There are lots of benefits that come with working for yourself, be it starting your own business or taking on various individual projects through freelancing. The reasons to become a freelancer are vast, but include flexibility, choosing what you work on and the clients you work with, and a wide earning potential.
Many people in various industries prefer to work for themselves and freelancing is the easiest way to do just that. If you have a family and need to work very flexible hours, for example, or are deeply passionate about one area of your work and want to focus on that, freelancing offers the independence to choose your hours as well as the type of projects you take on.
Freelancing also offers the flexibility to set your own hours, which can greatly improve work-life balance. For instance, many freelancers can choose to work during their most productive times, whether that’s early in the morning or late at night. This flexibility also allows for the accommodation of personal commitments, such as family responsibilities or continuing education.
According to a report by Upwork, the freelance workforce in the United States grew to 36% of the total workforce in 2021, with 59 million Americans performing freelance work. The study also found that freelancers contributed $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy in annual earnings, showcasing the significant economic impact of freelancing.
Freelancing in the Tech Industry
The tech industry offers a huge amount of potential for freelancing; lots of roles in IT are in high demand, from cybersecurity experts to data analysts to web developers. Web developers and software developers, in particular, are highly sought after. Having experience or qualification in this area opens many doors for anyone who wishes to become a freelancer; freelance web developers and IT professionals will never be out of work.
Top Reasons to Choose Freelancing
There are lots of reasons to become a freelancer and the ones that matter most to you will depend on your personal situation and preferences. But here’s some of the strongest reasons:
Flexibility: freelancing lets you choose your own hours, as well as from where you work. You can set yourself up in your living room or opt to work from the beach on a sunny island. As a freelancer, you are your own boss and have the benefit of choosing where and when you work.
Starting small: freelancing is something that you can start slowly - it doesn't need to mean a rapid shift overnight. This is especially beneficial for anyone who is looking for a career change and cannot simply quit their current job to pursue a new career. Freelancing can be done alongside a full-time role in the beginning, allowing you to build up valuable experience over time without sacrificing financial security.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Select the projects you take on and clients you work with: choosing who you work with and which projects you take on is a nice benefit to working independently. The tech industry, in particular, has a lot to offer, with thousands of companies around the world that need support from developers or web analysts on various projects. Selecting the organizations you work with as a freelancer means you can always work on something that interests you and aligns with your values.
Strong earning potential: when working for an organization, you will generally have a set salary, but freelancing offers unlimited earning potential. As you progress and gain more experience as a freelancer, your earnings will generally increase too; freelancing is a great way to boost earnings alongside a full-time or part-time job.
Opportunity to grow & develop: if you are dissatisfied with your current job, you can grow and develop into new areas as a freelancer. For those working in tech, an additional qualification in a new skill will enhance your CV, making you an attractive candidate for a whole new range of jobs. Developers, for example, can benefit from learning new coding languages. Learning how to be an ethical hacker or studying UX design will also expand on your existing knowledge and open many doors in terms of freelancing.
Independence: freelancing lets you choose whether to take on short or long-term projects and also be selective about the companies you work with. The opportunity to branch into new areas rather than staying in one department is a big benefit for many people and will help keep your career interesting. The chance to diversify your experience is also a valuable perk that freelancers get to enjoy and one of the biggest reasons that people cite when justifying their decision.
Getting Started as a Freelancer
If you are seeking greater control over your career progression, trying to branch out into a new area, or planning a complete career change, you don’t need years of study or a large financial investment to get started. A bootcamp or short intensive course will provide you with everything you need to get started.
Source: FinancesOnline
Ironhack offers bootcamps that are ideal for anyone who wishes to start freelancing in the tech industry. They combine theory with practical skills to provide a well-rounded introduction to areas such as the following:
Web Development (HTML, Javascript, CSS, Python, React, and Ruby)
With both creative and technical roles available in IT, there truly is something for everyone. Soft skills such as good organizational and time management ability are also incredibly valuable for tech freelancers–be sure to highlight these on your own website or LinkedIn profile.
Reasons to Become a Tech Freelancer
The reasons to become a freelancer are plentiful. For those wishing to make a career move, the tech industry has a lot to offer both in terms of job type and opportunities in the market. Once you have the basic skills, it's a case of building experience and as a freelancer, you’ll be able to find your niche and do what you love.
Tech is a dynamic, rapidly-growing field with a lot to offer those that work in it and is a stable industry to work in–and will be for decades to come.
How to Start Your Freelancing Career
Identify Your Skills: Assess your strengths and expertise suitable for freelance work.
Build a Portfolio: Create an online portfolio showcasing your work.
Find Freelance Platforms: Register on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.
Set Your Rates: Research industry standards to set competitive rates.
Network and Market Yourself: Use social media and professional networks to find clients
Kickstart your freelance career today with Ironhack's accessible, affordable range of remote and in-person bootcamps and get started in your new career with a new set of skills.
About the Author:
Juliette Carreiro is a tech writer, with two years of experience writing in-depth articles for Ironhack. Covering everything from career advice and navigating the job ladder, to the future impact of AI in the global tech space, Juliette is the go-to for Ironhack’s community of aspiring tech professionals.
