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Old 01-01-2008, 04:49 PM   #1
Tulumbo
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Default Freelancing vs. A Steady Job

Would you prefer being a freelancer, and enjoying all the freedom that comes with it, or having a steady job that brings in a consistent income. Personally I would rather have a steady job.
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Old 01-01-2008, 05:08 PM   #2
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It all depends. If you are a freelancer that is consistently having to turn down work because you have so many clients, I would be a freelancer. I would enjoy the freedom of working from home at my own pace and my own prices. however, if I was averaging about 1 client every 2 weeks, a steady job would definately be better.
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Old 01-01-2008, 05:25 PM   #3
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I want to find a relaxed, but well paying design job and do a few freelance jobs each month if I have time. I also need time to manage these forums and my blog =)
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Old 01-01-2008, 11:21 PM   #4
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I'd really love to have both. I think a well-paid job and having my own little freelance business on the side would work great. That way I'll have a steady, monthly income and then my freelance earnings will be like bonuses.
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Old 01-02-2008, 01:22 AM   #5
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I would want both when starting out (with freelance as a part time gig).

I guess you'll make more connections when you're "out" there working.

But I'll let this problem dwell for another 4 months until I grad
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Old 01-02-2008, 08:04 AM   #6
alyCe
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the best would be to be able to freelance with an agent and a book-keeper
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Old 01-02-2008, 09:10 PM   #7
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I had to make a similar descision a few years back and financially being a full time employee ended up being more lucrative. Even if it is not money in your pocket, having the benefits of health insurance, paid time off, you know the rest, is worth more than being a contract freelancer.

There is such a wonderful mental freedom that comes with being a FREElancer. You are free to look for work, free to worry about where the next check is coming from...you get it.
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Old 01-15-2008, 10:00 AM   #8
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I prefer to have a steady job and then do a few projects on the side. I just like knowing where my next paycheck is coming from. Might go freelance later on in my life as I think I would find it easier with a few years commercial experience under my belt.
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Old 01-15-2008, 03:54 PM   #9
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I think it depends on your personality.

If you are at all risk-averse, I would recommend you go make money for someone else, work on their projects on their terms, and get your stipend.

If you can handle not knowing where your next check is going to come from (cannot stress enough how important that one "skill" is, because it will happen) then do some prep, take the leap, and be prepared to work like you've never worked before to keep from crashing. It's constantly over-romanticized (there's so much more stress, and you WILL be absolutely broke for extended periods of time), but it really is rewarding on less-quantifiable levels (maybe not your checkbook, right off the bat, but definitely in your confidence).

You'll have to excuse the tone; I just got back from a meeting with one of my favorite clients and THEY brought up keeping me on a monthly retainer (some good steady money, from a client I love, earned on my terms . . . ). A small victory, but I can't tell you how good it feels. It's moments like this that you can't possibly appreciate unless you've cut the cord.

That's all I'll say . . . the Zealot has left the building!
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Old 01-21-2008, 02:35 PM   #10
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I prefer freelancing. However I start my new steady job, first time after 4 nice years of freelancing, tonight. I guess my wife prefers both.
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