The world of work has changed a lot. More people now choose to work for themselves instead of a traditional job. Two popular paths are being a freelancer or a solopreneur. Both offer freedom and flexibility, but they are not the same.
Understanding the differences can help you decide which path fits your goals.
As someone who has tried both, I can share what makes each unique. Below, I’ll explain what freelancers and solopreneurs do, how they differ, and what to consider when choosing between them.
What Is a Freelancer?
A freelancer works on short-term projects for different clients. They use their skills to complete specific tasks, like writing, designing, or coding. Freelancers are hired for their expertise, and they usually work on a contract basis. Once the project is done, they move on to the next client.
Skills and Services
Freelancers often focus on one or two skills. For example, a freelance writer might create blog posts or marketing copy. A graphic designer might make logos or social media graphics.
They market their skills to clients who need those specific services. Because they specialize, freelancers can charge good rates for their work.
Work Structure
Freelancers juggle multiple clients at once. They might work on a website for one client, a brochure for another, and an app design for a third. Each project has a deadline, and freelancers manage their time to meet those deadlines.
They usually work alone, but some team up with other freelancers for bigger projects.
Income and Flexibility
Freelancers earn money per project or hour. Their income depends on how many projects they take and their rates. If they work more, they earn more. But if they take a break, the income stops.
Freelancers love the flexibility to choose their projects and set their schedules. However, they must always find new clients to keep the work coming.
My Experience as a Freelancer
When I started freelancing, I loved the freedom. I could pick projects that excited me, like writing for small businesses or helping with social media campaigns. But I also learned it’s not always easy.
Some months, I had too many projects, and others, I worried about finding work. Keeping a steady flow of clients took effort, but the variety kept things fun.
What Is a Solopreneur?
A solopreneur owns and runs their own business. Unlike freelancers, they don’t just focus on one skill. Instead, they offer a range of products or services and handle every part of the business, from marketing to customer service. Solopreneurs are entrepreneurs, but they work alone without employees.
Business Ownership
Solopreneurs build a business around their ideas. For example, a solopreneur might start an online store selling handmade jewelry or offer coaching services. They create a brand, set up a website, and find ways to reach customers. Because they own the business, they make all the decisions and take all the risks.
Multiple Roles
Running a business means wearing many hats. A solopreneur might design products, manage finances, answer customer emails, and run ads. They don’t just do the work; they also plan how to grow the business. For example, a solopreneur who sells online courses might spend one day filming videos and another day building an email list.
Income and Growth
Solopreneurs earn money from their business’s sales or services. Unlike freelancers, their income isn’t tied to hours worked. If their business does well, they can earn money even when they’re not working.
For example, an online store can make sales while the solopreneur sleeps. However, building a successful business takes time, and income may be low at first.
My Journey as a Solopreneur
I once started a small online business selling custom planners. It was exciting to create something from scratch, but it was also a lot of work. I had to learn how to set up a website, take product photos, and deal with shipping issues.
Some days, I felt overwhelmed, but seeing customers love my planners made it worth it. Unlike freelancing, I could see the business grow over time.
Key Differences Between Freelancers and Solopreneurs
While freelancers and solopreneurs both work for themselves, their approaches are different. Here are the main ways they stand apart.
Focus and Scope
Freelancers focus on delivering a specific service. Their work is project-based, and they’re paid for completing tasks. Solopreneurs, however, focus on building a business. They offer products or services but also work on long-term goals, like growing a brand or reaching new markets.
Time and Commitment
Freelancers often work on short-term projects, so their commitment to a client ends when the project is done. They can switch between industries or clients easily.
Solopreneurs, on the other hand, are committed to their business for the long haul. They invest time and money to make their business succeed, which can mean working on it every day.
Income Potential
Freelancers earn based on the projects they take. If they want to earn more, they need to work more hours or raise their rates. Solopreneurs have more potential for passive income.
For example, a solopreneur who sells digital products can earn money repeatedly from the same product. But solopreneurs also face higher risks, as their income depends on the business’s success.
Control and Responsibility
Freelancers have control over their schedules and projects, but they don’t deal with the bigger responsibilities of running a business. Solopreneurs have full control over their business, but they also handle all the challenges, like taxes, legal issues, and customer complaints. With great control comes great responsibility.
