The Freelance Stigma

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changing the perceptions of remote work

I cannot count how many times I’ve been told that I don’t have a real job.

I know my work is nontraditional. I do not need a full day in the office to get something done. In fact, I can do what most people do in a day within a couple of hours in what I’ve deemed a “power work.” When I do work in-house I see how much time is wasted. Meetings that could've been accomplished in a quick email. Lunches that drag on. Being the introvert I am, I'd rather get on with my work, and get home to my cats. (Just being honest). 

There is a stigma around freelancers. People close to me think I don't work, or that I am trying to get out of doing any "real" work. In truth, my schedule is often packed and I have to be strict with myself. If not, I would never get anything done. Some days I may finish early, and some days I may be working with a client abroad until midnight. There’s not a definite pattern, and I’ve surrendered to that. I suppose the one pattern that exists is that freelancing is not a 9-5.

Yes, I can go to the grocery store or do a load of laundry, but that does not mean I'm not working. I'm simply in control of my own time. Often when I get an invitation to meet for lunch or a coffee and need to decline, I get the response, But you work from home. And my response? Yes, exactly. I've had to accept people will be upset that I keep a strict schedule, but hey, this is only my livelihood.

Working from home takes a kind of discipline that, honestly, I didn't know I had. Maybe it goes back to the private military high school I attended (yes, for real). But jokes aside, I see so clearly that the future of work involves remote options. According to Owl Labs, the top reasons remote workers choose to work remotely include: better work-life balance (91%), increased productivity/better focus (79%), less stress (78%) and avoiding a commute (78%) 

It does not work for everyone or every profession. Some people need a physical location, face-to-face interaction with colleagues, and structure to work efficiently. I get that.

Working from home gives me the freedom to live in Israel and still visit my family often in the United States. This year I went to Paris with my mom for a week and did not have to take a single vacation day. If that's not winning, I don't know what is. 

I can pick my clients and work on projects that excite me. I still have meetings and work in-house when a client needs me to. I have interactions, skype calls, and I network. Incredibly, two other freelancers that I work closely with, and who I had never met in person, came to my wedding! 

Great freelancers have dedication, a strong ability to self-manage, drive, vision, and are responsible. Freelancing became even more prevalent as millennials came into the workforce during the financial crisis. Without many traditional jobs available, millennials looked around at the job market and historically low pay and said, There's got to be another way. And indeed, there was. 

According to Global Workplace Analytics, freelancing and remote work have increased by 140% since 2005. Upwork predicts that by 2028, 73% of all departments will have remote workers.

So why are we seen as millennials who don't want to hold down a "real job"? Here are some ways to avoid the freelancer stigma: 

1. Get rid of the word freelance. Yes, I said it. I am a content writer, not a freelance content writer. Position yourself as an independent business owner. Own it! Werk it.

2. Be specific about what you do. People often think freelancers are direction-less hipsters who can't hold down a traditional 9-5. When people ask what you do, try saying I am a ____. My clients include X and Y, and I do A, B, C, for them. 

3. Carefully keep track of your projects. As a content writer, I follow up with clients and request links for my blogs and articles. I have a running list of all my work. Often, freelancers' work is not considered serious, or it’s assumed they don't have much experience. Keeping track of your work in an organized manner will allow you to show clients relevant samples quickly.

4. Stress your unique strengths. When talking about freelancing or even interviewing, stress your ability to respond to diverse problems that often, companies cannot solve internally. Freelancers often work with several companies at a time, and as they finish projects, they take on new ones. This allows for a variety of experiences, like working with an array of people and industries. Show how you leverage this diversity into more creative problem solving and thus better work.

5. Be proactive in creating a schedule with a new or potential client. A fear I hear over and over from potential clients is that they need someone who is committed and responsible, not someone they need to chase after to get the work in on time. Be proactive in articulating how you keep track of hours, when you send invoices, and set the guidelines for meetings, calls, and deadlines from the start. Show you are no stranger to structure and put their mind at ease.

The workforce is changing slowly. Currently, 16% of companies exclusively hire remote workers. It will take time for companies and individuals to understand the value of a great remote worker. Next time someone makes you feel inadequate for not pursuing a Monday to Friday, 9-5, job, take a deep breath and remember: you don't have a commute, and they do. 

erin easley