The average cost of college in the U.S. as of the 2017-2018 school year was $20,770 for public schools and $46,950 for private institutions.
Because most students head straight from high school into the college environment, it’s not typical to have a lot of money lined up to pay tuition, room and board, etc.
That’s why so many college students are forced to work in tandem with their studies. But when you’re trying to focus on getting a degree, maintaining a high GPA, getting involved in extracurriculars, and having some kind of social life, working a part-time job off campus can start to feel overwhelming very quickly.
That’s why you may want to consider freelancing. If you have certain skills that allow you to work remotely, you can start to earn some money and avoid college debt from home or even the comfort of your dorm, during your free time. So, is freelancing right for you?
Perfecting Skills Now for Your Future
According to EdSmart, 74% of students report that career progression motivates them to learn new skills or transition to a new career, or even hope for a bigger salary once they’ve completed their coursework.
By freelancing while you’re in college, you’re also giving yourself an opportunity to hone in on specific skills. You might use the skills you’re learning while in college, or focus on things you’ve always had a natural gift for. There are many freelancing skills you can also learn online, including:
- Coding
- Project management
- Copywriting
- Graphic design
- SEO
Learning these skills or perfecting them as a part of your long-term career can be a great way to get a job once you’ve graduated from college. Putting freelancing on your resume can let potential employers know that you can work independently and you’ve had more experience with particular skills.
Beyond the Financial Benefits
Speaking of finding a job after college, freelancing is a great way to start your career before you even graduate. There are currently about 57 million Americans working in the freelance economy, and most of them say that they would never make the switch to a more “traditional” job.
Freelancing has its benefits. The average freelancer in 2015 made about $21 per hour, and self-employed professionals tend to make about 45% more than those who are traditionally-employed. But, the perks go far beyond finances.
First, you get to be your own boss. You’ll be able to save time by spending it at home, rather than having to travel to and from an office space. You’ll also know exactly where you’re money is coming from and how you’re going to get it, from specific clients. When you’re self-employed, you can also choose your own growth rate. If you need to make more money or you’re looking for more of a challenge, you can search for new clients or share your portfolio of work. You choose the hours you work, you choose how you work, and you choose which clients to accept.
That’s another great thing about the freelance economy. It’s a great way to network with people, especially online. To network effectively, you need to be able to be who you are and be willing to talk with people outside of your typical industry. This can help you to gain new clients or catch the attention of those who may need your services in the future.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Freelancing in College?
While freelancing can be a great option for those with the skills to do it, there are some potential concerns to keep in mind. First, while being your own boss can sound great on paper, it’s important to remember the responsibilities that come with it.
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Freelancing Skills That Can Be Learned Online to Jumpstart a Career
Certain characteristics and traits are needed to be a freelancer. Namely, you have to be self-motivated and a self-starter. While it can be tempting to work in your pajamas and watch Netflix all day, there will always be work to do. If you’re easily distracted or have a hard time finding motivation, working from home may not be your best option.
Because freelancers are their own bosses, they also have to deal with the financial side of business, including sending and keeping track of invoices to clients and managing their own taxes.
According to Monster.com, some of the additional ‘cons of freelancing’ include:
- Feeling isolated
- No “benefits” like a 401k, health insurance, etc.
- Constantly having to look for new gigs
- Inconsistent work
- Having to juggle multiple clients instead of working with one boss
When you’re freelancing in college, some of those “cons” can feel even heavier since you’re also having to balance classes and a social life.
Deciding to freelance is a very personal choice. If you’re in college and you need some extra money, it can be a great way to get by without having to go off-campus for a part-time job. It’s also an opportunity to learn new skills, network with others, and grow your career even before you graduate.
Image Credit: by envato.com
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