This ebook helps you through the whole job search process; with advice on understanding your skills and values, writing a CV / covering letter, networking, preparing for interviews, and salary negotiations.
From freelancer to employee?
A friend of mine has been freelancing and building up his network of contacts. He’s been particularly successful in the last year or so, succeeding in carving himself out a good niche locally. When one of his freelance clients (a franchise) offered him a full-time job with a year’s contract, he leapt at it.
Although the offer comes at a good time for him, and it gives him stability for at least the next twelve months, I’m not so sure I’d be tempted. These are some of the issues that I’d be concerned about:
1. Wide spread of clients = less risk
Putting all your eggs into one basket is something most freelancers tend to avoid. If you have multiple income streams from multiple clients, you’re less likely to hurt too badly if you lose one of them. With the current economic situation in seemingly unstoppable freefall, how do you know that your new employer won’t also go to the wall?
2. Uncertain future
Nothing moves faster than a hungry job seeker after a job. If my friend gives up his freelance clients now, the chances are he’s going to find it hard to pick them up again if his job ends after 12 months. Will he be able to get new ones? How long will it take him to build up his network to at least its present level?
3. Lack of freedom
By work freedom I don’t mean the “I don’t want to get out of bed this morning so won’t go to work” myth but “I can’t choose projects where I’m going to develop my experience and skills”. Is he stalling his potential career by not being able to choose new learning experiences in this new job?
4. Adapting to being an employee
Regular hours, regular pay – these are obviously appealing aspects of paid employment. But there are also downsides that need to be weighed up. Some people are just not suited to company work, and find offices and office culture oppressive.
5. Doing it for the security only
The job isn’t exactly what my friend wants at the moment, although he’s hoping his responsibilities might expand into something more interesting. It’s a risk though. In my experience, boredom on the job ends up as real unhappiness after a few months. If your heart isn’t in it, is the risk worth taking?
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