What's the Difference Between Freelancing and Employment?

Sometimes, you need to work on your own. Even if you’re happy at your current job and don’t want to take a pay cut, sometimes you need to do what’s best for you. If you’re in education or a freelancing environment, it might be time to look outside of your company for new opportunities. You probably know people who freelance instead of working at a traditional job. But does freelancing really offer the same opportunities as a traditional job? Read on to find out.

Freelance vs. Part-Time Work - What’s the Difference?

One of the first things people think of when they hear the term “freelance work” is the idea of independence. After all, who wouldn’t want the freedom to choose their own hours, do the work they’re best at, and make the money they love? While this is definitely part of the appeal, there are a few things to consider before you decide to call yourself a freelance writer. First, let’s talk about the difference between freelance work and employment, because they might not seem like that big of a difference. Employee vs. Non-Exempt While most people think of freelance work as being “part-time work,” it’s actually more like a full-time job because you have to make regular payments to your employer. In some cases, you may work for less than you would on a full-time basis, but it’s still far from a hobby. When you freelance, on the other hand, you work whenever you want, which is great if you want to do whatever you want to do, when you want to do it.

How to Become a Freelance Writer

If you want to become a freelance writer, the first thing you’ll want to do is find a client. Ideally, this will be a client who is looking to hire freelance writers. These may includebrands looking to create content for their website, companies looking to create press releases, or even individual clients who just want to hire freelance writers for a specific project. Depending on the project, you may have to put up collateral that includes proof of your ability to write. These may include samples of your work, websites, and relevant LinkedIn profiles.

What Does “Full-time” Actually Mean for Freelance Writers?

If you’re in education or a freelancing environment, it might be time to look outside of your company for new opportunities. You probably know people who freelance instead of working at a traditional job. But does freelancing really offer the same opportunities as a traditional job? The short answer is yes, but not in the way people might have expected. A traditional job offers stability, pay increases, and a clear path to promotion. When you freelance, on the other hand, you work whenever you want, which is great if you want to do whatever you want to do, when you want to do it. This flexibility can be really valuable for freelancers who want to do new types of work or work on different projects throughout the year. Working as a freelancer also allows you to choose which projects you want to work on, as there’s no set schedule or pay structure.

Where to Find Freelance Work

There are many places to find freelance work, but you’ll want to do your research before diving into a specific project. Most freelance job boards and websites will allow you to search for projects based on keywords and general topics so you can get an idea of what type of work is available. While these will help you find work, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for opportunities to post your own projects. These can be great, as they let you choose how you want to market yourself as a freelance writer.

Should You Appear for Freelance Work?

The main thing to keep in mind when considering appearing for freelance work is your own comfort level. Guest posting for other people is a huge change for you, and you may want to take some time to get used to it. You also might not be ready to put in the hours that it takes to be prompt and accurate on a consistent basis. Some of the work you may want to do as a guest post may sound like a breeze while others may be soul-destroying. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide if the time and investment is worth the opportunity to make money while you’re at it.

Bottom line

Freelancing may not be as revolutionary as people think. In fact, it may even feel more like a traditional job than working for a traditional company. But don’t forget, there are distinct advantages to working as a freelancer—and there are also distinct disadvantages.