Freelancing

Last night's message from a friend goes something like this - "Need you to accompany this Friday, can? Help me to read map while I drive to xxx"

I paused for a while after reading it...it was close to midnight, brain was shutting down.  Well, we've shared some adventures together taking leave and going out together.  There was a time when she was taking a break from the workforce, she came to pick me up from while I was waiting for my car to be serviced.

Those were the days.. we've not done that for some time..


So, my next reply was - "Er, I got work la"

And, her innocent reply was - "Eh, I thought you freelancing"

Lol..I think there are some misconception to the term "freelancing"


I was guilty too.  Before I started freelancing, I imagined myself, spending a lot of time working and/or relaxing leisurely at cafes. Unfortunately, that didn't happen often enough

1. Going out means cost eg petrol, parking, food, drinks all translates into cost
2. Going out also means time eg being stuck in jam, looking for parking
3. And it costs even more at places with wifi!
4. Oh, at home, I can work in my most comfortable shorts and sleeveless top  :D

So, realistically, it's always more realistic and efficient to stay indoor.   Well, once in a while, depending on work load and urgency, I do give myself a treat - hanging out with a latte cafee at my favourite, using my flashy Asus, with my sunglasses on the head, lol. Not often though. 

FREELANCING is a very broad term.

• It doesn't mean freelancers are free all the time, in fact, Free time means No Income for us!

• However, the no. hours worked vs. income earned very much depends on the type of work that a freelancer's skill set, and this can vary greatly from professional consultancy related services to mid-executive support roles to less professional but more hours-intensive desk job

• It can be quite different from those with a passive income.  Yes, if one had worked hard enough to establish the base to get sufficient passive income, yup, these group can idle and yet have some form of income in-flow

Unfortunately, the third point doesn't apply to me.  So, I gotta work my ass off when there jobs.   The only difference is I don't have to report to work on a fixed time period everyday.  And I get to control how much I can take on.  Eg I can choose whether I wanna work 20 hours a day to earn more or less.

Some jobs are relatively easy, eg just monitoring, hence, I can afford to be away from the desk, as long as I respond when needed.  Some jobs requires me to be glued to the desk 12 hours a day, like now. 

In conclusion, Freelancing is not a bed of roses.  I believe many freelancers work their asses off  in one way or another.   Especially, when there are more than one job, and we only have ourselves and no one else to do the work.

The nice part is we can opt to take a rest during quiet times.  But remember, the expenses bills continue to run when we rest, ya :)    As opposed to being employed, one can have paid leave anytime.

So, which side would you like to be on?