Comments on: Why Freelancing Benefits Your Day Job

By: Wojciech Kulicki

Wojciech Kulicki — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:54:34 +0000

I agree – it’s amazing how quickly you can make business decisions when it’s just you, and it definitely does help in your job, both in big organizations, and smaller ones as well!

By: Ned

Ned — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:00:50 +0000

Great post…

I agree that having a “side gig” is beneficial for both the employer and the employee (this assumes that the “side gig” is not getting in the way of the regular job or taking customers away from the employer).

Doing some work on the side improves one’s skill set which is directly applied at the 9 to 5. In my case, my side business makes me quick and nimble while the company I work for is large and slooooow. I apply most of the skills I obtained while running my small business to help my employer get things out the door faster.

By: Weekly Roundup: Become a Frugal Dad Fan Edition | Frugal Dad

Weekly Roundup: Become a Frugal Dad Fan Edition | Frugal Dad — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:02:23 +0000

[...] Why Freelancing Benefits Your Day Job. Those who have read FD for a while now know I’m a big proponent of the “side hustle,” for exactly the reasons pointed out in this post. (@Fiscal Fizzle) [...]

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Weekly Links: 10/10/9 With Random Knowledge — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:35:57 +0000

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By: Geneva

Geneva — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:39:15 +0000

Great article! I think it’s very important to have a “life” outside the traditional office setup. As work culture is changing quite dramatically, I think we’ll see more and more transformations taking place in and outside the workplace. New attitudes and new approaches to the traditional concept of work are very exciting for us young people!

By: Wojciech Kulicki

Wojciech Kulicki — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:29:21 +0000

Exactly – I think most employers see side work as counter-productive, rather than beneficial. I hope that changes in this new economy.

On your second point, I agree 100%. In fact, I sort of revere freelancers as “creative Gods” of sorts. While I’m not a ‘true’ freelancer – this blog is more of a side project, I’m enjoying the experience without a doubt. When I tell people what I do, they’re usually intrigued.

By: Erik

Erik — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:35:58 +0000

Are you saying that freelancing has a negative connotation for employers? if so, then I agree. But I don’t think it’s a negative word when you tell other people that you do freelance work. I don’t think I’d ever pay a corporation to do a logo, graphic design or programming work. There are so many freelancers out there that do it better and cheaper.

By: Wojciech Kulicki

Wojciech Kulicki — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:30:13 +0000

A friend emailed me after reading this post and shared a great story about a relative who was very open with her boss about her side work, and was able to work out a great deal that benefited both of them with profits. That is the ultimate example of a win-win!

By: Wojciech Kulicki

Wojciech Kulicki — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:27:40 +0000

Awesome, Dustin! You point out another great benefit for creative industries – portfolios. Many times, we don’t live up to our full potential in day jobs because of client restrictions and other reasons, but for a side business (or even for ourselves), I think we can express ourselves with much more freedom.

By: Dustin

Dustin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:05:32 +0000

I totally agree with your post. My previous employer was fully aware of my freelancing and often like to draw upon my knowledge gained from it. Eventually things didn’t work out for that company as poor management led to constant late paychecks, too much debt and poor finances in general.

I can happily say that my latest full-time job is all thanks to everything I learned freelancing and getting the job had nothing to do with my earning a degree or past full-time jobs. They looked at my portfolio of freelance work and liked what they saw. I’m now doing a job I love much more, getting paid better, and worked for a growing debt free company. (Oh yeah, then there is my side income from freelance work). Life is good.