Infinite MonkeysI got a problem. So for the past few months I've been freelancing at a daily newspaper. I've enjoyed it a lot. The people are great yada yada yada....
The boss told me today that he'd like to put me on staff. Now you're probably saying, "What's the problem? Take the job."
Well the thing is, I'm not sure if I want to. Part of me feels I can do better as a freelancer. And I like the idea of feeling like I'm business for myself rather than being an employee.
I'll admit, not having all of the benefits and the safety net stuff of a vested employee might seem scary. And I guess I'd be giving up fools money by not being official and particip But the moment I become an employee, I lose something. Namely money.
Most of the benefits that the company I can provide for myself. Health insurance, disability insurance, and life insurance.
Also, operating as a business, I can lower my tax bill significantly. Writing off the rent for my work space, health insurance, business expenses all of that stuff.
Anyhow, I'd be curious to hear what any of you think.
Tough choice. For me it would be easy, but I don't have the guts not to have a retirement safety net, or to walk away from the one I have now. The downside of security is that, over the years, you may feel trapped by need to maintain that sense of security. If you can plan and provide a retirement and some sort of financial security as a feelancer (especially if you bring in more $$$ as your own business), then maybe there is no need to take the job.
It sounds like the only real plus is job security? But is being an at-will employee, versus being your own boss really "security"?
But most important of all, would you still be able to blog? (Not like that other guy.)
Posted by: JamesPh. at December 29, 2004 09:28 PMI'd consult an attorney about the benefits/disadvantages of freelance, contract, and regular hire.
Posted by: The Yell at December 29, 2004 10:28 PMI faced a similar decision last April, and went ahead and let my freelance client hire me.
If I had a chance to do it over again, I wouldn't have.
Posted by: Drew at December 29, 2004 10:36 PM1. Take the job.
2. Work for six months.
3. Fake an injury.
4. Become "too disabled to work".
5. Get monthy disability payments from Uncle Sucker.
6. Go back to freelancing under a cool fake name, like Erich Von Writerguy.
7. Spend the disability money on ice cream, strippers and really nice hats.
Posted by: Mumblix Grumph at December 30, 2004 03:54 AMWhat he said!!!
Posted by: JamesPh. at December 30, 2004 10:06 AMWhat's the going rate for a soul in your environs?
P.S. Hugh is way cool...Daddio!
Posted by: Dante at December 30, 2004 11:24 AMWhat's the going rate for a soul in your environs?
P.S. Hugh is way cool...Daddio!
Posted by: Dante at December 30, 2004 11:24 AMIts difficult to advise without knowing some facts. What is the difference in salary and your free-lance income? What paper is it? The Daily Shopper or one that helps on the resume? It looks a lot different when you are young but a fifty something freelancer with no stable employment history could have some problems getting hired in any capacity. Good luck I could never freelance and had a lot of admiration for the free souls that did.
Posted by: Guy Blaisdell at December 30, 2004 03:07 PMI don't want to tell tales out of school, but it's a major metropolitan daily owned by a pillar of the right-wing conspiracy, based on the east coast, with three chief competitors, one of which is old and gray and supposedly a lady.
Posted by: Ex-Monkey Ben at December 30, 2004 04:11 PMThat's a tricky one.
I am also "The Boss" of a one-person company. I've been tempted to take a regular job with one of my contract companies but I can't get past the perks of this one.
1) NO office politics.
2) I don't teach things I hate (I'm an applications instructor).
3) Never having to ask for time off.
4) I won't fire me. (love that in a boss)
Look at the money vs. the freedom. Which one are you willing to sacrifice for the other?
just a thought :)
Posted by: Kirsten at January 2, 2005 04:56 PM