The freelance lifestyle may be rewarding, but it is not for everyone. Sure, there are numerous advantages to working for yourself, and many freelancers never look back – but it is not always a bed of roses, and you should always do your homework first.
For starters, there are many tools for designers that your company would usually pay for, but you will have to pay for them yourself. To be a successful freelancer, you must have a good mix of business acumen, self-discipline, confidence, and other qualities.
If you are wondering how to become a graphic designer, then wonder no more. Become a graphic designer and start freelancing right away.
So, if you are considering of becoming a freelancer, keep reading to learn about benefits of the job…
01. Increased earning possibilities…
It is common knowledge that freelancing day rates are nearly usually greater than their in-house counterparts. Agencies and customers will pay more for on-demand specialised expertise. They may also employ you on a project-by-project basis, allowing them to budget appropriately without having to maintain a consistent flow of work to justify your pay.
If you can get enough consistent work from a variety of sources – ‘if’ being the operative word – then it is true that you will be able to make much more than you would in a studio setting. And that is certainly one of the possible benefits to think about while choosing a freelance career.
Of course, the ability to establish your own day rates will help, as long as you do your homework first: going in all guns blazing with an excessively high pitch is how not to be hired as a designer. You may even be laughed out of the room.
02. Set your own working hours…
Sick of working thankless overtime in the evenings and on weekends and not being able to see your friends, spouse, or children? Perhaps your hot, noisy journey is causing you to be late to the class nearly every day? Perhaps you are a night owl who wishes you did not have to get up so early in the morning. The good news is that as a freelance, you can avoid all of that.
You may still work nights and weekends if you truly want to or if you have a tight deadline. But no more pleading for flexi-time, time off in lieu, or just sucking it up… you may take the following morning off at any time.
Sure, your vacation is not compensated, but if you are organised, you can schedule tasks around them so you do not return to a mountain of work to catch up on. And, if you work from home, you may be considerably more flexible around other life obligations, such as daycare.
Some of this may be avoided by employing third-party assistance, such as an accountant or an agent – and there are many productivity solutions for designers available to make your life simpler. However, invoices, expenditures, bills, and a variety of other studio administration chores will continue to consume a significant portion of your time — and not billable time.
