The pros and cons of being a freelancer

Being outside and working in the fresh air

I love being outside and it definitely helps with my mental health. We all know that the winters can be hard work and feel long, but I am very well equipped to ensure I am comfortable in the English weather.

Working with horses and dogs

Horses and dogs are two of my passions so getting to combine my love for them into a career is brilliant. I find that working with animals is so rewarding. I love that I get a wonderful greeting in the mornings from the horses who are ready to go out. Nothing beats the affection you get back from the animals you look after.

Having amazing clients

I am so lucky to work for amazing clients and on really lovely yards. I now count many of my clients as friends and I love that my job brings amazing people to my life.

Working in comfy clothes

Once you have had an office job you really appreciate that this is a real bonus! I always like to look smart for my clients but it’s amazing that I can wear jeans, leggings, a t shirt and/or a hoody and no one judges what I look like. 
I don’t need to iron my blouse and do my hair and make-up before leaving the house and I love being in comfortable clothes all day!

Managing my diary

I get to set my own hours, chose my days off, set my own hourly rate and I don’t need to ‘ask’ for time off. I love the freedom and flexibility that being a freelance brings, although sometimes I find it hard to say no (as you will see below if you carry on reading)!

Making sure my finances are organised

Being self-employed I invoice my clients for the work I have done but this means that clients are paying different amounts into my bank at different times. Without a good accounting system it can be hard to keep on top of this and make sure payments are in the bank so that my own bills are paid in time. I get a bit anxious if something is late being paid.

When a horse/dog gets injured in your care

It’s bound to happen and it’s very common. Whether it’s a small cut, or colic, it still makes me feel awful if it happens on my watch. 
I always inform the client whatever the injury/illness is (small or large) and advise what steps I have taken and ask if they like me to do anything in the meantime. They are animals and they will get hurt but doesn’t make it any easier.

Making sure I have time off

Now this my own biggest down fall. I find it very hard to say no to work! 
At the time, I think it can do it, and I do, but I then sacrifice having time off. I am getting better at making sure have time off, but I still find it hard. I aim to help and please everyone!

As a freelance it’s important to understand that if you don’t work you don’t get paid, so you need to budget for this to allow yourself time off and holidays.

It’s the same if you get injured – you won’t receive any government support (Statutory Sick Pay), which is why I think it’s crucial to have personal accident insurance. I get mine through the BGA which gives me that extra peace of mind to know that should anything happen I will still be able to pay my own bills.