There once was a blog post, quite lengthy it's true,
Outlining a list of what freelancers go through.
The details were compiled
And three parts were filed,
But one more look was taken, and now here's part deux!

Image Credits

Well, we do like our series’ here at Arbenting, and this is one of Rob's favorites. What Does True Freelancing Cost Pt.1,Pt. 2, and Pt. 3 Return of the Red-Eye, began this journey of looking at the gig, under whose spell, so many of us have fallen. And as we mentioned before, we always wanted to take another stab at it from a more positive perspective, rather than just looking at the costs of donning the freelancers robe, and thus, The True Benefits of Freelancing Pt. 1 was born. Approaching the topic from a different direction gave us a new enthusiasm for the project, one that we hope comes across as the series continues to make appearances on the blog. And after some time away, we felt it was important to get this series back on track towards its final installment. So without any further ado, here is The True Benefits of Freelancing Pt. Deux!

The Bene’s Continue

It’s no question that working for yourself can have it’s downs, but the fact of the matter is, the ups far outweigh them. The first three that we talked about were

• #1 - Bye Bye, Tie!
• #2 - Shotcaller!
• #3 - Workin’ 9 to, oh 9:30!

This time around we have three new topics to toss out there for thoughtful discussion. They are

• #4 - The Learning Curve!
• #5 - The Lone Wolf Walks, Um…Alone!
• #6 - Attack of the Clones!

So we hope you will follow us as this look at why we freelance carries on…

The Learning Curve!

Image Credits

The first benefit that we want to talk about is the Learning Curve. And what we mean by that, is this, every job, even freelancing, comes with a necessary skillset in order to perform it. However, there are always opportunities in each job field, as the market and technologies within said market bloom and expand, to learn new techniques and develop new skills. In the world of freelancing, as in many other instances, you, in fact, never stop learning. And in freelancing, you have the freedom to do this, without corporate stifling or interference.

When working for a company, they will decide what new techniques will be adopted, when they will be taught to the employees, and who will learn what. And rather than being given the opportunity to take part in this new learning experience, you may be passed over for someone else with a more developed skillset that they need. Effectively relegating you to a sort of stagnant position where you cannot advance through the ranks and grow within your field with the changing landscape because they would rather someone else develop more. As a freelancer, you can do this learning on your own accord, and do not have to be operating on someone else’s timetable, or wait for permission.

Another part of the learning curve that can become frustrating when working as part of a company, is that once you learn the new skill, you must often demonstrate the new technique to get clearance to not only use this, but to prove that you can do it effectively to their standards. And even if you have taken the time to learn this on your own for the betterment of the business, that does not always mean that they will allow you to use it at work, regardless of your competency or proficiency. It may just not be something they are wanting to explore or integrate into their corporate way. As a freelancer, once you have taken the time to learn a new skillset, you simply update your resume and your clients keep coming back.

The Lone Wolf Walks, Um…Alone!

Image Credits

The second benefit comes from the idea that some freelancers have chosen this gig due to its tendencies towards solitude. That comfort zone that can only be found in the strict isolation from a mass of uniformed co-workers. And it’s not that we donՂt like people. Some of us actually do. Not me, but others, I’ve heard don’t mind, you know, people. And it isn’t like I’m agoraphobic, I just think by and large most people suck…but, you know, not you folks… :)

But I digress. More to the point, when you are working as a freelancer, you have the freedom of working by yourself unhindered, by the sometimes, unhelpful ‘assistance’ of a partner. A partner, that the company you work for, may decide to stick you with regardless of your tendency to shine much brighter alone. They do not care about your personal contention of people suckage, or your desires to limit interactions with those residing in that sphere of suckdom. If the company would prefer you partner up for a project, they will make it so. (Have you seen Star Trek the Next Generation…oh, nevermind.)

In freelancing, you can not only be the lone wolf if you want, but should you decide that a partnership with another on the task at hand is necessary, you get to make the decision as to who that person is. This may very well be the most important part of this section of the post. By being able to pick whom you are working with, rather than having someone randomly assigned by your ‘superiors’, you can more effectively steer the project towards success. This ability to make the selection allows for maximum compatibility, rather than mere tolerance between the partners.

Attack of the Clones!

Image Credits

The last benefit that we want to discuss here deals with the originality factor that can act as an identifying element of each designer making their mark on the community. This important x-factor, (where the ‘x’ stands for an ‘o’, which of course stands for originality…probably should have just said that again, huh? Oh well, lazy typist syndrome.) this signature, of sorts, has developed along with the designer and, in effect, becomes apart of them. Reflecting in their work, and making the design truly their own.

In freelancing, this is nursed and allowed to flourish. In the corporate environment, the individual flair and style that make each designer unique are downgraded to a minute, if not, completely absent place in the work coming from the company. Work which all has to maintain the corporate feel and fit within the company theme that has already been established and decided upon, usually long before you got there. In this environ, the designs start to feel the same, and with good reason. Because that is what the talking heads running the board rooms are looking for and expecting to see oozing from their offices.

Those in this position will find it harder to develop that singular style that sets them apart from the sea of others trying to do the same. Their surroundings are not as conducive to the freedom of exploration needed to dare into new areas that they are unfamiliar, and perhaps, even for a time, uncomfortable with to find their individual voice among the masses. Once again, there is an element of stagnation that can be cast upon the creative mindset in a more corporate atmosphere, and can hinder and hurt those designers looking to reach beyond what they know, seeking a mark they can make of their own.

And The Road Winds On…

Here endeth part deux, but the series is not quite finished yet. Look for Part 3, still to come. Hit us up in the comments if you think you have a benefit that the final installment wouldn’t be complete without.

The Complete Series

• What Does True Freelancing Cost? Pt. 1
• What Does True Freelancing Cost? Pt. 2
• Freelancing Costs Pt. 3 – Return of the Red-Eye!
• The True Benefits of Freelancing Pt.1
• Freelancing Benefits Episode III : Revenge of the Myth

More From Arbenting:

• The True Benefits of Freelancing Pt.1
• Freelancing Benefits Episode 3 : Revenge of the Myth
• What Does True Freelancing Cost? Pt. 2
• What Does True Freelancing Cost? Pt. 1
• Freelancing Costs Pt. 3 — Return of the Red-Eye!