Well Freelancers have a secret that they don’t want to tell you 9 – 5 cubical dwelling rats. We’re living the good life ever since we walked right into our bosses offices and told them they can take this job and shove it!… Or in my case, left them a message on their voicemail overnight (who said you have to be brave to be a freelancer??).

Sure, we work harder, usually longer hours then in our past real world jobs… but we enjoy it! Most of us come to the realization in our career that we we will never end up doing what we love… but that’s not necessarily true! While a freelance web designer isn’t exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up, it’s something i enjoy doing. In fact, there are many benefits unique only to the freelancing field.

#1. We Lead Flexible Work / Lifestyles

We work at our own pace! We have the choice of when and where we work and how much we work! As long as we learn to handle our deadlines then we have a sense of freedom that you won’t find at your company owned desk. Sure, go ahead and go out drinking with your friends in the middle of the day (hey don’t judge me!). No need to call into work the next day either. You’ve handled your work for the day, you’re on time and up to speed… go enjoy yourself every now and then!

#2. Better Working Conditions.

Obviously we work from home… and while you can think of all the obvious benefits of working in your pajamas at 2pm, there are some you might not have thought of! For one, you learn to take care of your work environment (your home!). You will most likely tend to the pile of garbage that’s been building up for 2 weeks… you also will find yourself re-decorating your entire living room, home office, bedroom or wherever you do most of your work. When you live where you work, you tend to keep things pretty tidy and pleasing!

#3. We Save Money while Earning Money

With increasing gas prices the thought of cutting back 50 – 70 percent of your consumption of fuel could really keep that weight in your wallet! Think of how much you could save when you cut out two trips a day in your car.

Not only is there the decrease in gas usage, there is also a cut back in the cost of food. Every day is bring your own lunch day! Fast food and other restaurants can put a strain on your wallet by the end of the week…

#5. We have freedom of choice!

We choose what projects we want to work on and we choose what clients we want to work with. While you will most likely be accepting every project that comes you way at first, once you’ve done that horribly tedious job or worked with that raging demanding client, you’ll learn the power of “no.” It can really save you a lot of stress and frustration! And it can even save you money! When you choose to take on 5 smaller projects instead of one or two large projects, you get more done and make more income!

#6. Recognition

Something you don’t usually get (easily) at your day job is recognition. Your reach on the Internet is endless and once you’ve established a name for yourself you’ll soon start getting recognition for your work. It not only makes you feel valuable but it also increases your client leads, and motivates you to work twice as hard! And its not so much work when you’re doing something where you feel important and talented!

#7. We learn more

Being a freelancer is much like running your own small business. You are the boss, the employee, the customer service, the salesmen, the accountant, the janitor, and the tax man!

While taking your first steps in freelancing you are also taking your first steps as an entrepreneur. You learn much more then you would in the corporate arena. You really get a sense of personal finance and overall get a bigger respect for business in general.

#8. We (usually) earn more!

If you’re making 300,000 (USD) a year then i wouldn’t advise you to quit your job and become a freelancer but if your a regular Joe or even in middle management then you can (most likely) increase your income by becoming a freelancer… that is if your somewhat talented! In-fact the possibility of becoming a business success are endless. If you have any business savvy or are pretty good at what you do- then you’re chances of becoming successful with an endless stream of income are much higher when starting out as a freelancer! By becoming a freelancer i gained a new respect for all aspects of business and am now working on my MBA program!

#9. Less Stress?

Well maybe! I wont say that this is the easiest most stress free job in the world, but as you learn to manage your projects and deadlines, it can be a breeze! Depending on the job you currently have now, most likely freelancing will be a walk in the park!

#10. NO COWORKERS!

If you’re anything like me, you’re not exactly a fan of the redundant small talk of that co-worker who loves to talk about their 10 cats. Sure, we have to stay personable in emails and on the phone with clients, but your also treated with a level of professionalism. There is no water-cooler here and no one is going to bother you about what happened on the last episode of Lost. So keep your peace of mind and get to work!