When it comes to freelancing or becoming self-employed, the pros and cons of working for yourself will be argued over ad nauseam. There are real downsides, including the prevalence of stress amongst freelancers. However, for some, the argument is settled by one factor above all else: the idea of working for an employer vs. working for clients. Some people might not see the difference, so we’re going to go into the indisputable reasons that having a client base is much better than having a boss.

Pic by missavanna

You can set your own terms

When you decide to offer your services out to the market, you get to set the price. There will undoubtedly be clients who want to try and find some wiggle room or get you to provide extra services, but it’s up to you at the end of the day.

They don’t have all the power

Employers and clients both pay you. Legally, they are obligated to. But employers are a lot more likely to flaunt those obligations, even unintentionally, in little ways that end up costing you. When you’re paid late, it could mean you have to spend using credit, in which case you end up losing more money in the end. To anyone caught in that cycle, finding a personal attorney for wage theft is an easy recommendation. Late invoice payments are a concern for some freelancers/self-employed business owners, but the client doesn’t have all the power in that relationship. The contract does, and it’s riskier for them to try to ignore it than to simply eat the costs.

You can say no

If a client tries to take control of how much you get paid and which services you offer or they have failed to pay on time in the past? You can simply say no to them. You might be hesitant to say no to a client in your early days, but don’t just think of it as turning down money. Think of it as not choosing to spend your time on a less profitable income source that gives you more trouble. Other clients will come.

It’s your methodology

Similarly, clients can’t tell you how to work, where to work, how to dress or make any of the other demands that employers can. You should try to work in a way that makes sure you deliver what you promise, but how exactly you get to that conclusion is up to you.

It’s all about value

To clients, you aren’t just another employee. You are a professional service provider, so long as you get your branding right. In real terms, that means you are genuinely more likely to feel more valued by a client than by the average employer.

Freelancers and the self-employed have to consider the wants and needs of their clients seriously at all times. However, they are not beholden to them. If you want to guarantee yourself fair relationships with a little more power on your side, you’re a lot more likely to get with clients than employers.