Pros and Cons of Being a Freelancer
Freelancing has its ups and downs. Here’s a closer look at what makes it great and what can be tough.
Advantages of Freelancing
Freelancing offers a lot of freedom. You can choose your clients, set your hours, and work from anywhere. If you love variety, freelancing is perfect because every project is different. Plus, you can start quickly without much investment. All you need is a skill and a way to find clients.
Another perk is the ability to specialize. If you’re great at something, like editing videos or writing emails, you can build a reputation as an expert. Over time, you can charge higher rates. Freelancing also lets you test different industries. One day, you might work for a tech startup, and the next, a local bakery.
Challenges of Freelancing
Freelancing isn’t always easy. Finding clients can be hard, especially when you’re starting out. You need to market yourself constantly, which takes time. Some months, you might have no work, which can make finances stressful.
Also, freelancers don’t get benefits like health insurance or paid vacation, so you need to plan for those costs.
Another challenge is managing multiple projects. Deadlines can overlap, and clients might ask for changes at the last minute. When I freelanced, I sometimes struggled to balance everything. It taught me to set clear boundaries and say no to projects that didn’t fit my schedule.
Pros and Cons of Being a Solopreneur
Being a solopreneur is a big adventure, but it comes with its own rewards and challenges.
Advantages of Solopreneurship
Solopreneurs get to build something that’s truly theirs. Creating a business from an idea is exciting, and seeing it grow feels amazing. You also have the chance to make a bigger impact. For example, a solopreneur who runs a blog can reach thousands of readers, while a freelancer might only work with a few clients.
Another benefit is the potential for passive income. If you create a product, like an ebook or a course, you can sell it over and over.
Solopreneurs also have more control over their brand. You decide how your business looks, feels, and grows. When I ran my planner business, I loved designing every detail, from the logo to the packaging.
Challenges of Solopreneurship
Running a business alone is hard work. You’re responsible for everything, and there’s no one to share the load. If something goes wrong, like a website crash or a late shipment, you have to fix it. Solopreneurs also need to learn new skills, like accounting or marketing, which can be overwhelming.
Another challenge is the time it takes to see results. Unlike freelancing, where you get paid after a project, solopreneurship requires patience. You might work for months before making a profit.
When I started my business, I spent a lot upfront on supplies and ads, and it took time to break even.
Can a Freelancer Be a Solopreneur?
Sometimes, the line between freelancer and solopreneur blurs. A freelancer can be a solopreneur if they treat their freelance work like a business. For example, a freelance photographer who builds a brand, markets their services, and sells prints is acting like a solopreneur.
However, not all solopreneurs are freelancers. A solopreneur who runs a bakery or an online store doesn’t work on short-term contracts like a freelancer does.
Transitioning Between Roles
Many people start as freelancers and later become solopreneurs. For example, a freelance writer might create a blog or sell writing courses, turning their skills into a business.
I started as a freelancer, but when I saw the potential to create something bigger, I launched my own products. The transition wasn’t easy, but it let me build something that could grow beyond my time.
Which Path Should You Choose?
Deciding between freelancing and solopreneurship depends on your goals, skills, and lifestyle. Here are some questions to help you choose.
Consider Your Skills
If you have a specific skill and love doing that work, freelancing might be the best fit. You can focus on what you’re good at without worrying about running a business. But if you have a bigger vision, like creating a product or brand, solopreneurship might be better. Think about whether you want to stick to one skill or explore multiple roles.
Think About Your Time
Freelancing is great if you want flexibility and quick results. You can start working and earning right away. Solopreneurship, however, takes more time and commitment. If you’re ready to invest in a long-term goal, solopreneurship could be rewarding. Ask yourself how much time you can dedicate to your work.
Evaluate Your Risk Tolerance
Freelancing has less financial risk because you don’t need to invest much upfront. Solopreneurship often requires money for things like inventory, websites, or marketing. If you’re comfortable with risk and uncertainty, solopreneurship might suit you. If you prefer stability, freelancing could be safer.
My Advice
When I chose between the two, I thought about what excited me most. Freelancing gave me freedom, but solopreneurship let me create something lasting. I’d suggest trying freelancing first to build skills and confidence.
If you love the idea of owning a business, you can slowly shift to solopreneurship. There’s no rush—both paths can lead to success.
