ST HeadSTart: Working as a freelancer – is it worth it?

‘I’m not building someone else’s dream’

Welcome to the latest edition of ST HeadSTart, bringing you the best of The Straits Times’ career and personal finance coverage every Tuesday noon. Sign up here to get weekly tips right into your inbox.


Hi there. It’s Prisca, bringing you this week’s edition of HeadSTart. 

Freelancing is quite common in my industry, and while I like my job, I’ve sometimes wondered if being my own boss will be an ideal career path instead. The flexibility that comes with being a freelancer is certainly appealing, but I’m not sure if I can live with worrying about when the next pay cheque will arrive. 

It’s great to know that several freelancers whom my colleague Teo Kai Xiang spoke to have no regrets. A couple of them left their corporate jobs to be self-employed, for reasons such as better work-life balance and giving their all to ventures they find rewarding. 

However, their journey has not been a bed of roses. A top concern is the lack of protection and benefits compared with someone in full-time employment. If you’re thinking about striking out on your own, this one’s for you. 

Are you a freelancer, and how do you cope with the challenges it brings? Tell me more at headstart@sph.com.sg and have a good week ahead!

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