Thinking of quitting my permanent job and do freelance jobs

@hanagi (390)
Philippines
July 12, 2010 7:49am CST
Recently I have been thinking of dropping my permanent job and just do some free lancing. I know that having a permanent job has its benefits but I don't feel like working there anymore because nothing is happening in my life. I know that I should be grateful because I have a job but I don't think I can take it anymore. Now because of many job offerings in the internet especially programming jobs, I was thinking of quitting. But I have a question, do you think it would be worth it? Based on your experience what can you say about it?
11 responses
@mm_mari (36)
• Philippines
24 Jul 10
you can do freelancing on a part time basis but permanently? its a no no.. its temporary and its not financially stable. I recommend before quitting your present job, while you are still employed try to take advantage of finding another job that you think will bring challenge to your boring career--you can simultaneously work and find a job--nowadays everything is online while working you can sneak a chance of browsing the web for vacancies with other companies by doing this you can already save much of your time and energy for walk-in application and at the same time you can still enjoy the benefits the company has to offer and your still getting paid. If a good job offers comes that's the time you resign. Always settle for the best and not for less Good luck!=)
@_Honey_ (780)
• Philippines
24 Jul 10
I've never had an online job since I always stick to permanent job that has a lot of benefits especially in terms of medical assistance. Permanent job is really stressful but much secure. If you would like to get some extra cash, try to accept some freelance jobs but still make sure that you stick to your permanent job because of its benefits and this will be a good training ground too. If you work as a freelance, the less chance of meeting new people and learning new from them. Meeting more people at work because it will expand your horizon and perspective.
• Philippines
13 Jul 10
Hi Hanagi. You are lucky because programming is very much in demand. Even for freelancers. You know, before I resumed working full time, I was able to live four months on freelance work. But if your needs are like mine, where you have to spend more than what you can actually afford, I suggest that you plan first the steps before quitting your regular job. I suggest that you stabilize first with freelancing then jump when you think you can already live on your own. Discipline is key to working freelance. But if you are not well disciplined as to managing your time and putting more effort to your projects, then you would still need the concrete process of working full time as an employee. Goodluck. May you find your heart's desire.
@dian21 (606)
• Philippines
13 Jul 10
There are a lot of earning potentials here in the internet if you have the right skills and it also depends on what type of earning opportunities that you will join online. I just resigned in my job thinking that I could earn as much as I was earning in my regular job. But I was wrong. It's not that easy and as instant. Especially if you will just start your online earnings, it would be hard to reach what you are earning in a month. If you want to try freelancing, you can try it first but don't quit yet to your job. And if in your computation, your earnings will be higher or consistenlty pay well, then it would be better if you continue the freelancing job. Since you wanted programming jobs and you have skills in it, there are a lot of opportunities with online jobs.
• Philippines
15 Jul 10
as what most of the people say there are many opportunities on internet, but I need more proof on my own effort that i could earn more here before I quit my own job....Anyway I am enjoying now what I am doing....hoping too that someday i could become rich just like what they are doing....okay good luck to everybody and happy earning!!!
• United States
15 Jul 10
My advice is to keep your job and do freelance work on the side, because a lot of people want jobs but can't get them. Also free lance work might not always be constant, so having a steady job is a good thing for you. It takes a long time for freelance jobs to pay off, so keeping your current job is the best option right now, especially with the economy the way it is right now.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
12 Jul 10
Interesting question! I've been thinking of doing the same thing. I do freelance, but I have a steady job that pays most of my bills right now. My solution is to start freelancing more and build up a business before I quit my job. That means I have to work odd hours and long hours at times to get it all done, but I should know if it's possible within a couple of months. If not, I'll just keep my job. Could you do something like that?
@Metatronik (6199)
• Pasay, Philippines
12 Jul 10
I don't have any experience regarding that but base on my officemate's experienced well his client rejected him after he returned to him since the permanent job already stop. If you are confident enough that you can handle many clients as you can if you are doing your freelance then do so. But if you are not sure of the path in terms of freelancing then you may quit to your permanent job but make sure that you will transfer into another permanent job.
• United States
13 Jul 10
Jobs are so hard to come by these days, so I would advise that perhaps you continue your job and freelance on the weekends to see if you are really cut out for it and if you really like it. Than maybe you should get a part-time job and freelance some more. It is easier to get a job when you have it as oppose to getting a job when you don't. Good luck with your decision.
• United States
12 Jul 10
I've been unemployed for 1 year and I've been working on the Internet for the last four months. If you chose to quite your regular job here are somethings you need to know: 1) You must be more dedicated and push harder when you work from home. 2) You must first do research for legitimate jobs before you quite. 3) You must be able to stick it out even when the money doesn't seem to come in fast enough and you may become frustrated. 4) Read "Rich Dad Poor Dad". If you can do the first 3, then you're ready. The fourth is a suggestion that I would stress to you.
• China
13 Jul 10
It all depends on yourself. And which life do you want to live. If you want to get free, then I think you should quite your job and work for which you're interested in. Maybe there are many job offerings in the internet. But you should know, if you are worth working for these jobs. sometimes job has a great effect in your future.