A recent survey showed that contrary to popular belief, freelancers may earn more money than traditional 9-5 employees. Traditional positions are generally seen as more secure and beneficial, while freelance can seem risky and somewhat costly. Honestly, it really comes down to your lifestyle and goals. If you have a more free-flowing lifestyle or need to work remotely on a daily basis, then freelance may be for you. If your goal is to stick with and grow with one company, in that culture with trusted colleagues, then you may prefer a 9-5.
Why choose the 9-5 grind?
A traditional 9-5 job offers structure and stability that can be more appealing for the faint of heart. The most coveted security blanket is health insurance. Full-time positions, as well as some part-time ones, offer very reasonable health insurance options for you and your family. This is a necessity that some people prefer not to give up in favor of freedom. Not to mention, the stability of knowing that you won’t be let go quite as easily as contract workers. Plus, there is the social factor. In-office life can be great to break up the monotony, make friends and get to know the people you’re working with. Working freelance doesn’t give you the same opportunity to get to know your colleagues on a personal level as a 9-5 does.
Why go freelance?
Freelancers have the benefit of flexibility. Because they usually work toward deadlines, contract employees get to make their own schedules. Wake up early or late, enjoy a long breakfast, a midday walk or have a more nocturnal vibe, then freelance may be perfect for you! Now, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for health insurance, retirement savings and taxes, so keep that in mind. But, this also means flexibility. A 9-5 job may not offer all of the coverage that you need, or you may get a better deal with a plan of your own. You just need to do your research and make sure that the unscheduled life is right for you.
If you’re on the search for your first job, check this out.
