Freelancer vs. Agency Developer: Which Path Is Best for You?

As a web developer, your skills are in high demand in today’s job market. More companies are making e-commerce and mobile marketing a priority, and it’s creating an abundance of work opportunities. However, the more career options you have, the more difficult it can be to decide which is right for you. Two of the most common paths taken by web developers are freelancing and working for an agency. Both can be beneficial for advancing your career, but there are also some pitfalls to look out for with either option. The good news is that, if you’re unsure which is the better choice, a little research can offer a lot of clarity. In this post, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of both freelance and agency development. We’ll also talk about what types of developers are best suited for each role. Let’s get started! Working as a Freelance Web Developer An increasing number of people are abandoning the traditional nine-to-five, salaried job structure to join the gig economy. According to an Upwork survey, the number of freelancers in the U.S. has increased by nearly four million since 2014, and nearly one-third of Americans freelanced in 2018. Many people are drawn to the idea of being self-employed. However, freelancing isn’t without its challenges. Let’s take a look at both the advantages and disadvantages involved. The Pros of Being a Freelancer One of the greatest advantages of freelancing is the freedom and flexibility it affords. You get to set your own rates, make your own schedule, and exercise greater control over your workload. Ultimately, this enables you to create a work-life balance that is structured to your liking. Some developers enjoy working at night or early in the morning, whenever they’re most productive. Freelancing grants you the opportunity to create a schedule that fits your natural tendencies. Plus, as a freelancer, you’re able to work from anywhere you want, whether that’s on a beach or on your couch. Since development skills are in such high demand, you can also be selective as a freelancer, and choose the projects that interest you the most. Plus, you’ll typically have more direct involvement with clients and can take some creative liberties with your role. Finally, most freelance developers are able to set their prices higher than what they’d earn as employees doing the same work. Plus, as independent contractors, freelancers can deduct work-related expenses from their taxes. The Cons of Freelance Development As a web development freelancer, you aren’t working for a business – you are the business . Many people underestimate the difficulty involved in that, especially when they’re first starting out. Without the established structure and overhead of a business, you’re forced to wear many hats. You’re not just a web developer; you’re also in charge of customer support, marketing, accounting, sales, etc. It’s not uncommon for a freelance web developer to find that they’re spending less time on programming and projects they enjoy, and more time on managing administrative responsibilities. In […]

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