10 Reasons to go Freelance
Freelancers have it the best
by En Chance
Every person who’s ever gotten a project from a close friend or relative while still in school would know the feeling of getting a paycheck while doing something we could probably do for free (your techie grandma’s blog, pehaps). It’s much like reading a book by John Grisham, where as Jeopardy calls it, “It’s like getting paid to go to law school.” In doing so, you get the perks of jerking up your portfolio a notch without even breaking a sweat, while also getting closer to buying that darn iPhone.
Freelance work has always been very enticing even to those in the corporate arena. Up front, a small project may not look much, but take it with a grain of salt you’ll be surprised at what you’ll find. Below are the top 10 reasons why every Web Designer and Graphic Designer out there should consider going freelance:
- The world is your client. Design is a global commodity. Working for a client halfway around the world wouldn’t matter less just as long as your internet connection doesn’t bog down.
- Be the boss. Just what it says. No one calls the shots on how to do the project except you. This is the most obvious point of them all.
- Unlimited creative access. The web is your playground! Surf as many creative sites for as long as you want. This way the only person who can say that your concept isn’t going to work would be your mother—which, I’m sure you’d brush off like a finished torrent file.
- People want to be you. Once you get your name in the papers this’ll be easy. This gives a huge moral boost on the designer’s confidence not to mention pride. Did I mention that they want to be you?
- Your name in the papers. Fame at last! There may not be any paparazzi waiting outside but at least the whole world knows who made that interestingly interactive flash website. Priceless.
- You know where all your money’s going. It’s just impossible for you to get ripped off. Just don’t go around and buy two of those flat LCD screens you’ve been salivating over the past week—then you’d be in trouble.
- Expanded social capital. People would want to be known by you or at least be in the same room as you. What does it get you? For one thing, it could get you into the most exclusive gatherings and the chance to rub elbows with those of your stature…more projects for you!
- Achieve your personal goals. Design while working for your MBA or helping around in the local community center. Whether you’re working to start your own business or traveling to some exotic location for the summer, freelance work will always be there for you.
- Peace of mind. You can always think better and clearer when you know you’re in complete control. Great designs don’t come if we force them. With a clear mind you increase the chances of getting that single idea capable of making your client’s wallets leap out of their pockets.
- No backstabbing. Who needs ‘em? With it comes office politics which don’t really amount to anything, the long commute to a 3-by-4 cubicle and annoying coworkers who you probably would think shouldn’t be given the right to reproduce.
