{"id":16002,"date":"2020-07-09T03:29:59","date_gmt":"2020-07-09T03:29:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fieldnation.com\/resources\/employment-options\/"},"modified":"2025-06-26T14:20:42","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T19:20:42","slug":"employment-options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fieldnation.com\/resources\/employment-options","title":{"rendered":"Full-time employment, independent contracting, or side hustle?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you struggling to choose between full-time employment, becoming an independent contractor, or balancing a combination of both? The right fit will be unique to you: your personal goals, your risk-tolerance, and your current and future financial aspirations.<\/span><\/p>\n

To help you make the best decision, we\u2019ll explore the ups and downs of full-time employment, self-employment, and side hustles. What are the benefits and challenges that come with each? And what should you consider before making the leap? Nothing in this document constitutes legal or tax advice, and you should consult with your own accountants and attorneys before making your decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a>

Option 1: full-time employment<\/b><\/h1>\n

A traditional full-time job may not offer the freedom of self-employment, but it does have its perks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits like health care, workers\u2019 compensation, unemployment protection, and paid vacations can be hard to walk away from. And don\u2019t forget the financial security of a steady paycheck, built-in career paths, professional development opportunities, and team camaraderie.<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, relying on one employer can still be risky. No job is 100 percent secure. As an employee, you may have very little visibility or control over the company\u2019s management decisions. Layoffs can happen at any time, and <\/span>most states allow \u201cat-will\u201d arrangements<\/span><\/a> that give employers the right to sever ties without cause.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

70 percent of employees believe traditional jobs are more secure than independent work<\/span><\/i><\/a>.<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/a>

What to consider before jumping in<\/b><\/h2>\n

Which do you value more: Stability or autonomy? Comfort or challenge?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have a lower tolerance for risk and prefer a predictable, steady gig, full-time may be the way to go.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, if you like to focus on your own niche role and let other team members handle things like back-office work and sales, traditional employment may be the better fit.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a>

Option 2: self-employment<\/b><\/h1>\n

Self-employed independent contractors \u2014 freelancers, contract technicians, solopreneurs \u2014 provide specific services to client companies for a defined period of time. They choose their hours and projects and typically work with little or no supervision.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, there are challenges to consider. <\/span>Hard barriers \u2014 reasons people <\/span>can\u2019t<\/span><\/i> become self-employed<\/span><\/a> \u2014 include:<\/span><\/p>\n