Freelance vs Employee, which work style works best for you. Many people want to quit their jobs to become Freelancers. Still, they need to be very careful when making an essential decision like this.
E-commerce is indeed quite promising. It has many branches of development where people can grow professionally, but this also depends on people’s attitude and the determination they have. Likewise, they must be prepared for a wide variety of scenarios: being unemployed for a time, underpayment, irresponsibility on the part of superiors or co-workers, etc.
In this sense, we offer you a guide where we expose the advantages and disadvantages of independent work and office work, so that you can choose the best work style for you.
Work as an employee
The Internet has opened the doors for many people to work independently, either take advantage of their profession or start an enterprise that allows them to become completely independent in the economic field.
So why are so many professionals seeking the benefits of contract work? The truth is that being an employee also has its advantages, and they go beyond being recognized as the employee of the month. The truth is that you should study your options very well before choosing the best work style for you.
Advantages of being an employee
Being an employee or dependent worker is synonymous with fixed pay, bonuses, benefits, utilities, and other benefits. Let’s study its advantages in-depth:
1. Fixed income continuously
Perhaps the first benefit of working with a contract focuses on remuneration. Dependent employees are entitled to a fixed weekly, biweekly or monthly salary that they might miss when being self-employed.
2. Bonuses and other benefits, Freelance vs Employee
While the fixed salary is advantageous, dependent work also offers desirable bonuses and other benefits, such as child bonuses, days off, maternity leave, vacations, meal tickets, and retirement plans. You could even be the beneficiary of insurance and enjoy discounts or financial aid to pay for your children’s education.
3. Fixed schedule
Freelance or independent workers do not have a specific schedule. Sometimes they collaborate with people from different countries and have to modify their plan – and routine – to meet deadlines or accept jobs on weekends to make up for the drop in income. Instead, employees will always have a stipulated schedule with guaranteed rest days.
4. Less stress, Freelance vs Employee
Even if you think that having a demanding boss or suffering in traffic is stressful, being a freelancer can be just as stressful. Remember that you will have to go out to the market to find your own clients, keep the payroll of your assistants, take care of the payment of public services and cut expenses if orders go into a tailspin. Even part-time workers don’t have to worry about these factors – they just have to do their job.
5. Growth opportunities
When you work for a company, you have the opportunity to grow within the company. You are subject to promotions and promotions, and you share the office with people who can teach you more every day.
6. Teamwork, Freelance vs Employee
Being a freelancer can be a lonely road. Instead, being an employee, you will have the opportunity to work with others, attend creative meetings, create projects together, and develop ideas with other colleagues in the office. This constant interaction is the key to success.
7. Work environment
Many dream of working from the comfort of their home. However, meeting a tight delivery time from home can be challenging. Many freelancers do not have the same ease as employees in the office, such as HVAC, ergonomic chairs, and quality equipment. In short, a work environment focused on well-being and productivity.
Disadvantages of being an employee
We have already explored the benefits of working with a contract. But what about the downsides? In addition to traffic and transportation costs, these could be some of the main ones:
1. Mental exhaustion
The companies offer vacations, days off, and licenses. However, this break time might not be enough for a worker. In fact, some studies have shown that employees are more productive and efficient when they rest 7 to 15 days per quarter, something that companies have not implemented. By being your own boss, you could manage your schedule at your convenience and take the rest you need to prevent mental exhaustion.
2. Job insecurity, Freelance vs Employee
The position of dependent workers is closely related to the success of the company and its finances. If a company begins to see that its income has declined or its share price has dropped, it could cut staff. In this case, you would lose your job overnight.
3. The salary is not enough
During the entire time you are an employee, you work very hard to earn more income and accumulate wealth. Many think that the companies’ profit margin is not correlated with the salary. If they start their own business, they could get more money for the same hours of work.
4. It’s routine, Freelance vs Employee
It is not only because of the working hours or the functions of the position but also because it limits the employees’ creativity, making what they loved so much becomes boring and monotonous. Many freelancers presume that the main benefit of working on their own is that they can do something they are passionate about.
Since you now know the advantages and disadvantages of working as an employee, you may wonder: why are people interested in working independently? The truth is that owning your own time, working from your own home, and not having to deal with the hassles that come with going to an office is something optimistic and attractive for most.
In addition, today, we live in a world where technology is part of 90% of our lives, so generating income through the Internet is an excellent alternative.
What is a freelancer?
A freelancer is someone who is employed on their own. It is usually a freelancer hired for particular tasks without creating links with the company or its contractor.
The freelance professional is contacted by other professionals who need their specialization in a field that they master well. Today, for example, we find many similar profiles in the online world, such as web designer, content marketing expert, Community & Social Media Manager, etc.
It should be noted that not all freelance work is done through the Internet. For example, a carpenter or a blacksmith can work independently, creating their own clientele and doing work on their own.
Advantages work of freelance
These are some of the ones that you will have at your disposal if go for this work modality:
1. Flexible hours
Obviously, as a freelance worker, you set your own hours. It is a significant advantage since it makes it easier for you to combine your job with your personal life. Depending on your most productive hours, you can take advantage of them to finish your tasks.
Now, when you work with clients, you will have delivery times that have to be met. The employer, in this case, does not worry about your work schedules, only that the result is satisfactory and is delivered on time.
