The 2012 Freelance Industry Report suggests that 90% of 2000 international freelancers surveyed have no regrets about going freelance. The majority loved the freedom and flexibility self-employment gives them. The percentages below speak for themselves:-

28% – flexibility was the key reason they decided to go freelance in the first place

22% – it was to fulfil their lifelong passion

7%  –  said it was for financial reasons

10% – maintaining a good work/life balance

Everybody has their own reasons for going freelance but the difference it can make to your quality of life is outstanding. It’s not easy to get it going and even harder to keep the business going as 37% of freelancers state that getting the work is their hardest challenge.

I must agree with the above, that is the hardest thing getting the work especially at the start but it does get easier and word of mouth recommendations are better than anything else. If you have a client and you do the best you can for them, they will continue to call on your expertise as and when required and also recommend you to others.

It’s not always easy being self-employed and sometimes the hours are longer than if you were employed, but at the end of the day you are working for yourself, which gives you freedom, flexibility and that great work/life balance. Your life is your own and you can make your own decisions and choices regarding anything to do you with your business; from what stationery you use to who you work for.

There are various reasons people go freelance, some maybe forced or pushed into that decision, but whatever the reason it’s not always easy but well worth it. At the end of the day you’ll never know what you can achieve unless you try – just remember it’s not always easy and straightforward and some days the hours are longer than you’d like but at the end of the day your working for you.

Good Luck!

If anyone wants to share their views or reasons for going freelance please join in the conversation.