Ethics, Perks, And Disadvantages Of Freelancing

Freelancing has its perks and disadvantages and professional ethics must be observed. This enables you to work freely with different companies at the same time. Freelancing is common with journalists, and photographers.

Perks Of Freelancing

Some people prefer being freelancers rather than be permanently employed. This is because of different views, and because they are agreeable of the perks that freelancing gives them. Here are some of the perks of freelancing:

1) Your income has no limit. Meaning, its potential for earning more as compared with having a stable job is better. Since you are not restricted with just one employer, the opportunity for you to find other jobs is there. It all depends on your drive and eagerness to look for more projects.

2) You can have a flexible lifestyle. Since you do not have to follow strict working hours, you will have more time for other things. You can work at your convenience in some cases, so no reason for you to be stressed and haggard. Time management is the key.

3) You get to have a variety of projects. Because you are free to do as you please, you can work on several projects at the same time. These projects may be varied. So this makes work more exciting.

4) Continuous learning. Each project requires something different. So in order for you to be able to give the best result or output, you have to educate yourself with things related to the projects. So there is constant learning and never a dull moment.

5) More Prospective Clients. Being a freelancer gives you the opportunity to have a broader network. Clients may introduce or refer you to prospective clients. This makes having more work a possibility. Or these new acquaintances may teach you a thing or to improve your craft.

The Disadvantages Of Freelancing

Although the perks of freelancing outweigh its downsides, it still has disadvantages. Among them are:

1) Paying Taxes. Since no taxes are being taken from your paycheck, you need to set aside part of your earnings and go through the trouble of paying the government at the end of the year.

2) Picking your projects. If you need money, it is not safe to accept every project that may come your way. It may mean disaster for you. You need to choose the projects that will suit you. This way, you will be able to deliver a satisfactory work.

3) Getting paid. If you have a regular job, you are assured of being paid on payday. No need for you to go after your boss and “beg” him to cut you a check. With freelancing, you need to go after your clients and make sure that you get paid especially when you get the work done.

4) Possibility of getting sued. If anything happens to a project, you are usually to blame. So in every project you do make sure you are prepared for whatever circumstances.

5) Paperwork. Contracts and invoices are not your problem if you have a regular job. But with freelancing, you need to be meticulous about documents, contracts, and invoices. Keep a file for it in every project you have. This may be your basis and may even serve as evidence in case something goes wrong with the project and the client sues you.

6) Proving yourself constantly. You always have to prove yourself to people, especially to prospective clients. You need to always show them how good you are. Making current and past clients satisfied with your work may help. So you need to always show them that you are good in what you are doing.

Work Ethics

In every kind of work, there are ethics to follow. No need to memorize them. Most of the ethics at work just need common sense. So using our common sense, here are some ethics to be observed, not just with freelancing, but with other jobs as well:

1) Never “steal” projects from other people. Especially if you like the project and would to everything to have it. If it is really meant for you, you will get it. Who knows, the client might not be satisfied with somebody else’s work and gives it to you. It happens, you know.

2) Respect. Big word. But you need this not just for yourself but for your client and your project as well. If you have respect, things will be realized easily.

3) Finally, just use your common sense. Be sensitive to people and things around you, especially those involved with your projects. Practice professionalism always.
With all these having said, it’s your choice if you opt to be freelancer or have a stable, regular-paying job.