Freelancing : Worthwhile Occupation or Waste of Time.

If at any time you have searched online for a job, you must have come across this term. Frequently praised as a replacement for a full-time job, freelancing poses a lot of pros and cons that we will cover in this article to help you know if it is actually for you.
Note: We will mainly look into the cons of going into freelancing blindly.

WHAT IS FREELANCING

Freelancing simply refers to working without being under the direct supervision of a company or organization. This implies that there is more freedom than in a traditional job.

PROS OF FREELANCING

As a freelancer, you will get to enjoy:

1. Working at times that are most convenient for you.
2. Working from the comfort of your home.
3. Saving on travel costs and time.

For a student, someone in retirement, or anyone who doesn't necessarily need a steady income, freelancing should work out quite well.

CONS OF FREELANCING

Client Drought

As a beginner, you may experience a difficult time finding clients. This is because many clients require evidence of your ability to work, usually in the form of portfolios. This may be difficult to produce, especially if you have not done any work in the field you choose to freelance in. That said, when you start your freelancing journey, expect to wait for some time before having clients.

Difficult Clients

If you have dealt with clients, even outside of freelancing, you may have interacted with some very difficult people, often referred to as “Karens.” Once you have a client, you might think that’s the end of your troubles as a beginner. However, many times clients give requirements and then change them at the last minute, sometimes when the project is nearly complete. Since your payment is processed by a freelancing platform, you might have a hard time getting paid. Most platforms depend on the client’s approval to release payment, and if the client claims they are not satisfied—even if you did your best—you may not get paid. This is not always the case, though; you will also find good clients who pay fairly, have realistic requirements, and sometimes even offer tips or repeat work.

Overcrowded Platforms

Platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork offer many opportunities, which is good. The issue is the number of people applying for each job. As a beginner, your chances are statistically lower, especially when competing with experienced freelancers who have strong portfolios.

Uncertainty of Completing Jobs

Even projects that do not require a portfolio may prove difficult to complete. You will notice that higher-paying jobs require advanced skills, while beginner-friendly jobs often pay very little. Platforms such as Microworkers, Clickworkers, or Swagbucks may offer small tasks, but they are not always worth the time. For example, tasks like creating Gmail accounts can be challenging since Gmail requires phone verification and will not allow one number to verify multiple accounts. Considering the low pay (often below one dollar), this may not be realistic or sustainable.

CONCLUSION

With all the above said, freelancing can be a great source of income once you get the hang of it. But before diving in, you should consider your goals. If you want to be a full-time freelancer, it is better to start part-time, gain experience, and then transition once you can secure high-paying projects. On the other hand, if you simply want some extra income on the side, freelancing platforms with simple tasks—such as surveys or account creation—can still help you earn money. With patience, even small amounts can add up to something useful.

That is a summary of what you need to know before venturing into freelancing. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and we will talk about it in future posts.