Moving to the United States was a huge adjustment for me. My mornings went from a 4 am wake-up call for a 5:30 am shift to sleeping in late. Then it dawned on me. I never wanted to return to that life again. I was done with the typical workday, the hectic commute, and the inflexible hours that felt like a prison sentence. It was then, when the world was in chaos, in the middle of the COVID-19 lock down, I set my own hours and began ghostwriting on a freelance platform. However, I soon discovered that the idyllic life of a remote freelancer, while appealing, had its downsides. What are they, you’re wondering? What are some of the drawbacks to working remotely as a freelancer? Well, I’m here to let you know.
What is Remote freelancing?
Basically, remote freelancing is self-employment. It means working independently on projects for various clients from anywhere, removing the need for a traditional office. All you need is reliable internet access and a computer. A dedicated workplace is definitely an advantage, but it is not necessary. I often spend lazy days in bed, completely under the covers with my laptop, but I don’t advise it. You’ll need, however, time management skills and self-discipline.
Places to find remote freelancing work
Several platforms cater to remote jobs, each with its own set of pros and cons, ranging from low pay to subscription fees. Here are a few examples:
Why remote freelancing work?
- Working from anywhere
Think about it. No more 6 am alarms to prepare for your commute. No more endless days trapped in your cramped cubicle in a bustling city. No more suffocating proximity to strangers on a packed train during peak flu season. With remote freelancing, you can literally work while lounging on your sofa at home, feeling the soft cushions beneath you, or on a beach chair, the warm sand between your toes—provided you have internet access, of course.
- Flexible schedule
Having a flexible work schedule means you work whenever you like. Family-oriented? This works perfectly; you can pick up the kids from school during your break or work nights while they’re asleep. Flexibility is your friend; a flexible schedule is a plus as long as you can complete your tasks on time.
Downsides of Remote Freelancing
-
Lack of social interaction
If you are someone who thrives on human interaction, remote freelancing is not for you. This position demands long solitary hours, with only the distant yaps of dogs as a squirrel escapes them to the trees.
Obviously, I’ve given this a lot of thought.
The silence is so profound it sometimes drowns out everything else. And I’m an introvert, so coming from me, this says a lot. There are ways to get around this though. For one, working in a communal place. I enjoy working in the public library; the stacks of books, and the quiet hum of activity. It’s a haven.
-
Finding new clients
This one is a time waster.
I absolutely despise searching for new clients. You need to search for job postings and determine if they are the right fit for you. Let me stress that it is absolutely crucial to research a company beforehand, given the abundance of scammers targeting freelancers. And if this isn’t enough, once you’re comfortable with a client and have adapted to their style, you may have to go back to the drawing board and find a new one.
-
Unstable income
Freelancers don’t always have a consistent stream of clients. Sadly, this also means your income may be inconsistent. One month may be filled with numerous clients and tight deadlines, followed by a month of little payments.
-
Dealing with clients who don’t pay
Now that you’ve essentially own a business, you have to deal with many aspects, not only your craft. This includes clients who are reluctant to pay for services rendered. While we’d all prefer to think good work ethics are standard, they aren’t. Some clients will go to any lengths to avoid paying you.
To avoid nonpayment, freelancers can follow these steps:
- Sign a contract
- Collect a deposit
- Have a milestone payment agreement
Freelancers can use these steps to collect payments from clients:
- Issue a formal letter
- Hold back on additional tasks
- Hire a collection agency
- File a lawsuit in small claims court
-
No employment benefits
Unfortunately, no employer means no employment benefits. No group health insurance, paid time off, parental leave, or retirement plan. You’ll need to prepare these yourself. That’s just the way things work.
Conclusion: The Hidden Downsides of Remote Freelancing Revealed
Switching from the standard working hours left me in awe of remote freelancing, only to encounter drawbacks. While offering flexible hours and location, this job, unfortunately, lacks stability, and pursuing new clients is needed to maintain a reliable income stream. Although I hope you don’t, you may run into clients who are reluctant to pay. You’ll also face the issue of lacking employment benefits. There is also the issue of isolation because of the lack of social interaction.
I’m not implying that remote freelancing is terrible because it’s not. But, you should know what to expect. Remote freelancing has perks, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. So, if you believe these downsides are bearable, then I support you in your new career as a remote freelancer.
“Remember to enjoy the freedom of being able to work from anywhere and the flexibility to adapt your work to your life rather than the other way around”
Alex Muench