4 Biggest Benefits of Freelancing: Flexibility, Balance, Freedom, Working From Home

What are some of the many ways can you benefit from being a freelancer?

The list is long, and the reasons can vary depending on factors like lifestyle, finances, travel, and family.

In an effort to narrow down the most appealing aspects of the freelance life, FlexJobs recently surveyed their members about their views of the benefits of freelancing.

The FlexJobs survey from offers fantastic insights into why people want freelance jobs.

Respondents to the survey ranged from job seekers of all ages and education levels, and included working parents and people who rely on freelance work for their main income (42%), as well as those who do freelance work for supplemental income (58%).

Who took the freelance survey?

FlexJobs surveyed nearly 1,000 freelancers about key topics related to their freelance career, lifestyle, and work style.

The top freelance fields of survey respondents include:

1. Writing: 29%
2. Customer Service: 23%
3. Administrative: 21%
4. Data Entry: 20%
5. Education & Training: 19%
6. Art & Creative: 18%
7. Editing: 18%
8. Marketing: 17%
9. Computer & IT: 15%
10. Consulting: 14%
11. Research: 13%
12. Communications: 13%
13. Project Management: 12%
14. Medical & Health: 10%
15. Sales: 10%

What are the benefits of freelancing?

So what did the FlexJobs survey find?

Let’s find out the four biggest benefits of freelancing, according to a FlexJobs survey.

Flexible schedule

The top benefit of freelancing, according to our FlexJobs survey, is the freedom that comes with a flexible schedule.

84% of respondents listed a flexible schedule as the reason they look for work flexibility in a job search.

Work-life balance

The second most popular benefit of freelancing, according to our survey, is work-life balance.

66% of people who responded said finding the right balance between career and personal life goals was a major reason to look for freelance work.

The term “work-life balance” has come under increasing scrutiny, with “work-life rhythm” as one new characterisation.

The goal is the same: making it all blend in a way that works for you.

Related: Realities of freelancing and self-employment

Freedom to work where you want

Our survey found that 61% of freelance job seekers said that freedom to work from anywhere was a top motivator.

The appeal of freelance jobs that also offer scheduling flexibility holds an undeniable appeal for job seekers who want to capitalise on all of the best benefits of freelancing.

No commute

Who doesn’t want to avoid a long commute?

Breaking free from a gruelling trek to and from work is a major benefit of freelancing, according to 60% of respondents to the FlexJobs survey.

And of course, ditching a commute comes with tremendous side benefits, including saving money and helping the environment.

7 more benefits of freelancing

Here are a few more of the great benefits of freelancing from the FlexJobs survey:

1. Self-development. Some 39% of survey respondents said having the time to work on self-development, from career-related initiatives to personal goals, was a big draw to working as a freelancer.
2. No dressing up for work. Every day is “casual Friday” if you work from home. FlexJobs’ survey showed that 38% of people who responded placed a high value on being able to “dress down” every day while working as a freelancer.
3. Ability to travel. According to our survey, 38% of respondents wanted the freedom to travel without being tethered to a physical location. Often, freelancers can continue to work from remote locations, or choose to take time off.
4. Better productivity. In study after study, researchers have found that people who work remotely (including freelancers) are more productive. In the FlexJobs survey, 34% of respondents said one of the benefits of freelancing was being more productive.
5. Flexible vacation. The flexibility to take time off when it suits you? That’s one of the best benefits of freelancing, according to 33% of respondents.
6. Getting to meet new people. Working for one employer can put you in a rut when it comes to personal interactions, which can include networking. Our survey found that 28% of respondents said freelance work opened up opportunities to meet new people.
7. Financial advantages. The survey found that 27% of respondents concluded that there were definite financial advantages to working as a freelancer, based on their personal financial circumstances.

Other freelance benefits and challenges

In the survey, a full 92% of freelancers said the freelance lifestyle is either extremely (55%) or somewhat (37%) important to them.

Respondents said the top factors in deciding to freelance included:

• Work-life balance: 70%
• Desire to choose when I work: 62%
• Freedom: 56%
• Desire to choose where I work: 55%
• Desire to be my own boss: 49%

The biggest benefits of being a freelancer, according to respondents, included:

• Flexible schedule: 84%
• Work-life balance: 66%
• Freedom to work where I choose: 61%
• No commuting: 60%
• Self-development: 39%

And they said the biggest challenges are:

• Finding clients: 65%
• Predictable income flow: 64%
• Handling the business aspects of freelancing (taxes, insurance, etc.): 31%
• Getting clients to pay: 26%
• Perceptions of freelancers: 24%

When it comes to the impact being a freelancer has on overall quality of life, 63% said it had a “positive impact.”

Sixty percent said freelancing has helped them become healthier, 66% said they are less stressed as a freelancer, and 59% said they are either less financially stressed or feel no difference from when they worked in a traditional job.

What are the best benefits of freelancing for you?

There are many benefits to freelancing, but do you agree with the survey results? Do you prefer flexibility? Are you glad you got to can the commute? What are the best benefits of freelancing for you?