When you are thinking about a new career as a paralegal, there are a number of options which you can consider. You might decide that being a freelance paralegal is the way that you wish to pursue this field. You can begin by weighing the pros and cons of this exciting new way of working in the paralegal field; and you may decide that it is the best option for you.
If you are the type of person who is less than thrilled with the prospect of working in the same office, day after day, eliminating this form of routine is one of the most important highlights that you can receive from freelancing. When you hire yourself out as a freelancer, each and every job assignment that you take on will be a new adventure. Not only will the work environment vary, but you will also have the opportunity to meet many more interesting people. This factor alone is one of the main reasons why many paralegals prefer freelancing over committing themselves to one specific workplace.
Freelancing can also result in a big “plus” regarding your income. Instead of having to settle for the specific salary that is offered by the one law firm that you work, you have a great deal of leeway in setting your own pay rates. This factor can result in considerably more money for you.
When you elect to freelance, you will also be in charge of your own schedule. Instead of being bound to the nine-to-five work day of most law offices, both your daily schedule and your calendar as a whole will be largely up to you. Whether you need to take time off, or whether you wish to take on a heavier workload, freelancing will meet your needs.
There are, of course, some negative points to freelancing. One important point is that if you work as a freelance paralegal you will not be eligible for the types of benefits that you would have in working for a law firm or a private attorney. If you feel that such “perks” as general health insurance and other such benefits are essential, freelancing will not give you these benefits.
If job security is high on your list of priorities, this is another factor that is not provided by freelancing. Many people need to be assured of steady income, at a rate that they can count on, in order to keep their bills and everyday living expenses up to date. Freelancing will not provide the job and income security that you would have from being on the staff of a law firm.
In order to be successful with freelancing, it is necessary to be self-disciplined, motivated, and organized. If you elect to take the route of freelancing, you will need to be able to seek and obtain prospective jobs, be very effective in scheduling your time, and have good math skills for the purpose of billing and taxes.
Working as a freelance paralegal has factors in its favor, and factors that are negative to some people. If a sense of adventure and excitement in your work life is what would suit you the best, freelancing could be a great option for you!
