Freelancing or Full-time Job, Which is Better?

Deciding our fate when it comes to working is not easy. For someone working in the corporate world for twenty years, there are really a lot of advantages and disadvantages from freelancing and a full-time job. Intensive research and sleepless nights made me realize that the two worlds are far apart different in so many ways. The grass may look greener on the other side, but the decision is still hard on which of the two will best work for me.

The following are my personal conclusions between freelancing and full-time job:

1.) Stability vs Flexibility

Full-time jobs have the security of employment. An employment contract was signed between the employee and the employer. Thus employees predict their income and, budgeting is not hard as they expect to receive their salary on the agreed date and amount. Freelancers, on the other hand, don't have a guarantee if they will still receive a salary next week or next month because of the unpredictable circumstance that may arise from their work, like clients that just disappeared. But they all have the freedom to work anywhere and anytime they want at the comfort of their home. They don't experience the crazy traffic, long lines in train and bus stations and, commuting is never a problem.

2.) Benefits vs Struggle

This is one of the big advantages of being a full-time employee. They have benefits given by their employers like HMO, retirement benefit, solo parent leave, paid sick leave, vacation leaves, and sometimes carry over leaves. Also, some big companies sponsor and organize free training for the skills development of its employees. Freelancers, on the other hand, are the complete opposite. They need to take responsibility for everything, from getting their own insurance and health benefits and upgrading their skills to be more competent and skilled in serving their clients.

3.) Security vs instability

When it comes to paycheck, full-time employees are more secure than freelancers. Full-time employees received their salary regularly. On the other hand, freelancers are unstable because the work is unstable too. This month they could get a big paycheck but, next month is not yet confirmed. Some clients just disappeared without notice. But freelancers could also have multiple clients if they want to, which means they could generate more and unlimited income and, that could also mean that they can have an alternate paycheck just in case one client backs out.

4.) Control vs Freedom

Full-time employees have a boss, manager, or supervisor that will always tell them what to do and what not to do. They are always obliged to follow the company's set policies and, violations of any of it could mean suspension or dismissal. On the other hand, freelancers have total control over their work. Depending on the client's instructions, sometimes they set their own time to work and, they can also choose what to work on depending on their skills. Some freelancers can also reject work if they don't feel doing it or if it doesn't interest them.

5.) Social Life

Full-time employees have a steady social network. Their office is what they called their second home since they spend most of their time at work than at home. So that makes their colleagues as their second family. Most companies also sponsor team buildings and some free events and trips. On the other hand, freelancers work on their own personal space at home. But this is considered to be one of the big advantages of being a freelancer. Working at home means you also get more quality time with your family, life partner, and friends. Since they are at home most of the time, they could manage their time properly and oversee their children growing. And most importantly, the important events in the family will never be missed out.

So which is really better?

The answer really depends on us. We know ourselves better than anyone else. Everything really depends on behavior, personality, character, and skills. Just remember that whatever happens, we always need to move on in life and that we can still go back to what we really want. Choosing between the two is hard but whichever we choose, what matters most is that we should be happy with what we are doing and love what we have in life.