Why you shouldn’t feel bad for choosing a job over freelancing

Choosing a Job Over Freelancing

Why you shouldn’t feel bad for choosing a job over freelancing

Freelancing is damn hard. Yes, it really is, and anyone who tells you otherwise is downright lying. There are plenty who feel bad choosing a job over freelancing because they’re led to believe that freelancing is so much better.

I’ve been a freelance writer since 2010. I’ve had some up and down years, PITA clients, and nightmare months. The good has certainly outweighed a job, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t take a job if the situation and opportunities were right.

In fact, I did take a part-time job at one point. My elder daughter was in nursery and I wanted to save up for the second daughter on the way. I grew my blog and my business, but that part-time job allowed a little more stability.

There’s no shame in taking a job

A while ago, I saw a freelance writer in a group of other writers apologizing for taking a writing job. This wasn’t taking on a client, but jumping back into the world of the 9 to 5.

There was no need for her to apologize to anyone. For some, freelancing is the way to go. It doesn’t matter what you do as a freelancer. You could be a social media manager or a VA. Freelancing may offer you all the benefits you want that weigh out all the bad., since something being without a job is difficult, and getting through to EDD could be not as easy all the times, so a little help with this online is sometimes useful.

Freelancing isn’t for everyone. Here’s why you should never feel bad for choosing a job over freelancing.

MORE: Why freelance job boards aren’t always the best place to start

You need to do the best for your family

We’re not all in a position where we can work from home and go through the ups and downs of being a freelancer. I’ve been lucky that my husband has worked full-time, and we’ve been comfortable on his wage for the last few years. Before that, we had his student loan to help when we’ve really struggled.

Now that we’re on just my wage, it’s harder but I was already in the position with clients who paid on time and work that was coming in regularly. It’s paid off now. If I had to do it from scratch on just my wage, I’m not sure I could have done it.

There are single parents, those paying off high debts, and people starting from scratch. It’s not easy freelancing when you have financial worries or doubts.

So, you do the best for your family. If that means taking a part-time job, then do it!

You’ll actually find that the majority of freelance writers will advise you to keep your current job while you build up your freelancing business. This is the best advice anyone can get.


Make Money As A Freelance Writer: 7 Simple Steps to Start Your Freelance Writing Business and Earn Your First $1,000

You need to do the best for your sanity

Freelancing is an isolating job. While it’s part of the job that I love, not everyone does. I’m just one of those strange loners who prefers to chat over IM than in person!

Well, if you don’t like isolation and love the workplace chatter, then freelancing isn’t going to be that much fun. You’ll always look for a reason to get out of the house and chat with others, and you won’t end up getting as much work done.

You may relish on the idea of wearing corporate workwear and going into a workplace everyday. And if that’s the case, then go for it. Don’t feel bad for choosing a job over freelancing when it’s going to help keep your sanity.

The last thing we want is for any of us to be depressed because we don’t get the social interaction we need on a daily basis.

If you’re an employee who has suffered a work-related injury or illness, here is everything to know about employee rights. Employees who have been unfairly terminated should consider hiring a wrongful termination lawyer to fight for their rights.

Choosing a Job Over Freelancing

You need to do the best financially

Freelancing isn’t that stable financially. If you’re looking to get a mortgage or a bank loan, you can find it so much harder when you’re a freelancer (whether a writer, painter, or even mechanic).

Banks will see that you don’t have a guaranteed income. You can lose a client at any point and aren’t guaranteed to pick up any extra work. There are mortgages and loans out there, but they come with higher interest and they can be harder to get your hands on.

This was partially a reason for me taking on a part-time job. I was fed up of not being able to get a mortgage. Things have changed now with moving to a new country and my freelance business growing considerable.

You don’t have the financial stability that you have with a job. At least, you don’t have the assumed stability. Honestly, I view freelancing as more stable than having a job. We saw in 2008 just how many people lost their jobs without much warning, but freelancers continued to grow their incomes. I wish I was freelancing back then rather than fighting for jobs. I just didn’t know about it.

I have friends losing their jobs left, right, and center, but I keep going with the freelancing. If I lose a client, I get back to the drawing board and work my ass off to get another client. There’s always one out there.

And yes, I found in the summer that I lost a client that I was gaining $60 per day from, while another income stream had gone from $500 per week to less than $100. I soon picked up another client and picked up the income stream. I didn’t panic because I knew the work was out there somewhere.

Getting a job may be more financially stable for you. You just need to do what’s right for you right now and then start thinking about the future.

This doesn’t mean you have to stay with the job, that you can’t grow your business on the side. You just need temporary stability while you do that.

MORE: How I kept my freelance business alive during maternity leave

Don’t feel bad for choosing a job over freelancing. Sometimes it’s the best thing that you can do. This isn’t about what others need, but about what you and your family need. If that means a job, go for it! There are lots of emerging jobs in Canada post-Covid. That doesn’t mean you have to stop freelancing. Do it on the side.

Are you struggling with freelancing? Before you go for jobs, you may need a little kick in the right direction. I can help you as a freelance writer mentor.

SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER to get more help as a WAHM.
Alexandria Ingham is a professional writer. She predominately ghost-writes in various niches, including fitness, finance and technology Everything is fully researched and well-written. Under her own name, she writes in the technology, business, history and weight loss niches

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