Freelancing symbolizes a profession in which an employee who sells his services to different employers without entering into any long-term contract with anyone of them. It's an enticing career that carries a certain kind of allure. It can add spice to one's dull life and offers a chance to earn extra money. However, for many people it can be a way of life. One can enjoy the luxury of being one's own boss. There is a kind of freedom in freelancing that allows the person to work on its own terms.
It appears to be very attractive, as the person can decide about the work schedule. They often have a choice to travel to a client's worksite to do a job or work from home and send across the completed project to their clients. With the major technological advances over the last few years, it has become easier to accomplish many jobs away from the office. Work Culture Freelancers usually work on a project-to-project schedule. The project could be a movie, a video game, a compact disc (cd), a book, an article, a consultancy, a design, a technical report, or even a performance.
Sometimes, they work just for one client at a time, and only take on a new project after the completion of a previous project, whereas they might be engaged in doing a lot of different projects with different clients, at once. Their payments can be made by the project, hour, or by signing a contract for a specific sum. Some freelancers choose to work as temporary workers. It generally happens when they find themselves trapped between projects and paychecks. Freelancers are often hired to perform a particular job because they have the required skills that can meet specific targets.
More often than not, they work on creative projects. The main business of freelancing business is to remain in business itself. It implies that a freelancer requires having a grasp of book- keeping, marketing, accounting, tax and retirement planning. They must have the knack to drum up new clients, to self- promote, network and organize their work schedules. Drawbacks When things go well, freelancing can be immensely enjoyable, satisfying, lucrative and fascinating to the core, but the truth lies in its irony. There are hardships and an equal amount of luxuries in freelancing.
The life of many freelancers is clouded with uncertainty. They are generally not sure about their next probable project and therefore, their next source of income also remains unknown. This uncertainty can be stressful. Also knowing that the chance of being sacked due to a slow down of the economy can take its toll. In addition, there is never a guarantee that that the clients today would need their service even tomorrow.
There may be several drawbacks to freelancing as well. Sometimes it can be hard to achieve a successful work and life balance. It might pose certain difficulties like trying to balance working hours with other family commitments. These difficulties can increase manifold if the work of place is home. Freelancing - a career that eludes independence requires a fair amount of commitment and honesty towards it.
A freelancer ought to be a thorough professional, as there is a survival of the fittest maxim attached to this profession. One must be ready to face challenges and overcome obstacles with courage in order to progress and prosper.
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.