6 Real and Surprising myths about FREELANCING that everyone believes: know these half-truths

Many people come to freelance because they might have heard something about freelancing. In some way, those concepts can be true or false.  When I started freelancing I also heard some concepts about freelancing, how it works, and what it is like to be a freelancer. But when I became a freelancer, I got clarity on many aspects. So, in today's post, I'm going to debunk all of those freelancing concepts, or myths, that you may have heard and wondered if they're real or not. These myths might really help you in getting a greater understanding of what it's like to work as a freelancer. If you're a beginner looking to get started freelancing, go ahead with this guide “How to start freelancing as a beginner briefly”.  As a beginner you might also have so many questions related to freelancing, don't worry I have compiled a list of "Freelancing 50 FAQs-  Most commonly asked questions about freelancing", which might be useful to you. 

As a beginner who wants to do freelancing it is important to get a clear version of these concepts. So, Let's get into the post, and learn the truth behind some myths which are spreading over the internet.

1. Freelancers have full control over their schedules and a great deal of flexibility in terms of time

Myth- As a Freelancer, you have full control over your schedule and time flexibility. You will work according to your schedule and everything will go smoothly. You work when it's convenient for you, relax when it's convenient for you, and go to parties when it's convenient for you. You control the passage of time.

Reality- Hmm it sounds great but waits! Is it fully true? Do freelancers have full control over their schedules? Do freelancers really have time flexibility that they can work whenever they want? This is what attracts the majority of people's attention, and they begin to believe that freelancing means a perfect schedule, leading them to be misguided. The fact is that you may have some time flexibility and schedule control, but not complete control. Working with clients means keeping to their timetable as well. You may pick your working days and hours, but not whether or not to work. If you are committed to work 5 (Tuesday to Saturday) days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but a client requests that you deliver work by Monday, you must work all of those Saturday and Monday to meet your deadlines. If a client messages you at 9 pm and asks you to complete the work by next evening at 4 am, then you have to do that, if you want the work. A freelance beginner has to face this situation a lot of time because they are new and don't have any strong client count. Meeting deadlines is necessary to maintain your profile, relationships with clients, and create a consistent income, even if it means adjusting your schedule. Even if you are an established freelancer with a large client base, you cannot turn down every client and request that they refrain from giving you work on particular days. As a result, it's only partially true that freelancers have full control. We have, but it isn't always the case. Weekends are sometimes sacrificed in order to fulfill deadlines.

2. Hurray! There is no such thing as a Boss

Myth- There is no such thing as a boss; you are your own boss. There is no boss to whom you report and who expects you to do work quickly, as there is in a traditional office. It feels amazing to tell someone that I am my own boss. 

Reality- You are your boss but do not let these things mislead you. True, no one is hovering over my shoulder yelling at me to hurry up and finish the work. But it doesn't mean I don't have to answer to anyone. You gotta work with clients as a freelancer, which means you must satisfy their expectations, fulfill their deadlines, follow their rules, and keep them happy. Clients might be considered your indirect boss in several ways. There is just one boss in the office, but when you work as a freelancer, you interact with a variety of clients, each with their own set of behaviors, expectations, and guidelines.  You must understand and listen to them. You cannot behave badly with them as their rating matters a lot for your profile. A single blunder can completely ruin your freelance career. However, the upside is that you can stop dealing with that unhappy client. So it's inaccurate to state you don't have a boss; practically you have no boss but you are responsible to your clients, which is not less than having a boss. 

3. Freelancers have limited communications 

Myth- Working as a freelancer means limited communication. You feel lonely and isolated. 

Reality- While many freelancers may feel isolated from time to time, this does not imply that they are unable to communicate effectively. Freelancers do have opportunities to communicate and work with others, such as in a café or a temporary office space, but if you are an extrovert, you may feel more isolated. However, if you, like me, appreciate working alone and prefer your own space, you will not feel isolated. You can go on weekends with your friends, family and can do fun activities and do other work while you are free. To conclude, stating that freelancers have little communication and feel isolated will not be justified.

4. Freelancing is less secure than a regular job

Myth- There is no job security in freelancing. you can be unemployed at any time. Hence it is less secure than a regular job.

Reality- Well we cannot deny the fact that freelancing is risky in some way but we cannot say it is less secure than a regular job. As a regular employee, you will receive a fixed paycheck from time to time. However, this does not imply that it is more secure. As a freelancer, you may work for several companies and clients. And if one firm refuses to work with you, just a part of your income will be affected, not your entire income, because you have other clients as well. But as a regular employee, if you get fired, you will lose all of your income. You may work on a lot of projects as a freelancer; it is not limited to freelancing. If you're a content writer, for example, there's a good chance you've got your own website that makes money for you. Most freelancers don't just focus on one thing; they strive to do a variety of other tasks to complement their income. As a result, saying that freelancing is less secure than a regular job is inaccurate.

Not getting any clients on freelancing sites. Well, these can be those mistakes you are making. Know these "7 Reasons Why You Aren’t Getting any Clients".

5. Working on projects is fun for freelancers since they get to do what they want

Myth- Freelancers only work on projects they enjoy, thus work is no longer work for them; it is now more fun.

Reality- Yes as an established freelancer you get a choice to work on those projects which you like but not always. Sometimes it's fun and sometimes it's exhausting. Because you need clients and money as a beginner, you don't have an option but to work on the tasks you like. You have just started and can not say no to a client just because you do not like the project. As a beginner, you have to do even those projects which are of least interest to you. Some tasks can be exhausting, but you must complete them since they are for a new client or one of your finest clients. Sitting in front of a laptop for hours can be tiring. Freelancing gives us the liberty to choose our projects but this is not always the case.

6. Wearing pajamas all day and working from a cozy bed is the best thing about freelancing

Myth- It's really cool and relaxing to spend the entire day in your pajamas. You are not required to change your clothing or get up early. You can work in your pajamas all day in a cozy atmosphere from your bed.

Reality- Yes, wearing pajamas all day and working from bed with a cozy blanket is quite relaxing. But let me spell out it is not good for the long term. In the beginning, I also used to wear pajamas all day and work from my bed in a cozy blanket. But it was not a good choice. Many studies, as well as my own personal experience, indicate that working in a professional workplace and wearing suitable clothing increases productivity and makes you feel more active. If you work in your pajamas all day, wake up late and work from your bed, you will always feel lazy and unproductive. To make myself feel like I'm genuinely going to work, I now get up early and dress in normal clothing rather than pajamas. I work at my desk, not from the comfort of my bed. This decision is best if you really want to be productive. 

Thanks for reading!

I hope you understand what freelancing is really like, and get a clear picture of these myths. Let me know in the comment section, which myth you have heard the most and what is actually freelancing for you? What are your thoughts on freelancing?

To start your freelancing career, read my "Best 5 freelancing websites in 2021 to find work for beginners and experts" to help you to find some best sites. Also, know what service you can sell- "14 Types of Freelance Jobs you can do in 2022". and how you can use Fiverr to earn money from home- "An Ultimate Guide to Start on Fiverr".