Did You Choose Freelancing, Or Did It Choose You?

It seems that certain people are more naturally inclined to work as a freelancer than others. Of course, everyone has lulls in their career, but if you find yourself constantly stifled by the 9-5 structure that general life as an employee requires, then perhaps you might be the sort of person that would excel as a freelancer?

Are you the sort of person who would identify with some of the following types of people? If you do, then freelancing might seem like a natural way to work for you, and perhaps you’ll find that freelancing actually chose you!

People who are productive at night

Are you an early bird or a night owl? For years, society has assumed that the most productive and disciplined people are those who rise at the crack of dawn and climb back into bed early in the evening. However, there does seem to be a recent understanding that people’s biological body clocks are actually wired differently – some people are just more alert later at night than early in the morning. 

Unfortunately, corporate work structures still conform to the early-riser expectation. And although many work places now offer a little more flexibility with working hours, the corporate world is still stacked in favor of early birds.  

If you’re the sort of person who’s more productive at night, then not having to turn up at work for 9am will sound like a fantastic benefit.

People who enjoy a diverse work environment

For some people, having a consistent and familiar working environment provides a sense of place and allows them to concentrate and do their best work. For others, being shackled to the same desk day after day is like working in a prison! 

Perhaps you’re the sort of person who likes change and the stimulation of having different surroundings? If you are, then the opportunity to work (for example) in different coffee shops near your home, or on the other side of the world, might sound like the idyllic workspace of your dreams! 

Of course, you don’t have to work in different environments, and a home office is a great place to put down some roots. However, as a freelancer, you can enjoy the freedom of choice.

People who don’t like to be told what to do

Do you like being told what to do? Some personality types enjoy working collaboratively under the leadership of a manager or team leader, whereas others prefer to do things for themselves without having orders given to them. 

If you’re a freelancer, then you’ll need to complete projects using your own initiative, and you’ll only receive minimal input from your clients. To some people this may sound incredibly daunting, but others will breath a sigh of relief upon realizing this. How you feel about this responsibility will be a good indicator as to whether you’re cut out for freelance work or not.

People who like to prioritize family commitments

Family is an important priority for many individuals, and it’s very common for one parent to give up work and live at home with their children instead of choosing to make use of childcare services and remain in work. 

A great thing about being a freelancer is that you’re able to complete your work whenever you like. Because working around family commitments is a possibility, you don’t have to choose between building a successful career and spending time with your family.

This is an attractive prospect, and many professional freelancers work in this line of work because of their family commitments. If you want to be dedicated to your family during the normal working day, then freelancing could be the perfect type of work for you. 

Final Thoughts

Do you consider yourself to be one or more of the above four types of people? If so, then it might be an indication that freelancing has actually chosen you! 
If you’ve been freelancing for a while now, please do share your experiences in the comments below.