Developer Diaries – Freelance or a Job

Most of the developers you may know may actually be working in a full-time job but are freelancing at the same time. While this is certainly a fantastic way to make more money and grow your online presence, the fact remains that at one point in time, you will have to choose between one of the two.

Team CometChat • Apr 21, 2020

Most of the developers you may know may actually be working in a full-time job but are freelancing at the same time. While this is certainly a fantastic way to make more money and grow your online presence, the fact remains that at one point in time, you will have to choose between one of the two. On a different note, you may just have finished learning CSS, JavaScript, and JQuery and are really considering whether you want to work full time or try your luck in freelancing. Truth be told, there is no right or wrong in both employment scenarios. However, it is important to understand what to expect when you’re working in an office as a developer and when you’re freelancing.

Job

The Pros

  1. Training – You may receive training working under an employer, which can significantly improve your skills over time, especially when it comes to staying updated with the latest trends and practices in web development and design.

  2. Consistency – The prospect or guarantee of earning a designated salary month after month is certainly what most people would want. On top of that, you may be eligible for bonuses and promotions which are always welcoming.

  3. Fringe Benefits – There are other benefits to having a job than simply getting paid. You may be given medical insurance, provident fund, vacation salary, and other incentives that encourage you to become a productive member of the business.

The Cons

  1. Stagnancy – There could be a time where you feel that your career is not progressing, which may not be great for your portfolio in case you decide to make the shift.

  2. Work Load– You’re a web developer, and you know as a fact that your workload is always going to be heavy. That, however, may come at the expense of your personal life.

  3. Limited Growth – You may not be able to take the step up at the right time, or alternately, there may not be enough room for growth given the scope of the business.

Freelance

The Pros

  1. Be Your Own Boss – Choose when to work and when to play. Choose what to work on and what to avoid. As a freelancer, you control your own destiny.

  2. Portfolio – As a freelancer, you will have the rights to include your past projects in your portfolio. This allows any potential clients to know what to expect from you. Subsequently, having a nice portfolio of successful projects shows that you can more than manage your work!

  3. Diversification – As a freelancer, your designation is not just limited to a web developer. You can be a programmer, developer, designer, website auditor, and specialist. This helps in getting more work from local as well as international clients.

The Cons

  1. The First Job – It could take weeks up to months before you land your first job as a freelancer. Sustaining yourself financially can be difficult during this time.

  2. Inactivity – There could be weeks or months where you are not getting enough work, or no work at all, even when your profile is a top prospect for someone looking for web development work.

Conclusion At the end of the day, it is completely upon your discretion as to what career path you choose. While some may suggest that you go for both freelance and a full-time job, it is advisable that you avoid this temptation. Chances are your employer may not be impressed by this decision and that could leave a bad mark on your resume. If you decide to freelance full time, there are many websites like UpWork, Freelancer, and Peopleperhour where you can find good work!

Team CometChat

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