You've walked across that stage and received your hard-earned diploma. But now what? For many graduates, the traditional "next step" is to dive into the job hunt and secure an entry-level role at an established company.
However, there are two alternative career paths gaining major traction that are worth considering: freelancing and remote corporate work. These non-traditional approaches allow you to forgo the typical office grind, at least initially.
Freelancing means you operate as an independent contractor, taking on different projects for various clients. Remote work involves securing a permanent position with a company, but carrying out your duties from home or anywhere outside a physical office.
Before dismissing either option, hear us out. Both freelancing and remote roles are increasingly common and provide experiences that traditional employment can't match for new grads.
The Freelance Route: Be Your Own Boss
Freelancing means you are self-employed rather than working for a single employer. You take on short-term projects or tasks for different clients, handling your own billing, taxes, etc. Some common freelance roles are:
- Writing, design, marketing, web development
- Virtual assistance, tutoring, online task work
- Gig work like rideshare driving or online sales
The variety of freelance work across industries is one of the biggest appeals. But what are some other key benefits?
Freelance Benefit #1: Ultimate Schedule Flexibility - You call the shots on when and where you work. Sleep in, work unconventional hours, become a digital nomad.
Freelance Benefit #2: Explore Diverse Paths - Use it as a way to "try on" different roles, industries, and types of work to discover your true passions before committing long-term.
Freelance Benefit #3: Quickly Gain Experience - Build up a portfolio of hands-on work spanning different skills, clients, and projects - making you more competitive when you do look for permanent roles.
Freelance Benefit #4: Become a Self-Starter - Out of necessity, you'll gain entrepreneurial skills like self-motivation, taking initiative, problem-solving, and hustling.
Freelance Benefit #5: Earn While Traveling/Studying - Bring in income while taking time off to travel, pursue further education, or get additional credentials under your belt.
The Corporate Remote Route: Freedom While Employed
In contrast to freelancing, remote corporate work involves securing an employment contract with an established company. Except instead of going into a physical office each day, you carry out your duties entirely from home, a coffee shop, or wherever you please.
Common examples of remote corporate roles include:
- IT support, administrative assistance
- Customer service, sales
- Data entry, accounting
- Marketing, writing, design
While you may not have the same level of schedule flexibility as freelancing, remote corporate work provides a huge perk: maintaining employment benefits while shedding the office lifestyle.
Remote Work Benefit #1: No Commuting - There's no driving through traffic or transit delays - you just roll out of bed and get to work. Major time saver!
Remote Work Benefit #2: Flexibility for Your Life - Need to run an errand, work out during lunch, or be home for a repair person? Not an issue when working remotely. You have more flexibility to build in your life necessities.
Remote Work Benefit #3: Increased - Productivity Studies show remote workers are often more productive and focused without the distractions of a busy office.
Remote Work Benefit #4: Employment Security - Unlike freelancing's unpredictable project-based income, remote employees receive steady paychecks and benefits from their employers.
Remote Work Benefit #5: Earn From Anywhere - Similar to freelancing, you can often work from wherever as long as you have a laptop and internet connection - a perk for grads seeking travel experiences.
Those are some of the biggest benefits that come with freelancing vs. remote corporate roles right out of college. But neither path is perfect:
Potential Downsides to Weigh:
Freelancing
- Income unpredictability, no benefits, taxes
- Social isolation without a workplace
- Frequent "hustle" for your next gig
Remote Work
- Risk of being seen as less dedicated
- Lack of face-time for developing relationships
- Cabin fever from being home too much
Whether freelancing or going full-time remote is the right choice depends on your goals, desired experiences, work ethic, and income needs after college.
Freelancing or going remote right after graduation isn't for everyone. But it's an amazing way to change of pace from the typical 9-to-5 office routine. They're viable ways to control your lifestyle while kickstarting your career in a non-traditional way.
So be sure to at least weigh this non-traditional route as a viable option alongside those conventional job opportunities coming out of school. Freelancing and remote work might just be the perfect bridge to launch your career while still letting you spread your wings.