Freelancing and Telecommuting
Freelancing, Telecommuting and other flexible work arrangements are increasingly popular among employers, employees, and independent contractors alike. Allowing workers to choose how and when they get their work done can increase worker satisfaction and performance, as well as reduce employer costs related to office space and utilities.
One of the most exciting ways to work is to be your own boss and freelance. You can make your own schedule, choose your own assignments, and decide which clients you want to work with. It’s pretty awesome, right? But before you quit your day job, there are some things you should know about freelancing and telecommuting that might make you think twice. For example … . Do your research before you decide whether telecommuting or freelancing is the best career path for you!
What is Freelancing?
The freelance industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years. In 2006, 5% of U.S workers were freelancers, but by 2015 that number had grown to roughly 35%. Freelancing gives you more freedom over your work schedule than a typical 9 to 5 job, with potentially fewer restrictions.
Freelancers often find they can charge more per hour than their colleagues doing similar work in traditional 9-to-5 jobs. The reason? Freelancers don’t have to pay for office space, electricity, or benefits—things employers normally cover.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not include independent contractors or freelance workers in its definition of employee. The Department of Labor’s tests includes control over how work gets done, who does it and what tools are used. Essentially it means that if a company can only do their job with you—as compared to a third party—and you do it at their site or location for them during their hours then you are probably an employee and should be paid as such.
For employers and entrepreneurs, freelancers are an opportunity to outsource work in a cost-effective way. For freelancers themselves, freelancing allows them to enjoy an independent lifestyle while earning money. But when it comes to telecommuting vs. freelancing—which one offers more benefits to your organization? Learn about both telecommuting and freelancing from industry experts in order to determine which is best for your company.
This is great news for freelancers looking to save money and boost their income in today’s rough economy. Today’s telecommuters want flexibility without sacrificing job stability.
If you like working on your own schedule and having flexibility over where, when, and how you work, freelancing may be right for you. There are two ways to freelance: as a self-employed worker or an independent contractor.
Freelancers often look for jobs in fields that allow them to be their own boss—and they may choose their own hours. The self-employed often find it more difficult to make money than traditional employees but can earn a great deal of freedom.
What is Telecommuting?
Freelancers often take on telecommuting jobs because it provides them with more flexibility over their work schedules. Since freelancers are self-employed, they’re typically able to set their own hours, so if they have clients that require longer days but then need time off afterwards.
Telecommuting becomes more common, it’s important to make sure your working practices are up to scratch. Freelancers who work from home must make sure they stay productive.
we’ve outlined some tips that will help you stay focused on what matters – your job. There are many tools available online which can aid productivity in a telecommuting environment.
Telecommuting or teleworking is a work arrangement in which employees do not commute to a central place of work and instead undertake work activities from remote locations, such as their home or a customer’s location.
In addition to providing workers with more flexibility and freedom, telework can save companies money by allowing them to reduce or eliminate operating costs associated with office space (such as rent and utility bills).
Telecommuting is where you work from home or another location via a computer and an internet connection. While it used to be associated with working from home, more companies are now allowing employees to telecommute from coffee shops and even on road trips. This can allow you to earn extra money in your spare time while getting paid by your employer.
Benefits of Telecommuting
Freelancers are accountable to their clients and customers only—not their employers. That translates into huge amounts of freedom and flexibility that most full-time employees don’t enjoy. In addition to being able to set your own hours, location and workload, you can also save money on office space (no commute!), buy basic equipment like a desktop computer without breaking your budget, make up any time you miss in work with a half-day at home on Sunday.
In today’s ever-changing world, many people dream of being their own boss. And as technology continues to develop and new advancements are made daily, it can be easier than ever to set up your own company — one that offers freedom in all aspects of your life. One freedom you might be thinking about right now: Your home office. By far one of today’s most popular trends in self-employment is working from home.
Some remote workers are only afforded one or two days per week to be physically in the office. They have limited face time with their co-workers, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t part of a team. A good manager will make sure to regularly have virtual meetings and video chats so that each remote worker feels fully integrated into every aspect of the company.
There are many benefits to telecommuting. By working from home, you have more time to focus on work and can maintain your own schedule. This translates into higher productivity at a lower cost of both time and money.
Pros of freelancing
Freelancers don’t have to deal with office politics, bureaucracy, and red tape. They also have more control over their work schedule. On top of that, freelancers can choose who they want to work with—not only does this make them happier but it also helps them stand out from other freelance candidates.
It allows you to avoid some costs of running a company, such as renting an office or buying expensive equipment. It also lets you spend more time with your family and friends. If you’re serious about freelancing, it’s a good idea to think about where you live. Some cities have a stronger base of clients than others. You can also work remotely, which could be a convenient option if you want to move to another city or country but don’t want to give up your career.
