Pros and Cons of Being an oDesk Freelancer

I thought this might help some of you in deciding whether you really want to become a freelancer or not. If you feel there is too much risk in freelancing and don't feel like going ahead with it then DON'T. If you feel that working at home and becoming an oDesk freelancer is for you then GO FOR IT.

Here are some of the things you might want to think about before you take the plunge:

1. It can be lonely working all by yourself. When you are a freelancer working at home, you work alone. If you are the sort of person who enjoys the company of other people when you are working then you might want to think twice about becoming an oDesk freelancer.


2. Being a freelancer means being flexible. You have to be the jack or the jill of all trades. You have to be a good self-manager. You have to be your own promoter. You have to keep tabs of all your jobs, your expenses, how much time you are spending in front of the computer. Is this something you are ready for?


3. Working as a freelancer means a lot less security than what you are used to. No health benefits. No sick pay. No insurance. There will be months you will be earning less and months you will be earning more. In short, your income will depend solely on how often you work. If you have more lazy days than actual work days, there's no way you will earn much as an oDesk freelancer.


4. Working as a freelancer means you will have to keep marketing yourself to get hired and to get more jobs. Build your reputation. That is the key to getting more jobs. If you suck at selling yourself, you might want to consider asking help from someone who can give you advices and help you improve as an oDesk freelancer.


5. Working as a freelancer means you have to be highly motivated and determined. Starting out as one is the most frustrating and easily the most discouraging part of the whole deal but it does get easier in the long run so keep going. Don't lose heart. If you get discouraged before you even land your first job, you will never succeed. Freelancing is not for quitters.


6. Being a freelancer can be a lot more stressful than working in an office. Well, it actually depends on how you deal with it. If being a freelancer works for you then great. If not, you are better off working outside the home, don't you think?