It’s easy for those working outside the home to imagine that freelancing is the best, cushiest, easiest job in the world.

And I don’t blame anyone for thinking that. So did I, before I started doing it.

I Was (Fairly) Happy Working Outside the Home.

And Then..

You see, at first, I didn’t want to become an independent contractor.

No. Seriously. I didn’t.

I liked the routine of going to my job every day at a northeastern publishing house. I loved dressing up, putting on makeup, and feeling like I had somewhere to go. A place, in fact, where, for all its criticisms and demands, also offered motivators — not the least being a regular paycheck.

Life Happened…and I Quit My Job

And then, life happened, as life will.

My second son, blonde, huge and beautiful (“He looks like a three-month-old,” the delivery nurse told me, “and he cries like a three-month-old”), was, like me, born to think a bit differently than others do. But his difference was more significant than mine. Within months, it became clear that he had special needs and would need extra help.

So we moved closer to family support. And suddenly, I was out of a job.

My Freelance Career Began With a Bang

When we moved to California, I was offered a new job. But my husband beat me to the punch: two days later, he received an offer of his own. His new job paid more than mine.

So I quit the temp position I’d snatched up two weeks after walking off the plane and I settled down to being (gasp) a homemaker.

I’d never envisioned that. (Full disclosure here.) I remember six-year-old me drawing pictures of myself as a grown woman, sitting behind a desk and wearing my mother’s haircut. Working was simply in my blood.

So what was a wife and the mother of a special needs toddler to do?

Just one thing, really. I began looking for freelance work.

…and a Few Wakeup Calls

What I learned during my new job as a mother-at-home and an independent contractor opened my eyes.

And I won’t lie: I made a lot of mistakes along the way. (Psst: I still do.)

But you don’t have to! I’ve compiled the top perks and drawbacks of being a freelance writer (or really, a freelance anything).

Here’s the twist: the pros are the cons. That’s no gimmick; it’s reality. In a minute, you’re going to find out why.

Read on for the full scoop on what’s great about steering your own ship, what could signal impending failure, and how to decide if freelancing really is right for you.

#1: You Get to Choose How Much You Charge (Sort of)

It’s probably not hard to imagine how that can be a check mark in the “pro” column. As a con, however, the reality is that you can charge what you want, sure — but will people always pay it? (Spoiler: not always.)

In an up economy, you might make more. In a down economy, be prepared to be asked to do a staggering amount of work for a pittance. You may just get a run of clients in a row who think $10 for 500 words is plenty for someone who “sits around and writes.”

Be careful: if you choose freelancing as your career, make sure you have a financial safety net in place. (And don’t take those $10/500-word jobs. Please just don’t.)

#2: You Get to Work When You Want (Sort Of)

Remember that life-getting-in-the-way thing? It applies. (See #3 below.)

Not to mention the fact that you might want a lot of work the second week of February, but suddenly, your clients don’t need anything until May.

#3: You’re Always Available (as Far as Other People Know)

It was wonderful to be there for my son when he woke up and when it was time for his nap; when he needed one of his many therapies; when he finally spoke for the very first time.

What wasn’t so wonderful was that everyone in my personal sphere seemed to decide that since I was “at home,” I could help out. A lot.

I love to help people. But when you aren’t taken seriously because you’re “just sitting at home behind a computer,” your career confidence can sink, and badly.

#4: You Get Plenty of Alone Time

At first, the prospect of alone time had me squeeing like a lunatic and doing an actual, literal happy dance. (I’m something of an introvert. Did you guess?)

It’s a plus, but being alone so much of the time — or with your beloved little guys, but without the company of adults — can feel isolating. Be sure you’re up to the task of motivating yourself to get out that door, touch grass, and see grownups again.

#5: You Can Pursue Other Career Interests

When you freelance, you aren’t married to one company. If you have other career plans, you’re free to go for it.

In my case, that means writing a novel, something I’ve had on my mental plate since I was six years old.

The downside? You can get distracted easily from your paying work or your second-runner-up goal. Some days, each will distract you, and you’ll be ping-ponging between them and feeling like you’re just spinning your wheels.

#6: You’re the Boss

I’ll bet you hate how your on-site manager circles your cubicle just waiting for those three seconds when you click off your client quotes doc and onto the Big Bad Internet.

But working for someone else does keep most people on their toes. Without that (very big) motivator, it’s easy to take a little too long a “lunch break” or to put off an important job until the client begins to show signs of irritation.

If you are able to kick your own rear and get it into gear, then freelancing could be for you.

So, Is it Worth It?

Of course you know I’m going to say yes, don’t you?

And it’s true. For all the drawbacks, I wouldn’t trade this amazing opportunity for the world.

I’ve learned a lot about myself and, surprisingly, not a small amount about others as well. And I have been able to make money and spend time with my children, which was — and is — golden.

Is freelancing right for you? That’s your call. Keep the above points in mind and have a plan to catch little issues before they become big ones. If you do, you’ll have your very best chance at working it all out and having your own dream career.

Here’s to your success!