From Arthur Conan Doyle's ‘Sherlock Holmes’ to Satyajit Ray's ‘Feluda’, freelancing has always been famous in the world of fiction because it can provide a person with the power of self-employment. On the other hand, full-time jobs bring forth security. Hence, like Anjan Dutt's song, while dialing 2441139, one can only assure Bela Bose's parents with the news of getting a full-time job.
For some people, in the case of choosing between full-time and freelance, "To be free, or not to be free, that becomes the question." Sadman Shaid Saad is a pursuer of digital nomad life in the future. He is a free spirit currently studying in the Department of English at Jahangirnagar University. For him, rather than the boundaries of corporate life, the freedom of freelancing seems more appealing.
Saad explained, "I understand the desire to avoid payment inconsistencies that might come with being a freelancer. However, the so-called consistency of corporate life might deprive you of the joy of enjoying life." He would rather choose to be at liberty as a freelancer than be a corporate slave even if it comes at the expense of getting paid less.
Another student of Jahangirnagar University's Department of English, Tasnova Tasnim, however, provides an opposing opinion. She stated that between full-time employment and freelancing, she would choose the former in a heartbeat. Tasnova said, "Freelancing allows you to be free from the tight time constraint of full-time employment. Nonetheless, from my perspective, full-time employees get to enjoy social security, payment consistency, mental satisfaction, and so on." The almost seemingly inevitable instability of freelancing makes it harder to enjoy it properly.
Full-time employment does not always mean strict corporate jobs. Freelancing does not necessarily mean all sunshine and happiness as well. Taqi Yasir Shaan, a full-time WFH (work from home) freelancer, shared his insights on the misconceptions regarding full-time and freelancing. He explained that as everyone knows the popular form of full-time is nine to five corporate jobs. However, they can be freelance jobs as well. Part-time jobs can be regulated employment.
Moreover, Taqi added that freelancing can be contractual or project-based. He then proceeded to explain that full-time jobs can sometimes offer WFH (work from home) as part-time jobs as well. For example, big corporate companies like Unilever can employ a smaller group only for their campaign activation. From his perspective, "WFH brings forth comfort with proper financial support. However, there is no space for growth or creativity making it monotonous." Corporate jobs can provide a person with the mental satisfaction of being promoted. Nonetheless, they can be monotonous as well.
Without the opportunity of freelancing, students probably would have to go broke. On the other hand, in the past, as the students grew up they tended to seek consistency and social security. However, after the pandemic, this has changed. According to Fiverr, an online marketplace for freelancers, employing freelancers has become the 'new normal'.
Meshkatul Abir, a junior of Jahangirnagar University studying in the English department, explained how full-time employment and freelance each have a characteristic that the other one lacks. While the first one gives a specific routine the other one provides flexibility. He then emphasises the importance of security of having full-time employment.
From Meshkatul's personal experience, freelance provided him with the comfort of choosing his work hours and work conditions. This type of job took him to different locations providing the opportunity to connect with diverse people. Hence, he stated, "Freelancing seems more appealing now. However, I think in the future this preference would lean more towards having full-time employment."
Choosing full-time employment or freelancing hardly depends on the benefits or disadvantages that come with them. This employment decision rather varies depending on a person's perspective and desire from life. It solely depends on the person. To hide the identity of being a freelance superhero, even Superman had a stable job. Hence, there is no definite right choice.
Jannatul Ferdous Anan is a
student at the Department of English at Jahangirnagar University.
jafeanan@gmail.com