Leaving the secure harbour of full-time employment and embarking on IT freelancing takes a fair amount of courage, and it’s also not easy to overcome fears that often stem from misconceptions about how IT freelancing really works. But the amount of freelancers is growing all over the world. According to Forbes, the global growth curve began to accelerate after the Covid pandemic. We compiled the five most common myths about IT freelancing that we encounter at TITANS, along with arguments why you shouldn’t let them stop you on your way to becoming a freelancer. Us Titans root for and support freelancers; we see them as modern superheroes of the IT world. 

Myth No 1: Freelancing is financially unstable 

Many IT specialists fear that they won’t have a stable income as freelancers. Although the regularity of income may not be as predictable in freelancing as in full-time employment, many IT experts build a steady clientele over time. This leads to a stable and often higher income than traditional jobs offer.  

Tip from the Titans: As a freelancer, you should build your financial stability on three pillars. Network effectively, take care of your reputation and manage your finances smartly.  

Myth No 2: As a freelancer you will work alone and remain isolated

While IT freelancing can mean more independent work, it doesn’t necessarily mean isolation. Freelancers often work with different teams and clients on multiple projects. And there are many community spaces and online forums where IT professionals can find support, collaboration and social contact.  

On the other hand, many freelance IT specialists appreciate and even seek out a certain degree of isolation in full remote mode. The best practice of our clients shows that it pays to give everyone as much space as they need while keeping at least a minimum level of participation in team activities. This way even the expert working on the project knows that he is part of the team. 

Tip from the Titans: If you’re missing social contact, be active, get involved in communities and find out how things work. IT people are known for their willingness to share their know-how, and you can do the same.  

Myth No 3: Freelancers have less opportunity for professional growth 

Quite the contrary! IT freelancing can surprisingly offer you a wider range of learning and professional growth opportunities than traditional employment. Freelancers encounter diverse projects and technologies, which motivates them to faster and richer professional development. There are so many platforms, communities, and apps where they can learn new things, and they often have more control over the projects they accept and therefore the skills they want to develop. 

Tip from the Titans: Take time regularly to educate yourself from the start. All you need are small steps to keep you at the top of your industry. 

Myth No 4: It’s hard for an IT freelancer to get enough interesting projects  

Although it may be challenging initially, once you build your network of clients and your reputation as an IT freelancer, the number of offers that come your way will start to increase. This is where a recruitment agency can help you. If it knows you well, it has a rich network of relationships with companies and it provides quality services, it can help you get the attractive jobs you are looking for.

Tip from the Titans: Are you struggling to find an IT project that excites you and pays well? Let us know. TITANS is here for you; we know that if you’re good at something, we will always find a client for you! 

Myth No 5: Freelance IT projects don’t offer any employee benefits

While it’s true that IT freelancers have to take pay their own insurance and they don’t get paid holidays, etc., most of the good ones can afford to factor this into their rates and cover their costs with ease.

Tip from the Titans: Remind yourself from time to time why you started freelancing, and calculate everything – apart from finances – that it gives you, including innumerable items like free time, 100% power to veto projects and people you don’t want in your life, and the freedom to have your life in your hands.  

IT freelancing requires courage and commitment to constant personal and professional growth. It’s not a path for everyone, but if you keep on it and don’t give up, it can offer a lot of inspiration, freedom and ultimately financial independence.

And projects? You don’t have to worry about those! TITANS is happy to arrange the first, second, third… and even the hundredth one. Just tell us what you enjoy the most, what you can do and where you want to grow and leave the rest to us. You can start with currently open projects on our website or with a quick registration.