it a go?