17/01/2012
As it's my turn to write a blog this week, I thought to myself "What would be most relevant to our candiates and readers?" I have been asked a few times this week about 'what it's like to go freelance' and have given out my thoughts on the matter. Alex has hit the nail on the head with this blog so I have reposted it for all you permanent job creatives thinking of taking the plunge!
Especially in the design world, freelancing is something that I think most designers and artworkers would like to have a shot at during their career. It is unfortunately one of those instances were you have to try it out to know whether it suits you, and making the first leap can be a risky and unstable time - especially at the moment.
Here are a few qualities that make a good freelancer:
- Versatility. As a freelancer is it crucial that you not only have great communication skills, but that you have the ability to get on with a wide range of different people. You will have to be able to adapt quickly to different working environments without issue. It is in essence, like constantly starting a new job.
- Confidence. An integral part of being a freelancer is being confident with others, as you will be continually meeting new people and employers. You have to be sure of yourself and your abilities, and not be shy of networking.
- Motivation. There will be some times as a freelancer when times will be tough and quiet. It is important that you have an upbeat positive attitude during these periods, and are able to motivate yourself to find work and contacts.
- Have an easy going and pleasant personality. We find that the majority of our clients will call and request a freelancer by name, someone that they have had before, as it make things easier for them. So, making a good first impression is vital.
Some people may fail miserably, some may freelance for a few years until returning to permanent work and some will have long profitable careers. If you're currently in two minds about whether freelancing is the thing for you, here are some pros and cons to help you out.
PROS
- It goes without saying that pound for pound, when working as a freelancer compared to permanent, that the rates are generally higher. You have the potential to earn big bucks.
- Due to the flexible nature of freelancing, you have the control over the impact of your work on your lifestyle and out of work plans, choosing to work as often or as little as you want (or can afford).
- You get the opportunity to build relationships with many different agencies and companies, and once you're in, if you do a good job you are more likely to be asked back. Not just for freelance, but forming these relationships increases the chance of being offered a permanent role for when / if you return to this way of working.
- Working for many agencies and companies on different projects and in different industries widens your skills and experience. You consequently learn a great deal when working as a freelancer, benefiting from working with many different people. Not only this but it increases your networking pool.
CONS
- The main point that scares many people away from freelancing is the lack of financial stability and not knowing when the next job will come along. A lot of freelance work is unpredictable and last minute, and at times you will have to leave personal plans in order to earn some money. If you aren't in a comfortable position financially or just starting out, you will most likely need to take whatever comes your way regardless of plans previously made.
- Working as a freelancer, you will need to accept that generally, you will be placed with the more routine and 'mundane' tasks to complete, the more creative work will most likely go to the permanent employees.
- Another downside to working as a freelancer in the financial sense, is that you get no sick pay, no redundancy pay and will find it very hard to get a mortgage without showing long term regular income.
If you are interested in making the transition from permanent to freelance and have any questions then please do not hesitate to ask.
Written by Alex Fisher
@orchard_alex
Stolen by Mairi Wilson
@Orchard_Mairi