6 answers
Shaina
Student
Bacolod, Western Visayas, Philippines
26
Questions
Asked
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Is freelancing a good hustle to work with?
I am a student in tech. I can't really find opportunities yet as a student. I decided to do freelancing. Should I focus only on my tech career? Is freelancing a good move?? I honestly don't if I am doing right in my career. The benefits of freelancing is a good pay & learn about social media. Cons is this might sway me to another path. Should I continue freelancing?
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6 answers
Calla Di Pietro
Human Resources
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Calla’s Answer
One of the great things about being a student is that it is your job to spend this period of life learning! Education comes through many channels- both in a classroom and outside of it.
It is important that you maintain your energy and focus for your coursework, but a side gig can help you learn about another industry or skillset! In fact, you may find that the skills you pick up in your side gig enhance your studies and/or inspire you to change course.
You've got your future ahead of you and there are no wrong steps or predetermined paths- I encourage you to pursue your interests...but always get your homework done first! ;)
It is important that you maintain your energy and focus for your coursework, but a side gig can help you learn about another industry or skillset! In fact, you may find that the skills you pick up in your side gig enhance your studies and/or inspire you to change course.
You've got your future ahead of you and there are no wrong steps or predetermined paths- I encourage you to pursue your interests...but always get your homework done first! ;)
I couldn't agree more with your comment that "Education comes through many channels- both in a classroom and outside of it." Learning technical skills in the classroom augmented by 'real world' experience gained from gigs will position you well when it comes graduation time. The gigs offer varied opportunities as well as networking opportunities, both of which will serve you well.
Good luck. Keep learning. and as many of these growth opportunities as you can!
Jeff Keator, MBA
Pamela Boich
IT Director
9
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Freelancing is an option that can enable you to get varied experiences and good money in the short term, but a few draw backs.
Firstly, you may have gaps in gigs, which can be very stressful when you have to pay regular bills like mortgage/rent, car payment, utilities, etc.
Most freelance contract roles will also lack employment benefits. Medical and dental coverage may not seem like a priority now, but they will be... Generally as we age, medical and dental expenses become bigger and bigger, and having good insurance coverage is a major advantage to having a full time role. Full time roles generally also offer retirement benefits such as a 401K, where the employer will match funds you contribute to your retirement account, plus stock options that can be quite lucrative. Many of them will also pay part of your college tuition.
I recommend using dice.com to find freelance contracts. Often times, if you do a good job as a freelancer, some companies will offer you full time roles.
Good luck!
Pam
Firstly, you may have gaps in gigs, which can be very stressful when you have to pay regular bills like mortgage/rent, car payment, utilities, etc.
Most freelance contract roles will also lack employment benefits. Medical and dental coverage may not seem like a priority now, but they will be... Generally as we age, medical and dental expenses become bigger and bigger, and having good insurance coverage is a major advantage to having a full time role. Full time roles generally also offer retirement benefits such as a 401K, where the employer will match funds you contribute to your retirement account, plus stock options that can be quite lucrative. Many of them will also pay part of your college tuition.
I recommend using dice.com to find freelance contracts. Often times, if you do a good job as a freelancer, some companies will offer you full time roles.
Good luck!
Pam
Chiranjib Mazumdar
IT Architect
34
Answers
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Updated
Chiranjib’s Answer
Hi Shaina
It depends on what you wish to do. My mantra in life has been to be the best in whatever I do. I hope that will be your mantra too.
Freelancing can be a great lucrative career, but you really have to place yourself properly in front of clients with your super-charged portfolio of work that you can showcase, as well as you can detail the list of clients you have worked for in the past. But remember, you may not find stability, as everything you work on, would likely be for the short term. In some months, you would have good earnings. In some months, you may have none. Do you have the backup financial security to support you, when you don't have work?
I see you are a student. I would strongly recommend that you complete your education first and not focus too much on side hustles. If you are able to complete your education and earn a degree, you will be employable and would have the option to choose between a job and freelancing. That would make it easier for you, in case you find freelancing not really working out in your favor, at a later time.
If you have any questions for me, please let me know.
Thank you!
It depends on what you wish to do. My mantra in life has been to be the best in whatever I do. I hope that will be your mantra too.
Freelancing can be a great lucrative career, but you really have to place yourself properly in front of clients with your super-charged portfolio of work that you can showcase, as well as you can detail the list of clients you have worked for in the past. But remember, you may not find stability, as everything you work on, would likely be for the short term. In some months, you would have good earnings. In some months, you may have none. Do you have the backup financial security to support you, when you don't have work?
I see you are a student. I would strongly recommend that you complete your education first and not focus too much on side hustles. If you are able to complete your education and earn a degree, you will be employable and would have the option to choose between a job and freelancing. That would make it easier for you, in case you find freelancing not really working out in your favor, at a later time.
If you have any questions for me, please let me know.
Thank you!
Thank you for clearing up my mind. This is the TRUTH and what I really needed to hear. Freelancing may be good in terms of securing financial stability but a degree is the number one priority. I guess I should not dive deeper into my current level of knowledge in freelancing and do more course-related projects in that case. Thank you so much, Sr. Chiranjib!
Shaina
Sikawayi Williams
Counselor
229
Answers
Hampton, Virginia
Updated
Sikawayi’s Answer
Hello, I would say it really can have a good side hustle you choose. the kind of work you mentioned I would say no because this sound more like a career. If you want to find something, where you could make extra money and not to clock in or out then I would suggest something along the lines of door dash or uber eats they don't require any number of hours and you can get paid weekly or daily. and there are no time restrictions with this company, good luck.
Mahendran Vasagar
2
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Mahendran’s Answer
While you're still in school/College, freelancing is a great way to get started. It'll also be very beneficial for whichever career you end up choosing.
This provides us with more chances and opportunity to build our expertise in whichever topic we are learning about or are currently knowledgeable about.
In addition to giving us more self-assurance for job interviews, this also means that we get paid for the tasks we complete!
So please get going with your freelancing straight now.
This provides us with more chances and opportunity to build our expertise in whichever topic we are learning about or are currently knowledgeable about.
In addition to giving us more self-assurance for job interviews, this also means that we get paid for the tasks we complete!
So please get going with your freelancing straight now.
Donzaile Hall
IT consulting
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Donzaile’s Answer
great question ! Freelancing can open several opportunities for you and teach you a lot about entrepreneurship. This can prove to yourself and to a potential hiring organization that you are a self starter and freelancing is a great way to gain experience also ! As long as you have a plan that you are using as a roadmap to achieve your goals I think you are alright , the most important thing is that you are doing something that you are passionate about and something that fulfill you.