2. Choice of clients, Freelance vs Employee
This is another exciting advantage. In the beginning, you may have to search for clients all the time, and you might not be able to choose. But as you progress and make a name for yourself, you can also have a portfolio of employers that adapt to you and your needs, the way you work, and your times. This way, you make sure that you always get paid on time and create an adequate climate of trust to carry out your tasks.
3. Choose your own workplace
You can be traveling and take the opportunity to advance your tasks, work, or rest. Or maybe you prefer to have your own office, be it at home or a space to share with other colleagues. You choose from where and how to place your orders.
A very positive aspect of freelance work is that thanks to the ease of carrying it out in any corner of the world, it allows you to travel and do your work from anywhere. But if you don’t want to go far, an inspiring place like a garden or even the beach can also be helpful.
4. You are your own boss, Freelance vs Employee
This is one of the benefits most valued by freelancers in the world. They do not have to explain to any boss. Of course, as the person in charge of your business, since you will have to work for occasional employers, they will be the ones to whom you will have to give an explanation.
5. All winnings are entirely yours
So, if your freelance business goes well, all the benefits will be yours, and you will not have to share them with anyone. You put your salary, the price per hour of your work and the conditions in which you will do the task. And then everything you win will go straight into your pocket. Of course, remember to establish logical and coherent remunerations to your abilities and your work.
Disadvantages of working as a freelancer
Of course, not everything in the world of freelance workers is easy and straightforward. This professional also encounters a series of problems and disadvantages in their day-to-day life. Let’s see the most striking:
1. Lack of constant flow of clientele
Suppose you want security in terms of income and fixed clientele as a freelance professional. In that case, it is much more complex since many jobs you will be commissioned to do will be punctual. It is challenging to have recurring employers from month to month. It could generate uncertainty and some stress.
2. Family and work conciliation, Freelance vs Employee
The ability to organize your schedule as a professional can also work against you. Sometimes, when faced with complex or urgent assignments, or if you have to accept too many jobs, perhaps your workday will get longer, and one day seems short with its 24 hours. This detail makes separating family life from work even more complicated.
3. Customer search
Although today there are many diverse platforms to search for clients, the competition is great. It is not always easy to stand out. However, you will not have a sales or commercial department looking for employers, so it will be up to you to build your client portfolio little by little. You are your own boss, for good, but also for the bad.
4. The charges, Freelance vs Employee
Until you can have a reliable client portfolio, it could be the case that you do not charge for some of your work. Unfortunately, it is relatively common for an employer to be unable or unwilling to pay. Suppose, in your case you have too much dependence on one of your payers. In that case, you could find yourself in severe trouble and so, whenever you can, protect yourself from these destructive practices.
5. Non-existent social benefits
This is a problem that can occur in certain countries. Many European nations offer attractive social benefits to freelancers, but most do not. So, on the one hand, you will have freedom of schedules. Still, on the other, you will not be able to take advantage of certain protections that employed workers have, such as days off, sick leave, paid vacations, etc.
What is the best option for me?
Many people encounter this predicament, wanting to have a little more time to spend at home, but do not want to lose the benefits of working as an employee.
First of all, to make such a decision, you must consider your particular tastes and needs. In this way, you can know which option is best for you.
Second, consult a friend or acquaintance who has left their job to start working as a freelancer. This way, you can have a much broader vision of the advantages and disadvantages that this type of work can offer you.
Third, it should ask you: Do I have all the tools that are required to work independently? It is important to remember that the answer to this question will depend on the type of work you decide to do. For example, if you want to work as a freelance writer, you must have broadband internet and a computer.
Still, suppose you want to work as a freelance carpenter. In that case, you need a wide variety of tools that allow you to carry out your work comfortably (hammers, nails, saws, pliers, etc.)
Maybe you consider being a freelancer to be the best work style for you, but you would waste your time if you don’t have all the tools to do it.
Recommendations that you should take into account when looking for a job as a freelancer
1. Update your resume, Freelance vs Employee
Maybe you think it’s not essential, but it is. Your CV is the only proof of all the experience and knowledge you have, and your employers will want to know what your career path is.
2. Subscribe to trusted platforms to search for a job as a freelancer
There are many platforms where you can find job offers for freelancers, and the best alternative is to subscribe to one of them to get started. Try to choose a reliable platform since you must provide personal information and attach your CV to the user profile. Some of the most recognized, trusted, and certain countries are Freelance, Indeed, and Workana.
3. Don’t quit your job yet, Freelance vs Employee
Getting a job as a freelancer is a process that takes time and dedication. Sometimes you have to apply for hundreds of jobs before someone dares to hire your services.
In addition, you also run the risk that some cheaters will hire you and tell you that they will pay you after you do the job, and, in the end, you never receive the money. Through work, as freelancers, we are all exposed to these kinds of scams and disappointments.
For this reason, you should not rush to quit your job the moment you decide to become a freelancer. Keep your job while you get better job offers, or find an employer who sends you jobs constantly to earn recurring income.
4. Take the time to educate yourself
As long as you have more skills and knowledge at a digital and technical level, you will have a greater chance of landing the freelance job you want so much. For this reason, take advantage of courses and specializations that allow you to get the knowledge required to compete for a position as a freelance worker.
To finish:
If you wonder what the best work style is for you, the best thing to do is evaluate your options, taking into account your tastes and needs to ensure that what you decide benefits you ultimately.
There is no specific answer to this type of question because each person is different. We all have different tastes. Each one lives in a different situation and has their own needs. For this reason, we recommend you pay attention to your instincts and your personal requirements when choosing the perfect job for you.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!