It’s been a couple of years since I left my 9-to-5. Although I have no regrets about starting my own freelance business, there are days when I wonder how life would have still have been like if I had remained in my 9-to-5. For many people, transitioning from a 9-to-5 to being a freelancer can be scary. There are various reasons for this. But the question is, would remaining in your 9-to-5 make you happy? Is this something that you would be willing to do for the rest of your life? Are freelancers happy?
Many freelancers are enjoying being able to run their own businesses from the comfort of their homes and being in control of their finances. They love being able to travel whenever they want and still be able to catch up on work. However, majority of freelancers/self-employed work on their own at home, which can be very quite and lonely. If you need a buzzing office environment to work, the whole idea of doing your own thing may not be for you just yet.
Although I can’t speak for all the freelancers out there, I can say from my experience that I am a lot happier than I was in my 9-5. Here are some of the reasons why –
Freelancers are happy because they have flexible schedules
I have more time to do what I want. I can work day or night. I do have deadlines for my clients, but I am not tied to fixed schedules. I don’t have opening hours nor closing hours. I can work at anytime and anywhere, which is the best part of being a freelancer. You actually get to work in more relaxed conditions.
Freelancers are happy because they can determine their income
Traditional workers have to work extremely hard in order to earn a promotion that will give them a raise in their paycheck. And if you’ve ever worked at a 9-to-5 that can take years to attain.
The good news is that freelancers don’t ever have to worry about facing that problem. If I want to raise my income, I raise my rates, develop new income streams or pitch to more potential clients. The level of my income is in my hands, kind of. I can choose to earn as much as I want, so long as I put in the work and market my services.
Freelancers are happy because they get to spend more time with their loved ones
Now this is a biggie for me. I remember when I was working in my 9-to-5, and I remember working very late. I even on some weekends and bank holidays. Now that I am a mum, I can’t imagine working those hours. It just won’t work. I respect people who are happy to work long hours and all, but it is just not a lifestyle I can afford right now.
With my business, I get to enjoy the opportunity to be with my family and still keep the business up and running.
Freelancers are happy because they can positively impact others
Most freelancers are mentors to a host of other upcoming freelancers. As they teach people how to start and run their own businesses, they begin to impact in the lives of those people. There’s nothing as fulfilling as being able to touch the lives of people who will better their own world. It is one of the best feelings ever!
Are you happy with your job/business? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
I agree! But I am also under pressure to meet deadlines as well… Great post! x
Thanks x
I know work from home after being made redundant and whilst there are many things I love about it. I do miss the routine of going into work at X time and finishing at X time.
I know what you mean. We can find ourselves working endlessly sometimes.
In answer to your first question about whether working 9-5 for the rest of my life making me happy…nope, not in the slightest! It wouldn’t. I’m in an awkward situation right now trying to work out exactly what I want to do so this post is really good timing and really helpful too. thank you.
Glad you found the post useful. Thanks for reading.
I love running my own business, especially as I have a child with special needs. I would never be able to hold down a ‘full time job’ with all the appointments, therapy & paperwork etc plus the additional care my boy needs. Working for myself means some long, unsociable hours but I wouldn’t have it any other way as it means I can be there when my boys need me
Me too. I love it.
I went self employed 8 years ago and don’t regret it at all. There’s no last minute panic at a sick child, but I do really miss the banter of work life. I hope I can carry on working for myself until retirement – but you just never know.
I hope I can too. Have no plans of going back to traditional employment ever again.
I enjoy being able to work around the little ones, but now they are getting old I’m starting to think about my career again and am looking into going back into education to pursue my dream career. I think I will struggle if I can’t go and see things like the boy’s school plays though.
Yea I know. But good to pursue your dream career.
I always worry about holidays and sickness as a freelancer though, but the flexibility sounds amazing!
I worry about that too.
I’m a freelancer and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love being flexible around my family and being in control of what I earn. The only time I ever worry is when one of us is poorly. It’s so nice being able to set your own hours though and choose where you want to work. x
Yes it is Chloe x
I was really stressed out at my last 9-5 job that was more like 8-8. It sucked and I also had to work a few weekends and the pressure was way more than I bargained for. The worst part for me was that I was so mentally drained that by the time I got home I was checked and I didn’t get to see my kids but on the weekends because they were in bed before I got home. It really stressed me out that I was seeing less of my boys and I felt the distance. I may not be making a substantial income as a freelancer at the moment (I do side jobs here and there and still looking into other ventures within freelancing) but I’m much happier and so are my kids:)
Same here. I am a lot happier too.
So well written. I love being a freelancer and while it is hard I am glad that I took the plunge and did not give up!
Ah nice Ana. Keep at it.
Such an important topic, I’ve been self-employed and freelance since I had my children. I often feel happy that I’m still able to work whilst being here as much as I want to be for my children, that’s the most important thing to me right now. However, I have at times felt lonely, as you say without the hustle of work life, coffee breaks, going to the loo in peace (both of my boys are at home with me!) and after work drinks. I wouldn’t go back, but I do miss it sometimes.
Thanks Kelly.
I love being self employed. I was made redundant as I went on maternity leave in 2015, and i’ve never looked back! 🙂
Ah nice.
Now, it’s being difficult because of changing gov laws. 😆 But still loves being free-lancer.
Yea same here.
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