Working Hard vs. Working Smart

There is a stark difference between working long hours and working efficiently. While "hard" work is essential for cultivating the value of self-discipline, hard work in itself is not enough to land you a freelancing stint in the real world. As a matter of fact, hard work is overrated. Here's why:

photo credit: Guy with Glasses

Potential clients prefer someone who can work smart. Multi-tasking, adapting to new roles and hitting targets efficiently are valued skills that will outshine the hardworking freelancer on any given day.

With the exception of hourly jobs, you will be gauged by your level of contribution to the business. If extra hours are all that you can bring in, then you're probably persevering but not capable enough to help your client succeed.

Fewer businesses today are willing to pay the full price for your time or your diligence. They expect you to maximize what you can do within a given time frame. Remember that you're not paid to just pass time away or to be on your best behavior. You're paid to deliver tangible output and services.

According to studies, the average human being can stay fully focused for a maximum of two hours only. Imagine how much several 15-minute breaks will add up to when you clock in for 12 hours straight. You are less productive and your client gets less value for hiring you. The next time you prepare to bid on projects, don't say that you are a hard worker. Market yourself as someone who knows how to work smart.*

Bulk Work - Should You Take it or Leave it?

Freelancing has its highs and lows. Job security is one aspect where holding a day job is more advantageous than a freelancing stint. 

During seasons where job projects are scarce, a number of freelancers find themselves in a dilemma to accept bulk work or not. Should you do it?

People who have had some success with online work say that going for the small fish might not be good for you. Here's why: 

1. The volume of work can be overwhelming. Unless you work in a team or plan to outsource the workload to a third party, a bulk project can burn you out. As a single provider, can you really churn out 100 articles in a month? Fewer hours of sleep, little or no time to pursue other interests, the increasing pressure to deliver well and on the dot -- For how long can you survive the pressure?

Why People Stick to Their Day Jobs

If freelancing pays so well, why do people stick to their day jobs? What things will you lose when you freelance?

Most people treat freelancing as a supplemental income source or a nice little sideline business.

However, as you may have noticed, the average day worker tends to complain all day about how his work sucks and yet he holds on to it. What's up with this mentality?

Regular Benefits

A day job offers immediate security.

When you're freelancing, you're on your own. You have to to work hard to secure your finances.

In the Philippines, there are a number of benefits that regulars enjoy upon employment. These include Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth membership.

Since contributions are remitted and taxes filed on their behalf by the Human Resources Department, the day workers enjoy the security of being members of good standing with these departments. Loan approvals and hospitalization refunds are noticeably easier to process too. (Note that freelancers can also be SSS, Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth members but they themselves must file the paperwork and remit contributions.)

Perhaps the two most valuable benefits are medical insurance (which may cover dependents) and 13th month annual pay equivalent to one full month's salary minus the taxes. This duo is what's keeping mommies and daddies in their day jobs. With kids to feed and send to school, there is nothing scarier than not having a regular source of income.