If you’re thinking about taking the plunge to freelance, or are currently freelancing and wondering why you ever thought it was a good idea (it happens…), then have a look at this article called 101 Reasons Freelancers Do It Better.
Yes, I know there is no shortage of posts out there along this theme. But I like this one because it scratches just enough below the surface to convince me that it’s not another self-congratulating article written by freelancers for freelancers with the sole purpose of justifying their freelance existence. I also like it because it uses gentle humour to avoid the nah-nah-ne-nah-nah tone adopted by far too many of us who have been foolhardy/brave enough to escape the cubicle. Which is nice 
It looks at the benefits of freelancing under several headings:
Time
Sticking it to the man
Money
Relationships
Mental health
Physical health
Motivation
Working conditions
Flexibility
Fun bits
Worth a read, whichever camp you fall into.
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It was only on re-reading my post that I detected some not-very-veiled criticism directed towards the freelance community in general, and its attitudes towards our cubicle-dwelling brethren. Am I justified in this? Hmm, something to explore in future posts perhaps.
Blogging is great.
About the author
Sarah Dillon is a qualified, accredited and experienced professional translator originally from Co. Clare in Ireland. She specialises in producing English-language texts that don't "sound" like translations, ensuring her clients' message has the desired impact in their overseas market. She is based in Brisbane, Australia and works with corporate clients, small businesses, agencies and nonprofit organisations all over the world. In her spare time, Sarah is also Marketing Director of eCPD Webinars.
Sarah Dillon has written 252 posts for There's Something About Translation.
{ 3 comments }
Just what I needed when I’m struggling to approach direct clients and can’t see a way to compete with agencies! I’m back into freelance translation after a break and it’s not that easy. You said “no shortage of posts” on this so have you got any other links?
Our cubicle dwelling brethren are the ones who call with an urgent job on a Friday afternoon, with a “could we have it back by 9 on Monday” before going home…
@ Anonymous: yes, but we’re the ones who can politely decline and still have a job to come back to on Monday
@ Em: sure – for regular posts on the benefits of being freelance, check out the following blogs:
Freelace Switch http://freelanceswitch.com/
The Anti 9-to-5 Guide http://www.anti9to5guide.com/
But I’m not sure whether this is what you meant, or whather you are more interested in posts from the point of view of your direct clients i.e. on the benefits of using a freelancer over using an agency. I’ve not really seen so much on that, but it’s a really good point and an interesting angle… something for me to think about. Here’s a quick’n'dirty list of benefits I think a freelancer can offer a client over an agency – I’m sure there are more, but maybe they’ll help give another perspective to start with:
You offer:
* direct access to a high calibre professional with specific expertise in your client’s field. No dealing with people not involved in the actual translation process, so less chance of misunderstanding in complying with their brief
* a strong motivation to go the extra mile – reputation and word of mouth referrals are everything to a freelancer, and we are only as good as our last job
* the benefit of your experiences of working with a range of different clients – you offer a fresh view on their document/information procedures and can help share best practice
* the assurance of knowing that you can meet your deadlines quickly and efficiently, with minimum time wasting as there is no middleman
* a cost-effective service as you have lower overheads than an agency…
What do you think – any more??