For countless freelancers, its allure lies in the ability to be your own boss, set your own schedule, and work from any location you like. Others are drawn by the potential for financial growth, ample opportunities for personal and professional development, or the freedom to select projects that align with your passions. Whatever the driving force may be, it’s an exciting time to become a freelancer!

Furthermore, the tech industry presents vast opportunities for freelancers. Whether you specialize in web development, design, writing, marketing, social media management — or any skill set involving a keyboard — you’re well-poised to reap the numerous benefits that freelancing has to offer.

In this article, we look at some of the main reasons why people choose to become freelancers. I bet that if any of these reasons resonate with you, chances are high that you’ll thoroughly enjoy working for yourself as a freelancer!

1. Be Your Own Boss 😎

One of the main reasons many choose to start freelancing is the ability to be your own boss. The idea of saying goodbye to controlling managers, not feeling valued, or rewarded for your hard work, is often reason enough! But perhaps more accurately, it’s an entrepreneurial spirit that attracts many to the world of freelancing.

And let’s be real, who doesn’t want this coffee mug…

‘THE’ coffee mug for the self-employed.

Additionally, being your own boss is likely to unearth new levels of creativity, motivation and innovation that will have you feeling inspired and ready to take on anything! It’s a fantastic reason to get into freelancing.

2. Work on your own terms 🛠️

Do you want to exclusively build websites using WordPress? 

Or specialize in e-commerce websites with Shopify? 

Do you desire the freedom to change your mind at any time, without requiring someone else’s permission? 

As a freelancer, you’re not bound by the requirements of others — you make all the rules.

3. Work when you want ⏰

Are you most productive in the morning or at night? 

There’s no reason to adhere to a traditional 9-to-5 schedule if it doesn’t suit you. You could work from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. if that aligns better with your productivity peaks. 

The same flexibility applies to the typical 5-day work week. If you can achieve all your goals in 4 days, there’s nothing stopping you. Go for it!

4. Work where you want 🌴

Another truly great thing about freelancing is that you can work from anywhere! It doesn’t matter to your clients, as long as you get the job done. So, if you enjoy traveling or perhaps even aspire to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle, you’ll love the freedom of being your own boss! 

Even if you don’t travel often (or at all), you’re free to work in coffee shops, in the backyard, at the park, or in your hotel if you decide to book a week away.

5. Unlimited earning potential 💸

When you’re starting out, you’ll likely accept most of the work you can get. However, as time goes on, you’ll find yourself with more opportunities than you can handle alone. 

At this juncture, you have the luxury of being selective and, better yet, you can raise your rates. Clients seeking a dependable freelancer or your specialized type of work will gladly pay these higher rates. 

As your business advances, your earnings potential really becomes limitless.

6. Unlimited growth opportunities 🌱

There will come a time when you’ll contemplate outsourcing aspects of your business or even expanding it into an agency capable of offering a wide range of services. 

Should you choose to establish a company, recruit staff, and develop a brand, you’ll embark on a journey impossible to achieve as an employee. 

Remember that great things often come from humble beginnings.

Whether you ultimately reach this level or not, the freelance journey will undoubtedly foster positive growth within you.

How? 

You’ll learn more than you anticipate. Each day in the freelance realm presents a fresh array of challenges, providing ample opportunities for growth. Beyond being a designer, writer, or developer, you’ll assume the role of a business owner, honing your problem-solving skills daily. 

You’ll cultivate resilience. Freelancing often requires navigating unpredictable situations and overcoming setbacks. As you confront and conquer these challenges, you’ll develop a robust resilience that strengthens your ability to bounce back from adversity, both personally and professionally.

You’ll gain confidence. With each day, you’ll manage client interactions, sales, and meetings. These tasks will quickly become second nature. Others will begin to perceive and treat you differently. As a freelancer, you’ll witness a significant boost in your everyday confidence.

7. Choose projects that you want to work on 🖥️

Another fantastic aspect of freelancing is the freedom to select projects that resonate with you. 

Whether you’re a web developer specializing in large-scale eCommerce websites, a designer focusing on logo creation, or a writer who wants to only write ad copy, the choice is yours! You have the freedom to pursue what aligns with your passions and inspires you the most. 

It’s important to remember that you’ll inevitably need to do some repetitive work (such as admin tasks, accounting, etc.) that are part of the job. However, if the job itself is something you’ve chosen to do because it’s something you enjoy, then you’re going to find the task itself much more rewarding.

8. Know when to say no! 🚫

Regrettably, many freelancers encounter difficult clients at some point. This is particularly common in the early stages when you’re eager to accept any available work. 

It’s crucial to recognize that you have the power to choose your clients. And clients must respect the boundaries outlined in your freelance contract (more details on that in a forthcoming article!). However, if a client displays aggression, rudeness, or fails to respect your time, you have the right to terminate the contract immediately. Losing a project is a small price to pay for safeguarding your mental well-being, which is paramount. 

Knowing when to say “No” is a valuable skill both in business and life.

9. Reap the Rewards of Your Efforts 👏

We’re all familiar with the typical employee setup: a fixed salary, occasional bonuses, and an annual raise that barely keeps pace with inflation. Even if you work tirelessly, put in extra hours, and boost your employer’s profits, your paycheck remains unchanged. Where’s the incentive? 

As a freelancer, you’re compensated for your dedication. If you go above and beyond, work extra hours, and deliver exceptional results for your clients, you’ll see a direct increase in your income. 

Every ounce of effort you invest benefits you directly, not someone else. So, go ahead and relish in the extra earnings you’ve rightfully earned! (Or save it up if that’s more your style 😜).

10. Experience Unmatched Job Security 💪

As a freelancer, your job security is unparalleled (unless, of course, you choose to let yourself go?). Your primary responsibility is to persevere! 

In the long term, you’ll have complete control over your future and income. This level of autonomy far exceeds the sense of ‘job security’ associated with traditional employment, where a company can abruptly terminate your services at any moment.

So, why do YOU want to freelance?

Take some time to reflect on what matters most to you. Some of the points mentioned here may resonate more strongly with you than others, or you may have your own unique set of reasons.

For me personally, the daily satisfaction of knowing that my hard work directly translates into tangible rewards is priceless. 

Whether it’s witnessing my business grow, building stronger relationships with clients, or just taking a moment to appreciate the freedom and flexibility of freelancing, it’s definitely a great feeling to be in control of my own destiny.

Remember, exploring the freelance life is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth, so stay open to new opportunities and possibilities along the way.

Are you ready to turn your dev skills into a freelance business? Whether you're completely new to freelancing or are looking to level up your existing skills. I'll teach you everything you need to know to become a successful freelancer!

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A little about me..

Hey, I'm Tim! 👋 I'm a freelance business owner, web developer & author. 

I teach both new and experienced freelancers how to build a sustainable and successful freelancing business. If you'd like to read more of my articles, check them out on my blog.

Thanks for reading 🎉