Being your own boss

Day 16 / 365

I’ve been working as a freelancer for over a decade now. I have always had a full-time job as well, but this year I am going to finally take the leap and focus solely on freelancing.

I’ve always been drawn to freelancing for one specific reason: the freedom of being your own boss. It’s not that I was particularly drawn to freelancing, but rather that I couldn’t stand the idea of working for someone else. The thought of having someone else dictate my work hours and vacation time, or micromanage the way I work was unbearable for me.

Don’t get me wrong, I know that there are good bosses out there, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with a few. However, these are the exception rather than the rule. Furthermore, in big corporations, you often have many people making decisions for you, not just one.

Freelance allows you to be your own boss. And the benefits are huge —

• Flexibility: You have the freedom to set your own schedule and work on projects that align with your interests and values.
• Autonomy: You are in control of your own career and decisions, and don’t have to answer to a boss or manager.
• Unlimited earning potential: As a freelancer, your income is tied to the amount of work you take on, so there is potential to earn more than you would in a traditional job.

However, being your own boss is great, but being your own employee is terrible. It’s not all fun and games, and there are a lot of drawbacks that I have been facing —

• No guaranteed income: As a freelancer, you don’t have the security of a regular paycheck, and your income can fluctuate greatly.
• No benefits: Freelancers often don’t have access to benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Isolation: Without the camaraderie and support of a traditional office environment, freelancers may feel lonely or disconnected.
• Increased responsibilities: As a freelancer, you are responsible for everything from finding clients and managing finances to handling your own taxes and retirement savings.
• Lack of structure: Without a set schedule or office to go to, it can be easy to get sidetracked and lose motivation.

Despite the challenges, I am excited to continue my journey as a freelancer. Freelancing has allowed me to have control over my career and work on projects that align with my interests and values. It has also provided me with an opportunity to earn more than I would in a traditional job. I understand that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, but I am willing to take the good with the bad.

I am determined to make freelancing work for me, and I am excited about what the future holds.