I have worked a full-time job and I have freelanced so if you’re looking to make the shift to either, here are my two cents on it, if you’d like. 

First of all - I fully understand how overwhelming this process is so kudos to you for even trying to figure this out and reading this article. Look, I am just a writer writing this article. I possibly cannot make this life-changing decision for you. What I can do is maybe nudge you into a direction that you prefer.

Now, shall we begin?

A full-time job gives you many, many things that freelancing does not and vice versa. It gives you fixed income, insurance even and most importantly - it gives you the good old stability. Freelancing, on the other hand, is completely polar opposite. It gives you none of this but so much more. 

Going for a full-time job is much more than just a job but about the personality that you have. If you are the kind of person that cannot handle change and shivers at the possibility of instability, a full-time job is the right gig for you. But if you like some of that adrenaline rush that comes with freelancing, for example: you can be broke for 15 days and on the 16th day you just landed a huge client! So if that’s the kind of vibe you enjoy, then you may be the freelancing kind, my friend! To fully justify both the arguments, I’ll give you each of their pros and cons.

1. Here comes the fixed moneeey !

When it comes to a full-time job, no matter how good or bad, you know when the month ends - the message will hit your phone and you will have money and you will take a deep sigh of relief. You don’t have to run around, find gigs to get money, you will have that money regardless.

Here comes the not-so-fixed moneeey!

In freelancing, while it is a lot of money, it is not fixed. You may not have money for a month or you may have lots of money in just one month. They should have a freelance weather like app because that’s how unpredictable freelancing is. But if you’re someone who can manage their finances and don’t mind waiting on projects that YOU like and YOU want to work on, then freelancing might be for you.

Waiting on projects, then freelancing might be for you.

2. You have a boss

In a full-time job, you have a boss that delegates you what to do. You have someone to report to and there is a routine that is followed on a day to day basis.

Am I the boss?

In freelancing, you are your own boss and that is not as badass as it sounds. Sometimes you may end up procrastinating and not do anything at all. But just like having a boss in a full-time gig is both good and bad, so is being your own boss. I have had experiences of toxic bosses over the years and let me tell you, I do a much better job than them - I deserve a Best Boss Mug! BRB, gonna go order it RIGHT NOW.

3. Work BFFS

In a full-time job you have colleagues around you - friendships that form, lunches that are eaten together, smoke breaks that go for too long. These relationships end up being really important because these are the people that get you through the tough days.

Colleagues? What is that? A bird?

In freelancing, this is not the case. Freelancing is a lonely process. You work alone. You are on your own. However, you do end up meeting the most amazing people, the kind that are top minds and decision makers of top notch companies. This is possible while freelancing because the world is your oyster and networking is never ending. Freelancing also has a lot of thrill attached to it because one day you’re at home and the next day you’re marketer who just helped a company like Nykaa reach million users, the thrill is just chef’s kiss.

4. Do what y̶o̶u̶ l̶o̶v̶e̶ your boss love

In full-time jobs, you have to work on a project even if you despise it fully. It’s like what they say - you gotta do what you gotta do.

Do what you love but also what the client loves

In freelancing, you are open to take any projects that YOU feel passionate about. And also, do remember that sometimes you will take up projects because they simply pay.

So what’s it gonna be for you?

Look, no amount of “life coaches” on LinkedIn can teach you ways of freelancing and there is no such thing as stability while being your own boss.

We’ve established the important points - pros and cons and that I am the best boss ever. Over to you, now. This can be a very tough decision to make but I suggest you journal and look within and ask yourself - are you the kind that likes stability? Are you the kind that likes being their own boss? So really, ask yourself? What’s it gonna be? There is no correct answer. You do you.

I am excited for the journey that lies ahead of you. I am proud of you for making a choice whether it’s freelance or full-time, it’s still a choice and you’re making it so hurrah to you! If you plan on shifting to freelancing then get the gown ready and throw your cap like the graduates do - welcome to the freelancing life! It sucks. You’re gonna love it.