It is not a surprise to see that the world is increasingly changing, and companies are changing alongside it – or else, increasing their risk of elimination. Scouting for talent is also not limited to your local area anymore, as more people around the world increase their skillsets and knowledge.
There are few areas that this is as evident as software development and technological jobs in general. However, the opportunities available are not as many as the people increasing their knowledge on software development, which has eventually led many people to the freelance route in order to gain work and experience; even if it is on a remote working basis.
There are some reasons people are attracted to the idea of working as a freelance software developer, and we will outline them in this article.
Being the boss
Freelancers like the idea of being in charge of their own work, rather than reporting to someone all the time. After all, you do not need to work with bosses you do not like, or control freaks, and you also work at your own schedule and pace. This also presents another advantage: you can pick jobs that align closely with your skill sets, and you are happier and enjoy your job much more.
Your time is exclusively your own
Unless you want to follow a 9-to-5 schedule, you really do not need to do that when you are a freelancer. You have the opportunity to set your own working hours – for instance, if afternoon hours are your most productive, you can work during the afternoon.
It allows you to select the projects you want to work on
Being a software developer means working on projects all the time – but when you go freelance, you are the one making the decisions on the projects you prefer. For instance, if you do not enjoy the idea of working on a tobacco company website, you can pass the task.
While a freelancer still needs to handle the ‘boring’ mundane tasks like administration of their freelance software development business and accounting, most of the time is dedicated to doing the projects they like.
It allows for the chance to select clients you want
Being a freelancer is freeing to many people, because of the element of getting the chance to choose the clients you want to work with – rather than having a client being assigned to you by someone else, and they turn out to be annoying.
You are always free to choose the people you prefer to work with at all times. If you relish that freedom, then freelance software development will prove to be a satisfying challenge for you.
You do not need to worry about unpaid overtime
If you have worked for someone, you are probably familiar with the frustration of spending extra hours on a job – only to not get any payment for it. It gets even worse if the business you work for insists that you must hand over all your free time because you owe them since they are giving you a salary.
However, this frustration is hardly a reality in the life of a freelancer. You are dictating the work you do, and you will earn something as long as you are working. If the clients refuse to pay, you simply fire them or refuse to work for them.
You can earn more money than you previously did
While the beginnings of your freelance venture are purely free or result in low payments – because you are aiming to increase your experience and take whatever you get – the eventual reality is that you will get so much more work than you can handle. Because of this, you can choose whatever projects you want, and increase the money you get from each job.
Freelance software developers also meet their own expenses, which allow them to gain more money compared to a salaried employee – therefore, your potential to earn is unlimited, at least theoretically.
In conclusion, many people are considering taking the freelance path for many jobs, including software development, because the rewards they eventually get outweigh the challenges of the job. These reasons are not exhaustive, but you can consider them if the field is attractive to you.
