Is freelancing a viable primary income source, or should it just be a side hustle?
Some folks swear by freelancing full-time, saying it gives them freedom, flexibility, and the chance to make serious money without the 9-to-5 grind. They argue that with the right skills and clients, you can totally replace a traditional job and even surpass your previous salary. Plus, you get to be your own boss and work from anywhere. Sounds like a dream, right?
But then, there are those who think freelancing is too unstable to rely on as a main income. They say the feast-or-famine cycle, lack of benefits, and constant hustle to find new clients make it more suited as a side gig to supplement a steady job. They argue that having a traditional job provides more security, health insurance, and a predictable paycheck.
Let's not forget freelancers often have to compete with other freelancers offering similar or the same services for cheaper money. It's not fair at all and I can only recommend you need to know what you're worth. It's stressful but at the same time, for many of us, being a freelancer is what we do, and what we love.
I’m curious where you all stand on this. Have you tried freelancing full-time? Did it work out, or was it a nightmare? Or do you prefer keeping it as a side hustle while holding onto a traditional job for security?
Some folks swear by freelancing full-time, saying it gives them freedom, flexibility, and the chance to make serious money without the 9-to-5 grind. They argue that with the right skills and clients, you can totally replace a traditional job and even surpass your previous salary. Plus, you get to be your own boss and work from anywhere. Sounds like a dream, right?
But then, there are those who think freelancing is too unstable to rely on as a main income. They say the feast-or-famine cycle, lack of benefits, and constant hustle to find new clients make it more suited as a side gig to supplement a steady job. They argue that having a traditional job provides more security, health insurance, and a predictable paycheck.
Let's not forget freelancers often have to compete with other freelancers offering similar or the same services for cheaper money. It's not fair at all and I can only recommend you need to know what you're worth. It's stressful but at the same time, for many of us, being a freelancer is what we do, and what we love.
I’m curious where you all stand on this. Have you tried freelancing full-time? Did it work out, or was it a nightmare? Or do you prefer keeping it as a side hustle while holding onto a traditional job for security?
Posted Nov 30 at 8:17 AM
(edited)
Replies (2)
Freelancing is my primary income source, my secondary income sources are investment, trading, and agriculture. By the time I completed my university, I was already earning as a freelance writer on various local newspaper. I was earning as much as my sister who was a school teacher. Therefore, instead of opting for a job, I continued freelancing. In the beginning, I was mainly writing for newspaper and local clients, but later I started freelancing online. I am based in a developing economy, where the value of $1 is around 140 in local currency. I can buy a good breakfast with just 41.
Freelancing is a side hustle for me. I have a full time 9-5 job that I attend and this is where most of my income comes from. I would love to make freelancing my full time job someday, but in my current predicament I can't do this. I think if I can get a good chunk of money saved from my full time job, I can start investing more into my freelancing to start earning more money. My wife also doesn't work currently, so my income is our main one and I wouldn't want to lose my steady income.