Freelance VS PAYE

Freelance-

Positives-

• Complete creative control
• Own freedom- don't have to work under a boss
• Can work as-and-when needed/desired
• Can travel with work
• Can output whatever wanted, can be versatile with outcomes
• Exciting clients and opportunities

Negatives-

• Pay check not guaranteed
• People undervaluing my work, ripping off/ not paying what owed
• Work not steady- especially at first
• Might have to have another job alongside to fund living costs if work isn’t coming in
• Have to be motivated 24/7, consistent and reliable
• No pension
• Have to fund creative space, such as studio or print rooms

PAYE

Positives- 

• Regular paycheck
• Maybe doing a valuable job that makes a difference- eg art therapy
• 9-5 hours, set amount of holiday
• Working with other creatives and non-creatives to get a job dome
• Puts skills into workplace environment- work feels valid
• Pension schemes

Negatives-

• Have to work for a boss/higher authority
• Might feel trapped in job- not having creative freedom and outlets
• Might be too tired to pursue illustration alongside a creative job
• Want to have travel freedom
• Very few in house illustrators, other creative jobs are competitive and not in high demand
• No creative control

I have been considering becoming an art therapist, however, i really don’t wan to spend 2-3 more years in education- I’m tired of it and i want to be living my life now (plus i cant afford it). I’m scared that I’m not going to be a successful illustrator, as it’s such a saturated industry and i want to do a job that has regular income and job stability, that will make a difference. I’m still looking into my options, but the positives and negatives are pretty equal for both. I know i don’t want to be working in a pub forever, now, because i’m  Not going to take the easy way out and give up.