So, you’re about to enter the gig economy and have heard lots of rumours about freelancing and what life is like as a freelancer. We’re here to debunk thirteen of the most common myths associated with the freelancing lifestyle, so you can embark upon your freelancing journey with realistic expectations. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Freelancing is easy
There’s no doubt that some people find aspects of their life as a freelancer easier than working for a company, but that doesn’t mean that freelancing is easy! In the gig economy, you’re responsible for time management, task allocation, financial management, pricing, marketing, and administration – roles that companies dedicate to entire departments! If you think freelancing is going to be a stroll in the park, think again.
You don’t have to answer to anyone
It’s true that you won’t work for one boss as a freelancer. But in order to get ahead, you will need to treat all of your clients with the same level of respect and courtesy that you would afford to your boss in a company. If you don’t, you will find that you struggle to maintain and grow your business, so avoid thinking that you don’t have to answer to anyone.
Working in the gig economy is more stressful than having a full-time job
There are elements of working in the gig economy that are more stressful than working in a full-time job, particularly in relation to job and financial security. But the freedom that comes with being a freelancer greatly outweighs the stresses involved with being self-employed.
There’s no such thing as job security
As a freelancer, you can develop contracts that protect you and offer you security when it comes to working with your clients. Terms of engagement are an important part of any freelancer-client relationship and will provide you with an added layer of job security compared to individual gigs that can disappear without any notice.
Freelancing is not a real business
No matter the industry or niche that you work in, freelancing is much more than just a job! You’re responsible for running a business and will need to complete administrative, financial, and marketing tasks that ensure your business runs smoothly. So, while your projects will take up a lot of your time, you will need to think more broadly about your approach to life in the gig economy!
You will automatically make more money
Freelancing provides you with the opportunity to earn more money than you would in a salaried role, but this is not a given. Particularly in your first year in the gig economy, you might even need to work for less money than you would hope for. As such, don’t get too caught up on your earnings at the start, as it will take time to achieve your financial goals.
Freelancers love all the projects they work on
While it’s true that you can pick and choose your projects, you will probably end up working on some tasks that you don’t love. This is the nature of any job and is something that you will have to get used to. But the beauty of freelancing is that you can ensure your time is filled with projects that you like more often than not, which will keep you motivated and inspired to achieve.
You don’t need to have a routine
The most successful freelancers develop a working routine and stick to it. Yes, you’re entitled to work in your pyjamas from your bed, but it’s unlikely to be a sustainable and efficient way to work. We’d advise you to develop a structure and routine around your workday so that you can get your tasks done before the deadlines you have agreed with your clients.
You will need to work for free to get clients
In the early days of your freelancing career, you might be tempted to work for free just to get some business. But doing so won’t serve you well in the long run. It’s best to reduce your fees at the start as opposed to giving away your time for free. You can then increase your prices as you go and eventually earn the money that your skill and application deserve.
You can do everything yourself without any help
Some freelancers fall into the trap of thinking that they don’t need any help to run their business. But in reality, you will find that hiring other freelancers to help you with things like your finances and marketing will free up time that you can use to work on projects. Check out RadialHub for talented freelancers who will help you run your new business.
There’s no need to setup a workspace for yourself
Whether you work from home, in a shared workspace, or hot desk from place to place, it’s important to designate a space that you will use for your work. Doing so means you don’t have to worry too much about distractions and ensures you can be productive when you’re working at your desk. No matter where you decide to work from, it’s a good idea to set up a workspace so you can be as productive as possible.
Your clients aren’t your boss
As a freelancer, it’s helpful to regard your clients as your boss. And while you don’t have to do everything they tell you and work to their demands all the time, treating your clients with deference will serve you well and enable you to be successful. If you treat your clients with contempt, your chances of freelancing success will be limited.
Growth is difficult to achieve
Some people mistakenly think that growth in the gig economy is difficult to achieve. But having the flexibility and freedom to add a range of gigs to your professional service and not being limited by the confines of a company allows you to grow and evolve in any way that you choose. The opposite is actually true – achieving growth as a freelancer is more than possible!
Final thoughts
While several of these myths have an element of truth to them, we hope you can now see that you shouldn’t pay them a great deal of attention! The reality is that freelancing is liberating, exciting, and full of possibilities, so don’t get too caught up in myths that try and tell you otherwise.
