Hey everyone, I wanted your opinion, what do you rather do. Freelance work or work for a company, my question is because now work for a company so I dont do that much of my own freelance work. But when I was doing freelance i was staying up till who knows what time because i couldint get myself away from the design i was in the middle of.
And of course is it worth all the stress of freelance work and deadlines when you can choose your income…
I work full time and still find that I have spare time at night to do freelance. I have no problem staying up till the wee hours of the night, but I really try to shut my computer at around 11:00
I would totally rather do freelance instead of working for a company, but I think it’s better knowing that I’m bringing in for sure a certain amount of money each week… With freelance - who’s to say, you will for sure be busy? or is the money not important to you right now?
BH right now i LOVE my job and i couldn’t be happier. I feel good that I do graphics all day, and i can go to sleep early without the pressure of jobs that still need to get done. bh my office pays well so thats not an issue. But on the other-hand freelance can technically get you much more, and you can do all different types of work. Now im kind on stuck with one area. But when you freelance you end up with much more different types of companies…
(Im debating if i should go out and do more freelance at night than im currently doing…)
That’s amazing that you love your job!!
I work for an office that does all different types of designs jobs. It’s pretty good because if I don’t enjoy a project - once I’m done, I can go onto the next thing…
If you get bored from your job and want to look for something else, maybe consider working in an office similar to mine…
Also, you can try to take on more freelance jobs at night and see how it goes - if it’s too much for you, you can stop.
This is an ongoing question and decision for me too!
The reason I didn’t start full time freelance just yet is because I think having a schedule is pretty important for me, and with my own company there just won’t be one.
They say that especially in the beginning, you’ll have times when you’re crazy busy, and then times when it’s totally quiet. I know when I’m busy with work at night there’s nothing that will stop me from working ‘just some more’. Automatically when it’s your own work you care about it more and it’s your own pressure. So if it’s busy and there’s a lot of projects going on at once, I can see myself just never stopping. And it can get kinda pressurizing because it’s all on YOU. There’s no just leaving the office at 5.
On the other hand, if it’s quiet with no work coming in, I’ll be sleeping late. And that won’t be great for me either. Though it sounds nice if you ask me 
Point is life won’t necessarily become less busy, more money. Running a business is a big thing. Not looking to focus on the negatives but putting that out there in case that can help you with your decision.
Would love to hear some positive aspects to anyone that has!
Thanks for starting this convo, Chavi!
Ya, Same Goldie. I’m happy where I am now, But I always have this niggling thought that maybe I should get into more freelance…
Waiting to hear more feedback!!
I work for a company and like my job but i love freelancing even more!
However, at this stage in my life i wouldn’t go out on my own as i need structure, social life and a steady income as the others said above…
I work as a freelancer, it definitely has its good side to it. I try to set my hours and even if I have to stay up late to finish a deadline that can also happen when you work in an office. And if for example I have a simcha, like a family wedding then I can take off and just not accept work for that week (you usually know it well in advance).
BUT I think that I would love to work in an office just to have a steady income and not to have to have the whole achrayes…but in Antwerp thats not really an option, maybe if I work remotly. Does anyone know of something
Speaking of freelance, how do you build your name up?
I was thinking the same question - I guess by word of mouth, advertising…
Working in an office gives you a steady schedule and steady paycheck-- and the ability to have colleagues to help you out with your work/ideas/etc. The stress at the end of the day is not on “your head” alone.
Where as freelance gives you flexibility, opportunity for growth and an expandable income. But the deadlines and stress is your responsibility and even though a freelancer can make their own schedule, print deadlines are there and you can’t just disappear at the end of the day if the work isnt complete.
I think it narrows down to personalities. If you are flexible and relaxed and work well under pressure, freelancing is amazing. If you need more stability and less stress, working in an office will be perfect!
Also realize choosing one doesn’t mean you can never switch! There are different stages in life and sometimes the Pro’s of one option will weigh heavier than the other.
About finding clients, I think getting your name out there and having people see your work will build you up more clientele than through advertising.
Yup adina, I think this explains it all very well!! Thankx everyone. And Yes to build up your name is just getting your work out there, even if its for family. Eventually ppl see your work and call you up.