Freelancer: Working Independently by Selling Your Expertise
Freelancer or independent contractor: a person who generally offers a service or skill and works at their own chosen hours. They are often found in fields such as graphic design, software development, translation, content creation, and social media management. Freelancers are their own bosses, but their work is also directly dependent on the client.
Advantages:
- Flexible working hours
- Opportunity to earn income quickly
- Low risk and low start-up costs
- Skill-based advancement
Disadvantages:
- The constant need to find clients
- Income instability
- Difficulty managing time as the workload increases
- The need to handle your own insurance and financial management
Freelancing is a quick start, especially for high school and college students who have a specific skill and can sell that skill directly. However, its long-term growth potential may be limited.
Entrepreneur: The Person Who Turns an Idea into a System
Entrepreneur is someone who develops a business idea and turns it into a product or service and then into a business. Entrepreneurship is not just about making money, but also about solving a problem and responding to a need. Entrepreneurs do not work individually like freelancers, but move forward by building teams and developing systems.
Advantages:
- High growth potential
- Developing a collaborative culture by building a team
- Ability to scale ideas and systems
- Expanding your sphere of influence and gaining leadership skills
Disadvantages:
- High risk and greater time investment
- Possibility of not generating income initially
- Requirement for capital, strategy, and leadership
- Need to face the possibility of failure
Entrepreneurship requires patience, strategy, and leadership as much as imagination. Therefore, every entrepreneur can become a freelancer, but not every freelancer is an entrepreneur.
Know Yourself: Which Path is Right for You?
Here are some questions to help you decide:
Question
I’m really good at a certain skill and can market it right away.
If your answer is “Yes”…
Freelancing might be right for you.
I want to grow my own business, work with people, and establish a system.
If your answer is “Yes”…
Entrepreneurship may be the right choice for you.
I want to generate income in the short term.
If your answer is “Yes”…
Freelancing may yield faster results.
I like to take risks and think big.
If your answer is “Yes”…
You have an entrepreneurial spirit.
I want to work independently, but starting a business is too much for me.
If your answer is “Yes”…
Being a freelancer is more practical for you.
Is it possible to start as an entrepreneur and become a freelancer?
Absolutely! These paths are not contradictory; on the contrary, they can be complementary experiences. There are many young entrepreneurs who started as freelancers and eventually established their own businesses. The important thing is to recognize your own potential and chart your course accordingly.
Conclusion: The Path is Yours, the Decision is Yours
High school years are invaluable for discovering yourself and testing your talents. Whether taking small steps as a freelancer or pursuing a big goal with a business idea, anything is possible. Remember, every journey begins with a single step. Whether you work freelance or start a business, what matters is creating, learning, and growing.
So which one are you? An entrepreneur or a freelancer? Maybe both…
As the High School Entrepreneurs Club, we support young people who want to pursue both paths and stand by anyone who dares to create. If you’re ready to embark on a new journey, we’re waiting for you at our club!
