A freelance life could be the way forward for individuals, and companies can benefit too
The coronavirus pandemic has the potential to cause a positive shift in the employment landscape.
And you can be a part of it by choosing life as a freelancer.
Many people are currently experiencing increased uncertainty with their job or company. Others have already lost their jobs or had to close their businesses.
When lockdowns are finally lifted around the world, people will be looking for new ways to work and increase profitability.
Freelancing is the future for many, with benefits for individuals and companies alike.
In 2019, freelancers made up 35% of the American workforce.
According to a recent study, going independent is a conscious choice for 94% of freelancers, while 41% said they aim to freelance for the duration of their careers.
But what is a freelancer? And who can do freelancing?
A freelancer is someone who is self-employed and available for hire by different companies.
Anyone can try life as a freelancer if they have skills to offer. So yes, you can too.
But why would you choose a freelance lifestyle?
Flexibility
First and foremost, freelancing gives you increased flexibility.
Depending on your skill set, it may give you full geographical flexibility. Thanks to online job boards and the power of the internet, you’ll be able to reach any company anywhere in the world and offer your services.
Flexibility also applies to your workload.
You get to be your own boss. You can choose when you want to work, how many hours you want to work, and how much you want to be paid for your services.
You can also choose to accept or reject work based on your personal beliefs and ethical views.
If you can’t work a regular 9-5 job due to your personal circumstances, freelancing could be the answer.
Increased happiness
Freelancing improves happiness: 68% of freelancers say their quality of life has improved since going self-employed.
You’re in complete control of your career so you can choose how best to balance it with family life.
You also get to devote your time to something you love and are really passionate about.
In addition, you work in collaboration with companies as opposed to being another cog in the wheel.
Use all your skills
Freelancers don’t need to limit themselves to one skill. It’s not like a regular job in a company where you’re hired to do a certain job while your other skills are forgotten about.
Just look at me: I’m a freelance translator and content writer.
By using more than one skill, you can increase your market of potential clients. And you can also enjoy more varied work.
But why would companies choose to hire freelancers?
No geographical restrictions
The world is increasingly globalized. That means companies can now find skilled workers based across the world as there are no geographical restrictions on hiring.
The world is their talent pool so they can cherry-pick the freelancers who match their business needs exactly.
Profitability
A business can hire a freelancer to provide a service when they’re needed.
That means they save on all the costs associated with hiring an in-house employee and paying them a monthly or hourly wage.
With fewer in-house staff members, companies require smaller premises, which equates to cheaper rent and monetary savings.
Some companies are even fully remote these days so they don’t need to rent any spaces to be used for their activity.
Fully remote companies or companies that promote remote work may also be viewed more favourably by consumers. Clients today often take into account a company’s environmental impact and ethical stances before making a purchase.
Some freelancers can work remotely, depending on their skill set, meaning they won’t have to commute. This reduces emissions.
All communication with remote freelancers can be done using technology, making these companies more paperless.
Freelancing is on the rise, and in a post-coronavirus job market with high levels of unemployment, it could be the perfect solution to your situation.
If you have any questions about life as a freelancer, you’re welcome to get in touch with me. You can either write your question as a comment on this post or contact me directly.
If you need any freelance translation or content writing services, please contact me.
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