10 Advantages To Becoming an eLearning Freelancer

Why Becoming an eLearning Freelancer May Be a Good Idea

Starting out on your own and becoming an eLearning freelancer may be one of the most difficult decisions in your career. After all, it does come with its fair share of risks. Lack of consistent income, more responsibilities, and the absence of company benefits are just some of the drawbacks that need to be considered. However, as is the case with any rewarding pursuit in life, the advantages of following the eLearning freelancing path may be well worth the risk involved.

1. Complete control over the eLearning projects you take on.
   One of the most significant eLearning freelancer advantages is that you have 100% control over which eLearning projects you accept and which you decline. If there is a particular client who you don't necessarily enjoy working with (my personal advice is to introduce this client to your competitor) or an eLearning project that you feel is going to occupy too much of your time to complete or it is out of your scope, then you can simply turn it down. As a freelancer, you are the only one who has the final say when it comes to taking over eLearning projects and clients.
2. Work wherever you choose.
   As an eLearning freelancer, you aren't confined to an office or any physical location. You can work wherever you like, even in your own home. If you're tired of being stuck in a cubicle or of sharing an office space with chatty co-workers, becoming an eLearning freelancer can give you the opportunity to work on-the-go or in any other environment that fuels your creativity.
3. Writing your own paycheck.
   While many may hesitate to become an eLearning freelancer due to the lack of a steady and secure income, the fact is that you do have the potential to write your own paycheck when you strike out on your own. If you want to earn more, you can take on higher paying projects or more clients. This means that the only thing capping your profits as an eLearning freelancer is the limitation that you place upon yourself. You have the power to make a good living if you have determination, dedication, and a strong work ethic (and, of course, the eLearning skills and experience that it takes to become successful).
4. Higher quality deliverables.
   You are the only one accountable for the eLearning projects you complete, which means that you are going to spend a great deal of time to ensure that they are done properly. As such, you're probably going to produce higher quality deliverables, which will lead to more work in the future and increased client satisfaction rates. You can even add these exceptional eLearning projects to your portfolio, making it easier to gain credibility and respect in the eLearning industry.
5. Have the power to create your own work schedule.
   You can create your own work hours. If you want to take a day off or stop working early, then you are free to do so. Due to the fact that you are the one who determines your own level of productivity, you could always accomplish more in less time and give yourself some much deserved time with family and friends.
6. Increased work flexibility (especially if the unexpected should happen).
   If an emergency comes up, such as a sudden illness or a family issue, you have the flexibility to make room in your schedule for the unexpected. On the other hand, if you were working for an eLearning consultancy firm or development company, you would probably not be afforded the same luxury, in most cases.
7. Build new professional relationships that may lead to new opportunities.
   You have the opportunity to network and to build profitable relationships with other eLearning professionals. This may lead to new opportunities that allow you to diversify and gain experience within the eLearning industry. For instance, if you have only worked on private eLearning projects, a contact may know about an eLearning project in the corporate training sector that would enable you to expand your professional knowledge base.
8. Gain the ability to learn new skills.
   Taking on new eLearning projects would, inevitably, lead to new eLearning skill development. Not to mention that each and every eLearning project you work on provides you with a chance to fine tune the basic skills of instructional design and eLearning development. Every project helps you to become a more effective eLearning professional. Because you are independent, you are responsible for every aspect of the eLearning project, so you may be exploring new skill sets on a regular basis. For instance, you might have to deal with budgeting, even though never had to handle business finances before.
9. No conflicts with co-workers.
   eLearning freelancing removes co-workers from the equation, which is a big advantage for those who work best on their own or don't want to deal with office politics. You won't have to argue with co-workers about a particular eLearning project or have conflicts with a colleague who may be inadvertently rude or offensive.
10. You're your own boss.
    When you're an eLearning freelancer, you are not accountable to anyone but yourself. While this may be a double-edged sword (given that you are responsible for every aspect of your business, even the challenging ones), it's a big advantage for eLearning professionals who want to be in charge of their own professional pursuits. You are in control of your schedule, your profits, and the clients you work with on a regular basis. You have the freedom to set your own professional goals and to work toward achieving them on your own terms.

There are a variety of eLearning freelancer advantages, but choosing to strike out on your own is a personal and professional decision that involves a number of factors. You really need to take the time and do your own research to find out if it's the ideal option for you. With that being said, becoming an eLearning freelancer may lead to a highly rewarding and lucrative career, if you're willing to put in the hours and dedication that it requires.

Last but  not least you may find valuable the following articles:

• 8 Top Tips for Setting an eLearning Start-up Company
  The demand for eLearning services is pushing many eLearning freelancers to setup their own eLearning Start-up company. Despite of their eLearning expertise, new eLearning start-up CEOs should be aware that their job role is no more confined to that of a CTO or a CLO in an organization. Knowing and dominating your eLearning niches, having specialized eLearning services and tools is not just enough for creating a successful eLearning start-up. Long-term growth and profitability is well managed when you follow certain tips.
• eLearning Job Market Research Report
  The eLearning Industry Paradox: Unprecedented eLearning Industry Growth and a Plethora of eLearning Jobs, But Many Instructional Designers Feel Left Out.
• The Role of an Instructional Designer as Project Manager 
  Managing e-Learning Projects is extremely important for successful e-Learning course design. This article is the second in a series about e-Learning Project Management. Check it out and learn about the role of an instructional designer as project manager.
• Top 10 Instructional Designer Skills
  All jobs require a certain set of talents and skills, whether natural or acquired. But what skills does an instructional designer need in order to be successful and stand out? Check out the following comprehensive list and bear in mind that it can be expanded depending on the course, its scope and the audience.
• How To Get A Job As An Instructional Designer 
  Getting into instructional design is a very desirable career choice at present, and so many people want to get into it but are often not sure where to start. What skills do Instructional Designers need? What will the hiring manager or interviewer be looking for?