Reasons to celebrate being a freelancer

Amidst the fast paced life of being a freelance contractor, it can be easy to forget that it’s actually a great way to work and earn your living. Wednesday 19th November sees the annual celebration of National Freelancers Day, an occasion that allows you not only to reflect on what makes freelancing a great career choice but also affords you the opportunity to look toward what the future might hold as the popularity of freelancing continues to rise.

With the 19th soon upon us, we’ve taken a look at some of the reasons to celebrate being able to strike out on your own. Here are a few points to savour:

Flexibility

Being able to choose your own hours has its distinct benefits. Need to make a doctor’s appointment? No problem. Little one is ill and needs to stay at home? You can make that work. Not a morning person? You can work later in to the day.

As a freelancer you get to set your own schedule (within reasonable limits) and that schedule can work around you and the realities of your life.

Variety

As a freelancer you get to take on self-contained projects for a number of clients. Whether you are an engineer, or work in finance, or are a freelance writer, you will likely work across multiple industries. Variety is the spice of life, and boredom isn’t something you’ll often experience when you’re freelancing.

Escape from office politics

There are some distinct advantages to working in an office – warmth in the winter, a comfy chair, a constant supply of tea, and the prospect of enjoying a sociable alcoholic beverage at the end of the week.

But how sweet it is to be set free from the fight for promotion, from playing favourites and from office gossip.  And if you have your own home office, you can decorate your desk however you like, or abandon desks altogether. Freedom!

Travel

If you’re not an employee of a particular organisation then that means you’re not tied to the geographical location of their office. As a freelancer you can choose to work in a different town, city or even country.

If you’re a digital nomad then all you need is a laptop and a broadband connection. If you need to be on site for all or part of your contracts then freelancing gives you the option to see a lot more of the world than a two week package holiday once a year would allow.

We know it isn’t always rosy and being a freelancer comes with many twists and turns, but we believe that freelancing is one of the most interesting ways to forge a career. To help celebrate your day in the spotlight, KPSol are going to be hosting a competition in aid of National Freelancers Day very shortly, so keep your eyes on your inbox over the next few days for more details.

In the meantime, we’d love to know what your favourite part of being a freelancer is – feel free to comment below.