Working Freelance While Employed – How to Do It

We all dream of having a higher wage. We all want to be able to buy a new car or invest some money into making our home a more beautiful place. Most people want to escape rent, while others just want to be able to go on exotic trips. No matter what your goals are, you need one thing for sure: money. If your current 9 to 5 job is not paying as much as you need, there is another option. You can start freelancing to make some extra money. This blog posts discusses the pros and cons of working freelance while employed. The decision is up to you.

Why Would You Want to Freelance When You Have a Full Time Job?

We must learn to walk before we can run. This is an idiom that applies perfectly to the issue being discussed in this post. Most people need to get experience and new knowledge before they can do grander things. Your day job will teach you a lot of new things and you will learn how to manage your time and do your job better over time. While a traditional employer will train you and will usually be patient with you, a client you are freelancing for will not be so tolerant.

Most people start with a full time job and then slowly progress towards freelance jobs. They long for the freedom and comfort of working on your own schedule from the comfort of your home. Most of us want to be out own bosses, so freelancing is the best option for us. This is why so many people are starting to freelance while they still hold on to their 9 to 5 jobs. They are not yet good enough to make a living from freelancing alone. But they want to get there eventually.

Of course, there are also people who don’t want to give up the benefits that come with a full time traditional job. They are doing freelance work just to make some extra money for various needs. These people will probably never leave their day job.

Freelance or Self Employed? Or both?

There are some problems with freelancing if you have a 9 to 5 job, with time being the most important one. You work for at least 8 hours every day, Monday through Friday. This means that you get at most 4 hours of free time each working day, as well as two full days – Saturday and Sunday. You will have to complete all your freelance work in this timeframe. Remember that being late is a very serious problem even when you are doing freelance work.

One thing you should keep in mind is that you should never, under any circumstances work on freelance projects during your 9 to 5 job. It is unethical to use the company’s resources to work for other clients. If people find out, you risk being penalized or even let go. This is why are strongly advised not to do it.

Doing Freelance Work While Employed – Is It Possible?

Yes, it is definitely possible to work on freelance projects while you have a day job. However, you need to make it clear to your clients that you are available only during certain hours to avoid being forced to work on your freelance jobs while at your day job. Most people work hard to get most of the freelance work done during the weekends, so they can have an easier week.

Also, know that working as a freelancer while you work full time is not illegal. Yes, many companies will frown upon this practice, but it is not their place to influence or judge what you do with your spare time. So if you need an extra income, work as a freelancer without worrying about a thing!