One of the things I like best about freelancing is the ability to arrange my life to suit myself. When I first started freelancing, being a freelance writer simply meant doing additional work for someone who was not my regular employer. It wasn’t particularly liberating, but it did bring in some much needed extra cash.
However, as I made the transition to full time freelancing, I discovered that there were untold benefits to the lifestyle. Although I still have deadlines and commitments to clients, I work for myself and in theory I am able to set my own hours. I can also work from anywhere in the world as long as I have a laptop and a decent internet connection.
I think many freelancers value that freedom, though what it looks like differs for different people. For me, freedom is about:
- having the ability to say yes to a last minute trip because I know it won’t affect my work
- being able to spend time with my family, especially my young daughter
- deciding how much I need to earn in a given week or month and tailoring my working hours to suit
- taking time off to have lunch on the beach, go to the gym or have coffee with friends.
For me, these things put the free into freelancing. What puts the free into freelancing for you?
This post originally appeared in Writing Lab News.
Article by Sharon Hurley Hall
Sharon Hurley Hall has been mentoring writers here at Get Paid To Write Online since 2005 to help them improve and build sustainable and successful writing careers. Check me out on sharonhh.com. Feel free to connect with me online on Google+.
Sharon has written 653 awesome articles for us at Get Paid to Write Online
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{ 7 comments }
Twitter: millercathy
August 20, 2010 at 11:12
I share many of the same “free” love
Another for me is it allowed me to be there for my 87-year-old Mom when my Dad died.
Since have laptop will travel, I moved into her home so she would not have to give up the home she’s had for the last 35+ years.
Cathy Miller wants you to read Does Your About Page Put a Face to Your Company
Twitter: shurleyhall
August 27, 2010 at 09:26
That’s a tangible benefit of the lifestyle, Cathy. So sorry to hear about your Dad, but it’s great that you have been able to be there for your Mom.
Sharon Hurley Hall wants you to read Resume Writing Testimonial
It sure is a good idea to do some freelance work but it is very difficult to balance that out if you have full-time job in one hand. I hope that one day I will be able to do this when we return to our home country – the Philippines.
I do like reading your posts Sharon because you do spell it out for newbies and for those that have been there for a long time. Also, thanks for your suggestions on where to find work. I think I got Elance from you and I was able to secure two jobs there (I think) and hoping for more to come
rachiel wants you to read Blackberry – The Comeback
Twitter: shurleyhall
August 27, 2010 at 09:25
So glad to hear that, Rachiel. I hope Elance continues to work well for you.
Sharon Hurley Hall wants you to read Resume Writing Testimonial
I like being able to take breaks throughout my work where I can relax, feed my aquatic pets or read a book. I think that’s the real benefit of freelance writing: Being able to work at your own pace without a boss watching you over your shoulder.
However, this can also create distractions. In a work setting, you can more easily focus on what you’re doing. At home, you have tons of distractions that can set you off course. For me, it’s website browsing or reading different things that may not be useful to me in the long run. Over time, I have improved my efficiency and effectiveness. But I still get distracted every now and then.
Nothing like a good splash in the face at the bathroom sink to get me focused again.
Christina
Twitter: shurleyhall
August 27, 2010 at 09:27
I try to stay focused during my allotted work hours, Christina, though it’s not always easy. Getting sucked into discussions online is a real time sink.
Sharon Hurley Hall wants you to read Resume Writing Testimonial
Yes, I totally agree – freelance writing is a liberating ocupation. What I personally like about freelancing is that it allows me to eliminate the emloyers that I do not like to cooperate with – I had a bad experience with before, or some of my freelancing friends had. That is of course apart from the obviously great benefits that you have already mentioned. Being around your family reminds why you are doing the whole thing in the first place=)
Alex Toll wants you to read Setting the Tone for Productivity