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Does freelancing really grant a higher level of freedom, or is it actually frightening? The answer can go both ways, but the scale tips towards freedom here in Austin, TX. Freelancing is on the rise, and will soon become the norm in many tech industries. Increased technology and a shift in career priorities by younger millennials have been huge factors in the booming freelance phenomenon. Harvard Business Review recently called this phenomenon "The Rise of the Supertemp" highlighting the growing number of high-caliber professionals turning to independent work. 

Although there are downfalls to freelancing – inconsistent cash flow, increased responsibility, and the necessity to find your own work over and over again, the current trend suggests that the benefits outweigh these downfalls. With the increasing amount of traffic, hipster vibes, and the tech-infused workforce of Austin, remote freelance work will be the future.

Here are 9 reasons to stretch your creative box and jump into the freelance market in Austin: 

1) Demand is higher than ever 

2) Austin ranks #4 in terms of freelance desirability 

In a study by Nerdwallet, Austin ranked number four in the USA in terms of most desirable US cities for freelancers. The study considered three factors: presence of other successful freelancers in the city, affordability and availability of financially viable health insurance. In addition to the temperate climate, the growing number of meet-ups, co-working spaces, networking events, and really great coffee shops is incredibly conducive to the freelance environment.  

3) It provides choice 

The freedom of freelancing is one of the most attractive draws because it gives you an internal locus of control. You get to decide how many projects you work on, when you work, and in what environment. 

I recently sat down with Hillary Fisher, an experienced freelance mobile designer who was recently named one of the Top 50 Female UI/UX designers in Austin by RecruitLoop. Hillary does most of her work from home because she loves the ability to control her environment. She explained, "I can control lighting, noise, and music to get more work done without the distractions of a normal workplace. I also love the choice of being involved with different projects and types of design. One day I am working on an edgy website design, and the next I am doing a wireframe or bug check against an enterprise (think Dell) style app." Work style is a personal preference, and freelancing provides the freedom of choice in all aspects of work, including environment. 

4) The start-up scene is hot and freelancers are needed to scale 

The start-up scene in Austin is absolutely booming. With company incubators, such as Capital Factory and Wework, the investments and funding are rolling in. According to the Annual Report by builtinaustin, over 147 local companies raised over $966 million in funding with 45 exits, and $3.92 billion in exits thanks to Homeaway's Acquisition by Expedia. 

5) It is an opportunity to diversify your portfolio 

Everyone gets run down, especially with meetings, board rooms, and the typical 9-5. Freelancing throws the monotony of a 9-5 out the window, and opens up your creative portfolio by exposing you to different types of projects, companies, and networks. It is an opportunity to:

• Gain new knowledge working on diverse projects
• Find new inspiration 
• Expand your knowledge base 
• Become a SME (subject matter expert) in a new area

6) Allows you to reap the benefits of a 'side-hustle' 

Many local Austin creatives have full time jobs but keep their eyes peeled for freelance design or creative work that is out of their 'usual work box.' For example, Alexis Kraus, a local Digital Content Specialist works full time for the hip and swanky Monkee-Boy Design firm in a strategic and data-driven role, yet she jumps at freelance opportunities that are outside her usual work scope, and prefers to stretch her creative thinking cap in print and logo work. Freelancing allows you to stretch your brain, earn extra income, and gain valuable experience on the side! 

7) New platforms are readily available to ease the job hunt  

There are infinitely more ways to connect with potential employers and projects than ever before. New apps emerge daily, and recruiting and contract service companies now specialize in matching talent to specific verticals, roles, and company cultures making it easy to find your fit.

8) There is a co-working space for everybody

9) Employers go where the talent is