Everyone feels the frustration of answering to a boss, and they all promise that one day they won’t have to work on someone else’s schedule. Most people are ambitious enough to start their own business and become someone else’s boss, but it’s not an option that appeals to everyone. Instead, most people go freelance and contract their business out to other companies whenever they want; they have the freedom of being their own boss, but they don’t have to take charge of a startup or employees. Check out the benefits of going freelance and decide if it’s time to take your business elsewhere.
Less expensive
When you don’t have to spend money on business outfits, commuting costs, and lunch, your cost of living significantly goes down. At most, freelancers have to pay for a good broadband connection and for insurance in case they get sued. There are different kinds of insurance for specific professions, so you would need to consult contractor insurance specialists to see what kind of insurance you would need; an IT specialist will have an entirely different policy to an engineering contractor or a creative consultant, so the costs will vary. Even so, the cost of insurance and broadband could far outweigh the cost of putting petrol in your car to commute to an office that’s over ten miles away each day.
Do what you love
Just because you’re a qualified accountant doesn’t mean you have to stick with what you know. Freelancing is also an opportunity to make money following your passion. You could write articles for content companies while working on your novel, or you could set up a freelance events company if your passion is planning an amazing party. By doing what you love, work could become fun again, instead of the sole cause of your stress.
Advertising is free
The only way your clients will find you if you advertise your services really well. Most businesses have a website to promote their company, and it can work just as well for a freelancer. Setting up a website is so easy, the almost everyone now has one; just go to a web hosting site, find a unique and memorable domain name that reflects your business idea, and start designing an eye-catching website with engaging content. The purpose of your website is to demonstrate why people should use your services over someone else. If it’s possible, include a few testimonials from previous clients so that people know that you are worth the cost to their business.
Set your own hours
In the first few months you will have to work pretty much 24/7 to keep the money coming in and finding enough clients to make ends meet. However, once you’ve established a reputation you can work pretty much whenever you want. Take on the projects you need to stay afloat and maintain your good relationships, but if you want a week off to go on holiday, then take it. Your boss isn’t going to stop you.
