The Best Bits About Being a Freelancer
Thinking of ditching the 9-to-5 and joining the freelance community? You’re not alone - freelancing is on the rise, with more and more people embracing the freedom, creativity, and control it offers.
The self-employed workforce in the UK has seen notable changes over the years, reaching a high of over five million just before the pandemic.
Today, just over 4 million people are self-employed, showing a steady recovery following the COVID pandemic.
So, what makes freelancing so appealing? Here are some of the top perks that freelancers enjoy:
Pick your projects and clients
One of the biggest perks of freelancing is the freedom to choose the projects you work on.
In a traditional job, you might be assigned tasks that don’t align with your interests or skills, but as a freelancer, you’re the one in control. You decide which clients align with your values, interests, and goals, allowing you to focus on work that genuinely excites you. And if a client or project isn’t a good fit? You have the flexibility to walk away.
No more feeling stuck on projects that don’t inspire you - freelancing lets you choose work that fuels your passions and plays to your strengths.
Work from anywhere (yes, really!)
Freelancing isn’t bound by the walls of an office. Whether you’re most productive in a bustling coffee shop, a cozy home office, or a sunny park, you have the freedom to choose where you work. Need a change of scenery?
Grab your laptop and go - maybe even work from a new city or country.
Remote work also allows you to structure your day around what works best for you. Want to start work early and take a long lunch break? Or maybe you’re a night owl who works best after sunset?
With freelancing, it’s entirely up to you.
Take home 100% of your profits
One of the appealing aspects of freelancing is that you’re in charge of setting your rates and determining your income. There’s no middleman taking a cut of your earnings, so everything you make is yours.
This opens up opportunities to reinvest those profits in ways that help you grow, whether it’s upgrading your equipment, taking a professional course, or simply enjoying the profits.
You’re in charge of your own financial growth, and the more you put into your craft, the more you can get out of it. This potential for higher earnings is a big draw for many freelancers, offering a path to financial independence.
Unlock your creative freedom
Freelancing lets you explore and experiment in ways that traditional roles might not. Each new project provides an opportunity to learn, try new approaches, and bring fresh ideas to the table.
Want to shift your focus to a new industry, explore a different skill, or pursue a passion project? Go for it!
Freelancing offers a level of creative freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere. You’re not confined to one job description or one role, allowing you to continuously evolve and refine your skills. As a freelancer, you have the freedom to pivot, adapt, and embrace new challenges whenever you choose.
Build the relationships you want
Traditional office settings often mean working with the same people day in, day out - whether you get along with them or not.
Freelancing, however, allows you to build the professional relationships you want. You’re in control of who you work with and how you communicate with them. You can establish boundaries and set expectations that align with your style, whether that means checking emails twice a day or holding video calls once a week.
If a client is draining your energy, you have the freedom to decide how often you communicate or even to end the relationship entirely.
Be your own boss
One of the ultimate benefits of freelancing is the chance to be your own boss.
There’s no waiting for approvals, navigating office politics, or feeling confined by someone else’s decisions. You set the goals, make the calls, and get to shape the direction of your career.
Being your own boss means you have complete control over your work processes and decisions, which is both empowering and rewarding. It also allows you to develop strong self-discipline, resilience and confidence. You’ll learn to trust your instincts and make decisions that are best for you - skills that will serve you well beyond your freelance career.
Say goodbye to your daily commute!
One of the understated joys of freelancing is saying farewell to the daily commute. With the flexibility to work from home or choose a nearby co-working space, you can avoid the stress of rush hour traffic or crowded public transport.
This means more time for what really matters, whether that’s spending time with family, exercising, or simply relaxing. Eliminating the commute helps you reclaim hours each week and promotes a better work-life balance.
Plus, skipping the commute means you can schedule your work around your personal life, not the other way around.
Embrace new opportunities and challenges
Freelancing opens the door to a world of possibilities. You’re not limited to a single job title or career path, allowing you to pursue different projects, learn new skills and grow your network.
Every client and project offers something unique, so freelancing keeps things fresh and exciting. With each new challenge, you’ll gain experience and knowledge that you can carry forward - building a career that’s uniquely yours.
Whether you’re just starting out or are  a seasoned freelancer, remember: the freedom you have is a powerful tool. Use it to build a career that not only supports you but also brings you joy and fulfilment.
So go ahead - take the plunge and discover the best bits of being your own boss!
Any views or opinions expressed above are for guidance only and are expressed in generic terms. They are not intended as a substitute for readers taking appropriate professional advice relevant to individual circumstances.
Written by
Luke Glassford
Marketing Director
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