Freelancing Isn’t as Easy as It Sounds

[Nomad]

I started my career as a freelancer for newspaper. Since I was earning well, I decided to pursue freelancing and never pick up a real job. Then I started using freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. However, after a decade of working as a freelancer, I am still struggling with finances as tasks do not come easily and it is really difficult to get long term clients. Freelancing is competitive, even your satisfied clients might be interested in choosing new freelancers even though they might be satisfied with your work.

 

[pousinha]

In addition, if you live in a western country, you also are compelled to comply with tax laws and a very cumbersome bureaucracy, at the point freelancing as your only source of income becomes not worth both the effort and the earnings. As taxes and compulsory accountant fees easily overcome the earned amount.

 

[eLdavis]

I have had a little taste of freelancing before and indeed it is not as easy as most people out there make it to be.

 

[Augusta]

Yes it comes with Unstable Income: Unlike traditional employment with a regular paycheck, freelancers experience fluctuating income. This can create financial insecurity and difficulty budgeting.

 

[neku]

Freelancing is difficult if you are not well connected or have powerful enemies who are extremely vicious in destroying your reputation, you may not get any orders.

 

[pousinha]

Yes it comes with Unstable Income: Unlike traditional employment with a regular paycheck, freelancers experience fluctuating income. This can create financial insecurity and difficulty budgeting.

In addition, if you live in a western country (especially a southern European country), if you are a freelancer you are obliged to pay huge taxes even if your income is zero because tax laws are based on the nature of the activity and not on the amount of the rewards received.

 

[Augusta]

Freelancing isn't as easy as it seems because it involves more than just performing the task. It's a business, demanding self-discipline, time management, marketing, and financial responsibility.

 

[Fire&Rain]

Freelancing is not for the faint hearted. There are times where you wont have any gig and there a re times where gigs are piling up. If you give it time though you will end up enjoying every minute of it.