Looking for a change of pace, but afraid that freelancing will bring too many? It may not be as bad as you think! If you’ve been playing with the idea of going freelance, know that there are plenty of pros to go with the cons, and that it’s worth your time to look into it for these reasons:
1. Freelancing can help you find your next full-time relationship.
While you may not be open to considering freelancing on a full-time basis, it’s okay to get into freelancing on a temporary basis. A freelancing stint can be an invaluably proactive way of finding the next phase in your career without the direct pressure of making a long-term, upfront commitment — both on the part of you and your client/employer. Getting to know each other over a project is the best form of mutual discovery, and will more likely lead to a harmonious long-term fit when the time is right.
2. New clients can re-invigorate your creativity.
You can’t rest on your laurels or risk becoming outdated as a freelancer. Each new client and assignment demands you bring your best foot forward. If you want to continue to win new work, you must continue to be impressive. Rising to this challenge will do wonders for your engagement and make you a stronger creative force.
3. Diversifying your work opens new doors.
There’s a lot to be said for stability, but if you feel yourself wondering what options lay outside the purview of your current role, you need to make yourself available to new opportunities. Once you let go and make space for new experience, you’ll find that each new job grows the breadth of your knowledge and makes you a more appropriate candidate for a greater variety of opportunities. You may find your next niche unexpectedly by trying a number of things, or simply decide you want to preserve the stimulating diversity of self-employment in the long term.
4. “Gig culture” is here.
As the prevalence of “gig culture” gains popularity and workers take advantage of the flexibility that freelance life affords, the agencies that specialize in pairing companies with the talent they need are having a huge moment. Gone are the days when you had to do all your own prospecting; now you have extra resources. These agencies not only keep an eye out for an appropriate fit, they also advocate for you in negotiating pay, navigating the protocols of on-boarding, and — most importantly — see to it that you’re paid consistently.
Freelancing doesn’t have to be all unknown paychecks and instability – sometimes it’s exactly the change of pace that a creative needs to find their creativity again.
Interested in learning more? Check out this article on the difference between freelance and full-time.
Are you sure the freelance life isn’t for you? See how you can work full-time but live like a freelancer.
Marjorie is a former Creative Circle candidate based in Portland who recently accepted a full-time offer for her dream job. She is a writer/editor and stylist/producer with an emphasis in the design world. If you are interested in working with someone like Marjorie, please contact your nearest Creative Circle office.
