Hi wallflowers! We hope you’re finding a good mix of inspiration and resources here on the new blog. We’d love to hear how many of you are freelancers or starting your own businesses so we can share all the most relevant advice. Freelancing for a living does require a lot of sacrifices (as do most worthwhile endeavors in life) and in some cases, a major lifestyle change. Some people prepare for months or years to go freelance, while others sort of dive in (or are pushed in, such as with a layoff).
No matter where you’re at, it’s important to set realistic expectations and know that while there is literally limitless potential for success, abundance, and dream fulfilling as a freelancer, there’s also a few pretty big sacrifices:
5 sacrifices you’ll make as a freelancer
Going solo means problem solving solo
You have so much more to figure out on your own as a freelancer vs employee. Things like accounting, taxes, copyright, licensing, hiring or outsourcing, contracts, and so so much more, are all tasks you now have in addition to your work, whether it be as a writer, designer, developer etc. You don’t have to dive in head first though, so much of being a freelancer is about learning as you go. But know that these less appealing tasks do contribute to your success in self-employment, so they do need to be taken care of and worked into your schedule.
Not having to pay out of pocket
As a freelancer you often have to pay more out of pocket for things. Equipment, supplies, subscriptions, and educations are not covered by any employer (except you, because the employer is you). This also goes for healthcare (at least in the US), you have the daunting task of not only choosing a health insurance plan but paying some pretty hefty premiums each month. But with more responsibility comes more flexibility. You don’t just have to make these decisions on your own, but you GET to based off what’s right for you. Also, another task to file under point #1 above, if you want to be reimbursed for such expenses, you have to be organized and keep track of everything. Once you have such control over your own expenses you probably won’t want to give it up!
Goodbye automatic community
Most work settings besides freelance have some sort of community built in, whether or not it looks like an actual office with desks in a row. While “team building” always felt so forced, it usually does do its job: create community. So you have to find ways to build your network on your own. You could join Facebook groups, take workshops, go to events, or start your own network altogether. If you’re an introvert like me you might find this one of the hardest tasks in business. I’m embarrassed to say how long it took me to find “my people” but my experience is so much better now that I have.
Goodbye automatic mentor-mentee role
One benefit of a more traditional employer-employee type setting is the mentorship that comes with it. Since we humans love to focus on the negative, we’re always hearing about crazy bosses and toxic workplace situations, which still terrify me! But there also can be this beautiful mentor relationship with your boss or management where you learn from them and in turn help the business overall. Going into freelance, I was lucky to have my former agency editor hire me part-time, so I actually did get to keep that mentorship going as she built her new business. I probably wouldn’t have sought one out on my own if not, but it’s so so valuable that I suggest you do!
Home life being home life
I think we’re all well aware of the #1 complaint of freelance life, which is that lack of boundaries between your professional and personal life. And with the pandemic, so many more of us are learning what it means to take your work home with you, physically and mentally. I won’t say that this hasn’t been a huge pain point for me and a major sacrifice at times, but there’s good news: you have the opportunity to make freelance work for YOU. If you value that professional/personal separation, you can make it happen. If you are cool with a blend and want to carve your own strange workflow (like me… I often workin the morning, then take a big chunk of the day off, and work in the evening!) it’s your prerogative.
Freelancers, which sacrifice has been the most challenging for you? And what perk of freelancing has helped you balance it out? Also, let us know what other freelance topics you’d like to see!
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