1. FREELANCER STATISTICS
Reasons to become an ITfreelancer
More statistics about freelancers on www.freelancermap.com...
© freelancermap.com
21.02.2014
Contact: info@freelancermap.com

2. Why become an IT freelancer?
Freelancing is getting more and more mainstream in the ITindustry. It brings a huge amount of freedom, satisfaction,
independence, and control over the balance between work and
life. But what are the “real” motivations behind IT-experts
pitching themselves in the role of a freelancer? The IT-project
board http://www.freelancermap.com has investigated in this
matter to identify the top 5 reasons to start freelancing by
requesting their users to take part in a voting. Here are the
results of the survey:

3. Reasons
For 35% of the interviewed freelancers, the main intention to
become self-employed was to obtain more flexibility in their job
and free time – the so-called work-life balance! Those of you who
have ever worked in an office before know how hard it is to take
some days off work as you always have to confirm your holidays
with your superiors. Or, hand on heart, how often did it happen
that you were about to leave the office when suddenly a “super
urgent” task of your boss seemed to appear from nowhere and
ended up on your desk?

4. Reasons (cont'd)
It’s hard to say “no” as an employee. And maybe this is why a lot
of IT-experts nowadays say “yes” to freelancing. As a freelancer,
you can decide on your own when and where to work. If you feel
ready for a holiday, just do not take a new assignment. Or simply
take the project with you on your holiday and work from a cozy
hammock under palm trees. Surely, that sounds easier than it is
in real life BUT it is possible!

5. Reasons (cont'd)
Another 21% of the participating freelancers told us that “being
your own boss” is their goal of life. And this also might be the
most obvious reason for IT-experts to become a freelancer. No
more paternalism. No more getting told off for being late. No
more undesired work assignments. No more working for others.
No dress code. No co-workers and subordinates… As a freelancer,
you are in control of your working life. However, being your own
boss sounds more attractive than it sometimes is. Being your own
boss requires managerial and sales skills next to specific technical
know-how. And without those skills, freelancing is almost
impossible!

6. Reasons (cont'd)
It’s all about money – at least for 18% of our interviewed
freelancers. Maybe it is not the main motivation but at least one of
the major reasons to start freelancing. But the aim of a freelancer
to earn more money can lead to frustration. Of course, if you are
really good at what you do, you will earn more money than an
employee, especially as you decide on your own what to charge for
your services. But freelancing also means increased costs when it
comes to taxes and equipment. Freelancing is a great risk,
especially if you lack proper skills, equipment, and guidance.
Clients will come and go but your fridge must be filled every new
week. The right calculation is the key for any successful freelancer.

7. Reasons (cont'd)
Working from the comfort of your own home – a great idea that
motivates 13% of our freelancers. And maybe freelancing is the
only real career option that allows you to start your working day
in the late morning with a nice cup of your favorite coffee, still
wearing your pajama. Furthermore, you can save a lot of money
when working from home e.g. for electricity, office rental, or
food. Being an IT-freelancer allows you to work from almost
anywhere – perfect! But in fact, it’s not for everyone! To work
from home also means to manage your working day! Freelancing
from home is a blessing for those who are able to separate work
from free-time but can end up in a nightmare for the ones who
can’t…

8. Reasons (cont'd)
Another 12% of the interviewed freelancers couldn’t find their
reason for freelancing in the given set of answers and therefore
voted for “other reasons”. Here are some further motivations
of freelancing:

Choosing your clients and projects on your own.

Doing the work you love.

Low start-up costs.

No other options (e.g. unemployment).

Lining your own pockets.

Picking your own co-workers.

…

9. Further freelancer statistics available on http://www.freelancermap.com/channel/19-news.html
Contact
freelancermap.com
Contact person: Doreen Schollmeier - International Affairs
Mail: info@freelancermap.com
Skype: doreen.schollmeier
Phone: +49-911-37750286
facebook: www.facebook.com/freelancermapInternational
Twitter: freelancer_INT
© freelancermap.com
21.02.2014
Contact: info@freelancermap.com

10. Further freelancer statistics available on http://www.freelancermap.com/channel/19-news.html
Contact
freelancermap.com
Contact person: Doreen Schollmeier - International Affairs
Mail: info@freelancermap.com
Skype: doreen.schollmeier
Phone: +49-911-37750286
facebook: www.facebook.com/freelancermapInternational
Twitter: freelancer_INT
© freelancermap.com
21.02.2014
Contact: info@freelancermap.com