Declare Your Independence From The 9-5 Mindset

This 4th of July, US citizens will be celebrating Independence Day across the country. Here at Tomedes, our team of professional freelance translators will also be celebrating their independence – from the 9-5 mindset! 

Working freelance isn’t for everyone, though, so here we take a look at the issue from both perspectives. We ask a 9-5 worker why his working arrangements beat those of a freelancer and vice versa. 

The 9-5 worker

“I’ve always loved working for a company and having set hours. The routine and structure suit me well. I know that I will be finished at the same time every day, which means I can plan ahead in terms of childcare, leisure activities and so forth. 

“I enjoy the lack of pressure and accountability in my role as well. That’s not to say that I’m not responsible for my own area and standards of work – just that the overall responsibility for the company rests with others. It means that it’s not me who has to lay awake at night worrying about the high level issues. 

“I also don’t have to worry about my income – I know what I will earn each month and can plan accordingly. I also know that I will be paid on the same date each month, without having to send invoices or chase payments. 

“Holiday pay and sick pay are another great part of working 9-5. I get paid leave when I want to take a holiday and if I’m unwell I can stay at home to recuperate without being penalised financially. 

“For me personally, being a 9-5 worker also means that I am happier to deal with the frustrations that arise during the working day. If someone is wasting my time with unnecessary meetings, for example, it really doesn’t matter, as I’ll be paid the same amount regardless.”

The freelancer 

“Working freelance is a liberating experience. Now that I am used to it, I couldn’t imagine going back to the 9-5 lifestyle. Being able to plan my own time is fantastic. I can fit my work around my preferences, can hit the gym and supermarket when they are both quiet and reward myself with an afternoon off if it’s a particularly beautiful day. 

“I love the variety of freelance work as well. Each day is different and as well as my actual work I also get to learn about cashflow, marketing and a whole host of other areas, thus broadening my portfolio of skills. 

“The ability to increase my income is another attraction. I know that if I work smarter and harder, and take on more clients, I will end up wealthier as a result. 

“Being able to take holidays whenever I like is also great. I don’t have to ask anyone’s permission or stick to a set number of days’ leave per year. Instead, I can plan my holidays to suit me, travelling as little or as often as I wish. I can even have an extended stay and work from overseas if the mood takes me. 

“Ultimately it is the dynamism and flexibility of being a freelancer that I enjoy the most. Each day is packed full of potential, which is a wonderful feeling.”

Which perspective do you agree with and why? Let us know by leaving a comment in the box.