6 things to consider before making the jump

Considering the economic challenges the world is faced with today, including some of the highest unemployment numbers in recent history, now could be an excellent time to begin a career as a freelancer.

In a survey conducted in the nation’s top 30 cities for freelancing last year, for example, some six million independent contractors were collectively earning $150 billion. Some of the largest markets for freelancers these days? New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., Nashville, and Austin are also up-and-comers, with the population of skilled freelancers growing by 26 percent and 27 percent, respectively, between 2012 and 2017. Miami’s skilled freelance workforce contributes most to its overall city GDP, making up a full 2.3 percent.

Recent nationwide furloughs and layoffs caused by the struggling economy and the social distancing necessitated by COVID-19 make that particularly true. But statistics show the number of freelancers has been growing over the past decade, partly because people enjoy the flexibility, control and better work-life balance that can come with the role. And independent contractors span a range of professions these days, from law to graphic design to engineering.

Here are notable advantages to consider if you’re mulling a move to the freelance lifestyle.

Freelancing empowers you with much more control over your workload and when you choose to complete it. Not only can you accept or decline assignments based on your availability and preferences, but in many cases, you can finish them during the hours most convenient to you. That can be invaluable when you’re juggling other family or business commitments or simply wish to reserve certain time periods for other endeavors.

Relaxed work environments 
As your own boss, you establish your own workspace, rules, dress code and core values. Having that kind of flexibility in this uncertain world can be a huge boon to your health, comfort and sense of individuality.

Unprecedented reach
Digital technology enables work-at-home capabilities for those who may not have had that option in the past, allowing those in many professions to work entirely online while keeping a safe distance from COVID-19 and other possible threats. Though many people find their freelance work through word-of-mouth or social media, a full 18 percent now find their clients through online marketplaces such as Fiverr, according to the survey. Last year, Fiverr connected 2.4 million customers with independent contractor clients from more than 160 countries across the globe.

Job satisfaction 
Those who freelance often see their work as more rewarding than others. In the Fiverr survey, for example, 7 of 10 U.S. freelancers called their work highly satisfying, compared to about half of U.S. workers in general. The primary reasons for that added satisfaction? The freedom to work from home, the flexibility of the work schedules and the interesting nature of their work.

Healthy paychecks 
Because they can control their own pricing, profit margins and productivity, many freelancers earn more working for themselves than for others. And they’re not expecting their revenues to change significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic; the Fiverr survey found that 59 percent of independent contractors surveyed expected to earn equal or increased revenues in 2020.

Income equality 
Men and women both find success through freelancing, and the gender pay gap seems to be a non-issue among freelancers. Of freelancers worldwide working through Fiverr, for instance, 44 percent are women — and they earn almost 20 percent more than the men.

For many, the option of becoming an independent contractor is becoming more and more attractive.