Working as UX designer in a company full-time versus freelancing

There are pros and cons to both full-time work and freelance work as a UX designer. In this post, we’ll explore some of the key considerations to keep in mind when making your decision.

Advantages of being freelance

Freelance life has a lot of advantages. You get to be your own boss, set your own hours, and take on as many or as few clients as you want – and, since you’re not tied to one company, you can pick and choose the projects that interest you the most. Another advantage of freelance work is that it can be a great way to get your foot in the door at a company you want to work for where potentially you can land a full-time job after working on a freelance basis.

• You’re your own boss.
• Set your own hours.
• You have the potential to make more money.
• Work from anywhere.
• Have more control over the projects you take on.
• Build your own process.
• Craft your own career path.

Disadvantages of being freelance

Of course, freelance work isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. One of the biggest disadvantages is the lack of stability. When you’re a freelancer, you never know when your next project is going to come in, which can make it difficult to plan for the month ahead. Freelance work can also be isolating, since you don’t have the built-in social network that comes with a full-time job.

• No regular pay check.
• At times you may have to work irregular hours.
• Potentially sacrifice your personal life for work.
• You may struggle and have to hustle to find new clients.
• Dealing with difficult clients.
• Isolation, if you’re used to working in a team in an office

Advantages of being full-time

A full-time job as a UX designer has a lot of advantages. For starters, you have the stability of a regular income and the opportunity to build long-term relationships with both clients and co-workers. You’re also more likely to have access to benefits like health insurance and paid vacation days. Also, if you work for a large company, you may have the opportunity to work on high-profile projects with a large team.

• A regular pay check.
• Build long-term relationships with clients and coworkers.
• You may have more job security.
• Company benefits and holiday pay.
• You can take advantage of company resources.

Disadvantages of being full-time

There are also some downsides to being a full-time UX designer. One potential downside is that you may get stuck in a rut and end up doing the same thing day after day. Another downside is that it can be inflexible if you have other commitments outside of work, like caring for a family member or taking care of your health.

• Less control over your projects.
• You may have to work on projects you’re not interested in.
• Working with people you don’t get along with.
• Your hours are set by someone else.
• Timely commutes.
• Your pay is capped.

So, which is better? Freelance or full-time?

There’s no easy answer to this question. It depends on your individual circumstances and what you’re looking for in a job. If you value stability and benefits, then a full-time job may be the better option. If you’re looking for more flexibility and the opportunity to take on interesting projects, then freelance work may be the way to go.

How do I choose?

There are a few things to consider if you’re trying to decide whether freelance or full-time work is right for you.

• Do you prefer the flexibility of setting your own hours?
• Are you comfortable with the potential for irregular pay, or do you prefer the predictability of a full-time salary?
• If you prefer stability, a full-time position may be better suited for you
• If you’re looking for more flexibility, freelance work could be the way to go
• Are you interested in being your own boss or working within a team environment?
• Do you want to work on a variety of projects, or build long-term relationships with clients?
• Consider your lifestyle and what you value most in a job

Final thoughts

If you’re still not sure, there’s no harm in trying out freelance and seeing how it goes. For me, I like change and unpredictability that seems to fulfil more excitement in what I do, but there’s nothing stopping you going back to full tine if it doesn’t feel right. No matter which route you choose, there are both advantages and disadvantages to each – the important thing is to figure out what’s right for you and your career.