Journal 3 2023/03/01(future of work)

When I think about the future of work, the first thing that comes to mind is freelancer. Freelancing is a type of self-employment. Instead of being employed by a company, freelancers tend to work as self-employed, delivering their services on a contract or project basis.

With the awakening and improvement of personal consciousness, people pay more and more attention to the freedom of work. In Shanghai, there is also a uptrend of freelancers.

There are some pros of freelancing, One of the key benefits of freelancing is that you get to choose your own workload. With no boss hovering over you, you can choose to work as much or as little as you want. Another of the major pros of freelancing is that you get to choose who you work with. In addition to having more control over their workloads, many independent professionals are also turning to freelancing as an opportunity to work on more diverse and creative projects. And freelancing allows you to set your own flexible schedule. Whether you want to work 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 2 pm to 10 pm—it’s up to you. If you want to become a digital nomad and work from anywhere in the world. Freelancing can help you with that. For many—myself included—location independence is one of the best benefits of being a freelancer.Another huge benefit of freelancing is that it gives professionals the flexibility to be caregivers or better look after their own health.

As a freelancer or solopreneur, you are your own business. You are the brand. Any decisions or strategic changes you choose to make don’t affect anyone else except you.

There are some cons at the same time. First of all, You need to organize and pay for your own health insurance. And as a business owner, your business’s success (and failure) is entirely dependent on you. While this is exciting, it can also feel overwhelming—especially when you’re new to freelancing.

In addition to doing your work, you will also need to learn how to do your own self-employment taxes, take care of the business admin like invoicing, invest in marketing and even organize your own vacations and time off.

Working from home and working with clients from around the world is undoubtedly one of the best perks of freelancing. However, the downside of this is that working from home can sometimes make you feel isolated, as well.

I interviewed an art director called Nuannuan, he has been working in this industry for 3 years, and recent one year worked as a freelancer. Collaborating with many Chinese celebrities and luxury brands.

He told me recently he has received a lot of importation jobs especial for luxury commercial. He believes that aesthetics is the most important key of getting a task. 
If the personal style is not special enough, it is easy to be replaced. The most annoying thing right now is the inseparability of work and life，how to let yourself relax becomes a new challenge. Investing in something stable can be a new breakthrough. This ensures that income can be maintained when the work stops.

I asked him if he would set up own studio in the future, and he said no determinedly. “Establishing a company too early will threaten suppliers, and the production company which hires him now will become a competitor to himself.”

To some extent, freelancers now have more opportunities, because there is no need to avoid suspicion. Previously, freelancers were titled as insecure. There were many obstacles to getting a loan and finding a job. However now, it can be a chance!

And he believes that freelancing is actually a life attitude, not a specific job. If you have the ability, then freelance is an amazing choice.