20 April 2009 View Comments

The Dark Side Of Freelancing

The other day while taking a stroll around the neighborhood, I was nearly knocked out of this world by some young roller skaters. It was only my reflex action that saved me, as these skaters were going at an average speed of 150km/h. As I watched them disappear to the horizon I couldn’t help but liken freelancing to these roller skaters. At times freelancing feels like skating downhill without safety gear and barriers to stop you.
But, is freelancing all it is hyped to be. With the economy going down south and thousands facing job losses, is freelancing a reliable option? With low startup costs and little overheads, the lure of freelancing can be devastatingly tempting. What are those ugly sides of freelancing that are only murmured in the dark?
Before taking the huge plunge into freelancing, here are some key facts that you may want to consider as you weigh your option carefully.

Steady income  
Unlike a full time job where you are assured a steady flow of income on a monthly basis, it is a different ball game with freelancing. Before one can get a steady flow of clients, it will call for your time and dedication to market and find those clients. It may even take months before you can get clients. To counter this, just ensure you have enough cash saved up to see you through the dry months. Alternatively, one could test the waters by moonlighting.  
‘Coffee machine’ chit chats
The structure and social interaction of an office set up, ‘tunes’ the brain to a ‘work mode’ everyday. However, this interaction and tuning is loudly missing in a freelance set up. If you are one of those people who thrive on the loud murmurs and senseless office gossip, then freelancing will be a difficult path to walk. Most freelancers work solo for hours on end usually in the confines and comfort of their homes. This can be detrimental especially if you require someone checking up on you and your work.
Business owner  
Freelancing will require one to wear a different hat; that of a business owner. There is a saying that goes; successful people are made not born. However, I do believe to be successful one need to acquire an entrepreneurial edge with astute business skills. Entrepreneurs tend to have certain innate characteristics that set them apart. And freelancing is no different.
In freelancing, this is essential especially if you want to keep afloat, find clients and succeed. It will call for your ingenuity, resourcefulness and intuitive nature when navigating the freelancing world. Remember, freelancing is a business on its own, complete with a boss (you), manager (you) and employees (you). Are you are a risk taker or do you prefer the safety and comfort of a 9-5?
What say you?

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  • Anonymous

    spooky!!

  • Anonymous

    spooky!!

  • Ukweli

    Great Article, Appreciate your sentiments and I think that you got it spot on. You have to be prepared mentally for it. It boils down to resilience, in my opinion. More often than not, the leap is taken and it and quickly sifts out freelancers from the “I’d-like-to-make-a-little-money-on-the-side” characters.Both of which are fine, there’s just a fine line between money on the side, and freelancing. Freelancing means a whole lot more.

  • Ukweli

    Great Article, Appreciate your sentiments and I think that you got it spot on.

    You have to be prepared mentally for it. It boils down to resilience, in my opinion. More often than not, the leap is taken and it and quickly sifts out freelancers from the “I’d-like-to-make-a-little-money-on-the-side” characters.

    Both of which are fine, there’s just a fine line between money on the side, and freelancing. Freelancing means a whole lot more.

  • Kenyan Freelancer

    Ukweli, thanks for your comment. Yes, freelancing is about resilience and a whole lot of hatd work.

  • Kenyan Freelancer

    Ukweli, thanks for your comment. Yes, freelancing is about resilience and a whole lot of hatd work.

  • http://www.rinforsideweb.com mumbidanik

    True, there is definitely more about freelancing than what meets the eye. Freelancing is not a bed of roses as many people perceive. Being your own boss and working from the comfort of your home does not necessarily mean freedom. It requires a lot discipline and responsibility and as the article says “freelancing is a business” so you need to think and act like a business owner

  • http://www.rinforsideweb.com mumbidanik

    True, there is definitely more about freelancing than what meets the eye. Freelancing is not a bed of roses as many people perceive. Being your own boss and working from the comfort of your home does not necessarily mean freedom. It requires a lot discipline and responsibility and as the article says “freelancing is a business” so you need to think and act like a business owner

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