Business
Freelancers: The Downside Of Working At Home
Maybe some of you would jump off their feet when they hear somebody claim that he/she works in the comforts of their homes as freelancers. Well, let’s face it, with the continuous instability of our present economy and recession still rampant at the moment, anyone would be truly convinced to work at home if given the chance and get paid for their skills. But, do you know that there are also disadvantages if one chooses to work at home? Here are some of them for your enlightenment:
1. No fixed income
Freelancing work is mostly per project basis so your source of income is not fixed, compared to someone working permanently in a company. Working at home doesn’t promise a steady flow of income. You may accept a workload depending on your employer’s budget at the moment and when the project finishes, then you are back to zero again in looking for another work assignment. The best advice here is accept projects when they keep pouring on your plate, grab all these opportunities and try to keep a balance to meet all your deadlines. This will also help you save for the rainy days when freelance work is limited.
2. Working alone
One of the freelancer’s pitfalls is to face the reality of working alone or on your own if you choose to do it at home because no employer will be directly supervising your every move as you start your work. Since, no one will be reminding you about what task needs to get done right away, you tend to become too relaxed with your environment, forgetting your deadlines and spending most of your time lounging, lying on your bed or watching your favorite t.v. program. Proper discipline and strong will power are the tow best traits to posses to keep you ahead of your freelancing career.
3. No benefits
Working at home as a freelancer has no benefits at all unlike if you work in an office as a regular employee, getting benefits like sick leave, annual vacation leave with pay or other health benefits approved by labor bureau. In case you have to be confined in a hospital, you have to shoulder all the expenses if you work as a freelancer.
4. Additional skills required
Since you will be working mostly on your own at home as a freelancer, there is a need for additional skills in areas like doing your own financial assessments of your actual earnings and filing your own taxes. If you are just starting this online career, you need to have some background in accounting to help you balance all your finances.
The above lists of disadvantages are some of the actual experiences of some freelancers. You may have your own concerns about the freelancing career and the best move is weigh all the positive and negative points and from there come up with better working strategies, if you decide to pursue a freelance career. Stay focus and be directed with all your goals in life.
Tagged business, Career, Employment, freelancer, freelancing career, Work
TashWordMay 2, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Most of those apply to any freelancer, whether working from home or an office. Being at home has the advantage of no rental expenses (compared to hiring an office) and not having to get dressed up (or even dressed if you wish!)
I have found that online connections are useful as a substitute for working with people – there is no lunch room when you work alone but joining a forum or a social media conversation can fill the need for interaction. With the advantage you can turn it off when you are ready to work
Many people find visitors an issue at home – if people don’t respect that you run a business, they may drop in for a chat or expect you to help them which can be a major interruption.
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budgetwaysMay 3, 2012 at 11:01 am
I’ve been working from home for the last seven years and I can attest to all of the downfalls you mentioned.
You might also add that you get no respect from your family and friends. They just assume you are living the high life.
Also, you’re right about the additional skills needed. When you run your own home business you are the CEO, but also the accounting, marketing, information technology and human resources managers.
The other problem I’ve found is that your family doesn’t give you the space you need. If you have kids at home it is very difficult to get any work done.
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Aidan BradleyMay 3, 2012 at 4:54 pm
That’s an interesting comment about respect from friends and family. It’s something I’ve never really considered. But I can definitely see how it may a concern.
I guess the difference is perception, I’ve always been very impressed by people who’ve been able to run their business from home.
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Aidan BradleyMay 3, 2012 at 4:58 pm
I agree with Tash on this one, the Social Aspect of the web can in a way replace some of the in office interaction.
I myself, when I start to get cabin fever turn to collaborative work spaces such as http://www.hubmelbourne.com/
I’ve been flat out since moving operations to Sydney to look for a similar offering.
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LinxMay 4, 2012 at 1:32 am
The only real downside I have found is that I find that many people just do not respect my time. They think cause I am at home, I have free time. I had to adapt to that by informing everyone close to me that I am unavailable during my self given ‘work’ hours.
I even have a sign up that says “no disturbance unless urgent”. That works, because each disturbance adds up. Family and friends ‘get it’ now.
As for the co-worker factor, online chats help but what really balances it for me, is my exercise time with my neighbors. I get the catch up, the laughs and a good work out…away from the computer.
investorMay 7, 2012 at 1:54 pm
I disagree with the fixed income part. I have been working as a freelancer for just under a year now, and my income has only fluctuated maybe 5% in the last few months. I think that once you find a target audience for your services you are almost guaranteeing yourself a fairly fixed income.
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angeldrbMay 8, 2012 at 3:45 am
I agree with this post so much. Plus, I can also add that I procrastinate a lot when working at home because I have a very flexible time. Haha.
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KaydeMay 12, 2012 at 9:21 am
I have never done freelance work, but I always thought it would be such a great job. Clearly I don’t know what I am talking about. There is a lot more to it then meets the eye.
I have been looking into freelance work though. I recently graduated and I am having a hard time finding a good job. Now that I have a better understanding of the downsides of free lancing I feel more prepared to make a decision about it.
VellaMay 13, 2012 at 8:15 am
I work through a company right now so I get benefits, they just aren’t that great. I have medical, but my dental sucks. I’ve been looking around on the internet and I think it my be a National thing to have bad dental insurance. Oh well.
akanbiAugust 2, 2012 at 8:12 am
The best way to work from home to avoid most of these downsides is by working for a company. I work for one overseas and I find that the discipline from working for one spills over into my freelancing routine. As far as health insurance, I personally don’t depend on the doctor so I can totally cut down there.
dieselJuly 15, 2012 at 12:13 pm
While I agree with most of the points, for me I find that working alone, and really being my own boss is one of the best things about being a freelancer. I also enjoy learning and obtaining additional skills, so freelancing was a nice fit for me.
theaaaJuly 16, 2012 at 2:24 am
I have to agree that the no fixed income is really frustrating at times. You have to keep on constantly searching for new clients or companies to work for.
As for the working alone part, I’d say that’s one of the advantages for me. Not having to deal with people with different working styles, managing my own time, and being able to work in my pajamas feel great!
Magic PixelJuly 31, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Only someone who hasn’t freelanced online would disagree. But it’s the independence in self-employment that a lot of us like, plus the sense of having variety and a diverse portfolio.
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