Are you considering leaving your full-time job? Are you thinking of working alone as a freelancer?
It’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of working alone before you take the leap.
When it comes down to it, not everybody is cut out to work alone.
While there are tremendous benefits to being a freelancer, it isn’t just butterflies and rainbows.
There are definite downsides to working by yourself.
The more you understand your strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, the more likely it is to determine whether working alone is right for you.
The advantages of working alone:
Freedom and flexibility are probably the two things that “sell” people on being their own boss.
I mean, who doesn’t want the autonomy to create their own schedule?
Who wouldn’t like the freedom to go to a yoga class at noon?
The speed that you’re able to move is another major advantage of working alone.
When you work alone, you can move faster because there are fewer people you’re relying on for approval and permission.
Lastly, you have complete autonomy. You decide what, with who and when you work.
The disadvantages of working alone:
I learned the downsides of working alone when I was freelancing.
Working by yourself can be lonely and isolating.
As an extrovert (someone that gets energy by being around others,) I noticed that I was a lot more tired when working alone.
Another downside? The lack of support.
When you work alone, you don’t have a dedicated support team ready to jump in when you need an extra hand.
Lastly, working alone usually means that you’re not able to accomplish as much.
When you work with a team, you have access to more resources which enables you to get involved with projects on a larger scale.
Conclusion:
At the end of day, everyone is different.
Some people love working alone and others hate it.
The advantages (freedom and flexibility and the speed of movement) for some might actually feel like disadvantages to others.
It comes down to figuring out what works for you.
What is your preference? Share it in the comments below!
