Is Freelancing At Home For You?

Whether out of choice or necessity, freelancing at home is a hugely popular form of employment among millions of Americans. For this article, we’ll distinguish between freelancing, where you truly work for yourself, and temping, where you work for others. Assuming you have a marketable skill, is freelancing right for you? Take this short self-quiz to see if you are a good candidate:

1. Are you currently employed in an office?

   Giving up an office job for freelancing is risky, as there is no guarantee you will find work. It’s a lot easier to decide to freelance if you are already between jobs.

   Score 5 points for Yes.

2. Would you be giving up current benefits?

   Almost no-one today can afford to give up insurance and pension benefits, but on the other hand, many employees don’t have either. If you are young and don’t have any pre-existing conditions, you stand a better chance of getting by without employer insurance until the new Federal healthcare laws kick-in.

   Score 10 points for Yes.

3. Do you like to schmooze with your workmates?

   The social sacrifices of working from home should not be underestimated. Sure, you don’t have to commute, but it can get pretty lonely at home if you are single, and if you have children at home, you better like them a lot.

   Score 5 points for Yes.

4. Do you require office discipline to be productive?

   Daytime TV will always be there, constantly fighting for your attention if you are an average American. Even if you slacked off occasionally at the office, you still got paid – not so for home employment. Some jobs, such as a freelance writer, graphic artist or WordPress webmaster, may rely completely on your ability to work alone. Be honest about your ability to motivate yourself from within.

   Score 5 points for Yes.

5. Have you, like most Americans, found it impossible to save?

   We commiserate. It isn’t going to get any easier if you freelance, because although you may have some really good weeks financially, there will be plenty of dry spells as well. We assume you enjoy eating regularly?

   Score 10 points for Yes.

6. Are your job skills more appropriate to an office environment?

   A file clerk or executive secretary isn’t going to prosper at home. You can temp, but its not freelancing, because you are still working for someone else, and you probably will not get to stay at home.

   Score 10 points for Yes.

Scores 0 – 15: You are a good candidate for home freelancing.

Scores 16 – 30: Better consider the move carefully, as it has real downsides.

Scores 31+ Don’t quit your day job!