It’s no surprise that freelancing is becoming an increasingly attractive career choice for women in tech. Development in technology, including access to video conferencing and shared drives, has enabled remote working and collaboration. And with the demand for tech expertise growing, more companies are looking for freelancers as a critical part of their talent strategy.
Recent research by COMATCH (A Malt Company) also suggests that 70% of young independent consultants believe that tech companies will beat consulting firms in the fight to recruit talent.
For women utilising Malt and working as a freelancer in the male-dominated tech industry, there are five key benefits of freelancing that stand out to them.
Five key benefits of freelancing
1. Increased flexibility
Many women working in tech are used to the flexibility it provides. Freelancing goes one step further and gives you the ultimate control over your schedule. This flexibility is especially beneficial to women with responsibility for dependents and managing busy households, giving them an improved work-life balance and the ability to prioritise personal commitments without compromising their careers.
2. Earning potential
By leveraging their skills, which are often hard to come by, women working in tech can potentially earn more as freelancers than they would in a permanent role as the war for talent rages on. As a freelancer, you can also work on a number of projects at once to boost your income stream.
3. Career development
Malt freelancers spend an average of four hours each week developing their skills. Additionally, being exposed to a variety of organisations and a range of tech means they are constantly developing their technical expertise which they can bring into future roles.
4. Entrepreneurial freedom
Freelancing brings a lot of choices: choice about the projects you work on, choice about the clients you work with and choice about the direction you take your career. Many women find the freedom that comes with freelancing empowering, allowing for personal development and professional fulfilment.
5. Networking possibilities
Many of Malt's freelancers combine remote and in-person work, which means they're able to build strong professional connections, opening the door to future projects and referrals. By joining a community like Malt, you also have the ability to join in-person events and peer-to-peer training.
Top tips for starting your freelance career
- Consider what projects and businesses you're most interested in before you begin
- Decide where you work best - do you prefer to work remotely or are you open to a hybrid working style?
- Do some due diligence so you're confident setting and negotiating your rates
- Complete your profile on Malt and get ready for projects to roll in