There are two main reasons freelancers benefit their employers more than employees: flexibility and freedom. With freelance work, you can work as much or as little as you want, allowing you to keep your schedule in sync with any extra-curricular commitments (i.e., family obligations). Another added bonus of telecommuting is that you don’t have to commute! It seems simple enough, but eliminating a major expense can be a game-changer when it comes to finances.
Freelancers have more flexibility in their work hours, while telecommuters can travel anywhere they want or even choose to stay home if they prefer. It’s easier to get started with freelancing than it is with telecommuting: a lot of companies won’t let you telecommute unless you have several years of experience in your field, so freelancers have a head start.
Cons of freelancing
Freelancers can work from anywhere; they don’t have to commute every day and they have more flexible hours. Freelancers also don’t have to put up with an unpleasant boss or co-workers. While these perks sound great, freelancing has some drawbacks as well.
Freelancing is no walk in the park. For one, you’re in charge of your own schedule. While some enjoy controlling their own hours, others can’t stand it. Freelancers tend to work more, sometimes putting in 60 or 70 hours a week. It takes discipline to make time for freelancing around your other responsibilities: family, friends, leisure time, etc.
When you freelance, you are an independent contractor, meaning that you need to pay your own taxes, come up with your own benefits plan (if any), find your own health insurance and 401(k) contributions, etc. Even if all of these aspects are fully paid for by a contract (which could be rare), freelancers often still have to deal with answering multiple emails from different people and filling out paperwork each time they’re hired on a new job or project and more.
Freelancers have no fixed schedules, which means they have to be self-disciplined enough to work on their own without supervision. Additionally, freelancers don’t receive employee benefits or health insurance, which is especially problematic for those with families or chronic illnesses. Freelancers can also suffer from burnout if they take on too many projects at once.
Pros of telecommuting
Telecommuting can save a company money on travel costs, office space, and furniture. Employee has more flexibility in deciding when they work. Employees will find it easier to focus because they don’t have a lot of distractions that can come from working in an office setting. Telecommuters can also be faster on their tasks than those who are not telecommuting. Working from home means you can work longer hours if needed without asking for permission or worrying about getting overtime pay.
Telecommuting has a lot of potential benefits, one of which is that it helps you save money. When your employees are able to work from home or another off-site location, they won’t have to spend their gas money commuting back and forth to work each day.
For example, if you love sunny Southern California but your spouse has a great job opportunity in Boston, telecommuting will allow you to make it work.
When you telecommute, you get to choose when and where you work. You can set your own hours – nobody can make you go in on Monday at 8 a.m. If your commute is miserable, working remotely offers a nice alternative: no more sitting in traffic jams or train delays! And best of all? No dress code.
Cons of telecommuting
While many business owners have jumped on board with telecommuting in recent years, there are some drawbacks to working from home. Telecommuters sometimes miss out on office culture, can suffer from remote burnout if they aren’t careful, and might find it difficult to connect with other workers or their managers.
Freelancers who work from home often cite a reduced need for interaction with others, fewer interruptions from coworkers, an unlimited vacation schedule and a more comfortable working environment as some of telecommuting’s biggest benefits. However, telecommuters may experience social isolation without frequent face-to-face interactions with coworkers or clients.
While telecommuting can save time, energy, and money in certain situations, it has its downsides. Many people are most productive when they are able to collaborate with coworkers or have oversight from managers or other parties. Telecommuters may miss out on feedback or guidance that could help them be more effective employees. Additionally, as a remote worker, you might feel isolated without being able to see your co-workers regularly.
There are some real benefits to telecommuting, it’s not right for every job or every worker. Before embracing a fully remote workforce, consider some of these potential drawbacks. In addition to any physical work environment issues, remember that in a remote situation, you may find yourself more isolated from coworkers.
Tips on freelancing/telecommuting
There are plenty of reasons to take on freelancing and telecommuting gigs. Many companies prefer hiring freelancers over full-time employees because it can be more cost-effective and flexible for them.
A growing number of companies rely on independent contractors to fill their labour needs. After all, freelancers don’t need desks or office space reducing overhead costs.
When thinking about freelancing or telecommuting, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to find one or another. Many freelancers have full-time day jobs in addition to an outside income stream they acquire on their own. In some cases, both jobs might be at different companies.
If you can’t find a job that allows for telecommuting, don’t fret! Consider freelancing. This gives you freedom over your own schedule so that you can set aside dedicated time to meet freelance deadlines. You’ll also have flexibility in terms of choosing which jobs to take on.
