The world of freelancing is an enticing option for many professionals, and for those in the eLearning field, it offers unique opportunities. Becoming a freelance eLearning contractor allows individuals to take control of their careers in ways that traditional employment often can’t. Whether it’s the ability to create a personalized schedule, earn more through specialized skills, or experience accelerated professional growth, freelancing comes with plenty of perks. However, like any career choice, it also has its challenges. In this article, we’ll explore both the advantages and the downsides of becoming a freelance eLearning contractor, helping you determine if this path is right for you.
3 Great Reasons to Become an eLearning Contractor
Flexibility and Autonomy
One of the most appealing aspects of freelancing is the flexibility it offers. As a freelance eLearning contractor, you have complete control over your schedule. Want to work early in the morning or late at night? The choice is yours. This flexibility allows you to create a work-life balance that suits your personal needs, whether that means spending more time with family, traveling, or simply having the freedom to work from wherever you choose.
Beyond just setting your own hours, freelancing also allows you to select the projects you work on. Unlike traditional employment, where you might be assigned tasks that don’t align with your interests or expertise, freelancing gives you the autonomy to pursue projects that truly excite you. This autonomy leads to a more fulfilling and engaging work experience, making each project a meaningful contribution to your career.
Higher Earning Potential
Freelancers often find that they can potentially earn more than their traditionally employed counterparts. As a freelancer, you have the power to set your own rates based on your skills, experience, and the value you bring to a project. In a field like eLearning, where specialized skills are in high demand, this can translate into significantly higher earnings.
Professional Growth and Learning
Freelancing in the eLearning space offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth. Working on a diverse range of projects for different clients accelerates skill development and broadens your experience. Each project presents unique challenges and learning opportunities, keeping your work fresh and engaging.
Staying current in the ever-evolving field of eLearning is crucial. As a freelancer, you’re motivated to continuously learn and adapt to the latest trends and technologies. This commitment to continuous learning not only enhances your skill set but also positions you as a sought-after expert in your field.
The Downside of Being an eLearning Contractor
There are also downsides to becoming a freelance eLearning contractor. Here are some key challenges that professionals in this field often face:
Income Instability and Inconsistent Workload
Unlike a salaried job, your income as a freelancer will fluctuate. You will have periods with too much work to do, creating the need for longer hours. You will also have periods of time with no work and no income that can cause anxiety if you are not prepared for it.
In addition, you will spend unpaid time working on your business and your skills such as learning new technologies, keeping current on trends, and networking for work.
No Benefits
As a freelancer, you not only have to provide your own health insurance and retirement savings, but you also don’t receive paid days off such as holidays, sick days, or vacation.
Wear Many Hats
As a freelancer, you are not only an eLearning professional, but you also serve as your own marketing, administrative, technology, and accounting help. This can be difficult for some and distract from your core work.
Isolation
Freelancers can often feel isolated. With the virtual nature of work today, you can find yourself working from home with little interaction with others.
Self-Discipline is Required
Without a set schedule or team structure, freelancers need strong self-discipline to stay on task and meet deadlines. Procrastination or poor time management can lead to missed opportunities or a backlog of work. In addition, most freelancers work from a home office. Lines can become blurred more easily in a home office when there is no set schedule.
Marketing Yourself
Finding clients and securing projects can be a challenge, especially when you’re just starting. Freelancers need to constantly network, market themselves, and pitch for new business. This is one of the many reasons eLearning contractors work with companies like TrainingPros to find the work for them.
eLearning contractors also must have a current eLearning portfolio. Keeping a fresh portfolio is a critical requirement as a freelancer.
Waiting for Payment
As an independent eLearning contractor, you might find yourself needing to collect payment on invoices. When you work directly for the client, you can expect to wait anywhere from 30 to 120 days from the date of invoice before you get paid. This is another reason eLearning contractors choose to work with TrainingPros – we pay our consultants first. The consultant doesn’t have to worry about late payments or calling to remind the client to pay.
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Conclusion
Freelancing as an eLearning contractor offers incredible flexibility, higher earning potential, and the chance to grow professionally while working on exciting projects. However, it’s not without its challenges. Income instability, the lack of benefits, and the need for strong self-discipline are common hurdles that freelancers must navigate. Additionally, freelancers need to manage all aspects of their business, from marketing themselves to chasing down payments. For those who are prepared to tackle these challenges, the freedom and rewards of freelancing can make it a fulfilling career choice. Partnering with a company like TrainingPros can help mitigate some of these downsides, offering support and stability while you enjoy the benefits of freelance life.
Does your company need help on your eLearning projects? Let the industry-expert relationship managers at TrainingPros help! When you have more projects than people™, let TrainingPros provide you with the right consultant to start your project with confidence.
