Work in a Company or Freelance?

The modern work environment offers unique opportunities for anyone looking for a job. Traditionally, work options available were not diverse and you had to either work in employment or start a business. Today, you can comfortably work as a freelancer or find a salaried job. It is also possible to combine these by working part-time as a freelancer. More people now work in the freelance industry. From freelance editing jobs, freelance photography, web design, tutoring, the opportunities are limitless.

But which is better? Working in a company or as a freelancer? There’s no simple answer to this question and people looking for work have a hard time making a choice. To help you out, this article delves into the pros and cons of both income earning options to help you make an informed choice. Read on.

Working in a Company   

The first option for most people looking for a job is in full-time employment.  It is the most popular way of earning income.

• Pros

1. Job security: You know you have a job to go to everyday and a check at the end of the month.
2. Financial benefits: Salaried employees have lots of benefits included in their pay package and these include sick leaves, parental leave, paid vacations, PF and a retirement scheme among other perks.
3. Working environment: Working in a company allows you to meet new people and form interesting relationships. There’s a sense of community when working under the same roof with others.

• Cons

1. Office politics: You have to deal with a lot of negativity and competition from your colleagues.
2. Lack of flexibility: You have structured hours with little room for flexibility.
3. Lack of creative freedom: You have to follow orders and there’s no freedom to think or act outside the organization’s policies.

Working as a Freelancer

Image 1: A freelancer can work from anywhere

The freelancing industry has continued its upward trajectory over the last two decades. A recent report shows one in three Americans is a freelancer working in areas such as freelance editing jobs. In the UK half of the working populations will be self-employed in the next five years. Here’s how freelancing compares to salaried work.

• Pros

1. Flexibility: You work your own hours and choose the work to do.
2. Freedom: You have no one to answer to other than your clients. This is something many employed people crave.
3. No office politics: You work in your own space and there’s no office politics to worry about every day.
4. Opportunities: You have opportunities to work across the globe and with different people.

• Cons

1. Lack of stability/security: Unlike a salaried worker, a freelancer’s job is not secure, and there’s a lack of stability.
2. Unpredictable income:  It is difficult to create a financial plan due to unpredictable income.
3. Lack of benefits: As a freelancer, you have to cater for everything including medical, travel and everything in between.
4. Self-motivation: You don’t have a boss or other employees to motivate you and self-motivation isn’t easy.
5. Lack of community: You work alone and this can have an impact on your social life.

Back to the question; which is better working in a company or freelancing? Each income earning option has benefits and drawbacks. For people who crave freedom and a non-structured working environment, freelancing is the best way to go and you can start with Writing Jobs. If you are after stability and structured income-generating work, you should look for work in a company. It all boils down to your preferred working situation.