If you live in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, you know we’ve been going through it – and it’s only June.

Why? Our area has always been known as the Mecca for government workers. Nine times out of ten, you or someone in your family works in the federal government.

And we’ve always been encouraged to apply for a government position because of the benefits and job security.

But if it’s one thing we’ve learned, there’s no such thing as job security.

Whether you work in local, state, or federal government, you’ve experienced the layoffs and mandatory returns to the office.

It’s an uncertain time right now. But it doesn’t have to be.

Freelancing for Government Workers

Regardless of who is in office, you and your family deserve to eat.

Matter of fact, you deserve more than to just eat. You deserve to have control over your time and money.

That’s why you should consider freelancing.  

Freelancing is a form of self-employment where you can offer your services to clients on a project basis. Instead of working full-time, you can choose the number of clients and amount of time you want to work.

What type of freelance services can government employees offer?

• Consulting and strategy
• Writing and editing
• Administrative
• Project management
• Legal research
• Tech and data services
• Marketing
• Education and training.

These are skills that so many organizations are looking for. Name one company who doesn’t need assistance with project management or legal services.

Instead of going through the hoops of applying to hundreds of jobs, you can market your services and work at your own pace.

How can Government Workers Benefit from Freelancing?

You may be thinking that there are certain risks that come with freelancing. And you’re right.

Some of those risks are:

• Fear of job security.
• Fear of steady income.
• Fear of the unknown.
• Fear of rejection.

But let’s be honest. Aren’t these fears that you’re already facing?

Many people are facing layoffs after putting in decades of time into their work. And there’s no guarantee that another government position is promised.

With freelancing, you bet on yourself. The same fears that you’re thinking about can be tackled throughout the freelancing journey.

Actual Job Security

It’s safe to say that job security has been a myth, especially with the federal government. Think about it. Whenever the Senate can’t come to an agreement on something, we hear threats of a shutdown.

Why is it fair that a group of people determine whether you get paid or not?

Freelancing allows you to give yourself the options that you’re looking for. As long as your services offer value to people, you’ll always make money.

Yes, freelancing involves being paid on a project-by-project basis. But with the right mindset and systems, you can make sure that you have a steady amount of projects lined up for you.

Steady Income

Freelancing also gives you the opportunity to make as much money as you’d like.

Even if you’re a full-time federal employee, it’s always great to have something else that can bring in additional income. That’s what freelancing can do for you.

You determine the rates you charge, how you get paid, and how much income you can make outside of your profession.

The way that you view finances can even change.

For example, we’re all used to working eight hours a day to make a certain amount of money. What if you could make more money working less than eight hours?

With freelancing, you truly learn the value that you can provide to other organizations.

Better Choices

With freelancing, you have full control of your time and money. And when you understand how to fully maximize freelancing, the way you look at both of these things change.

Companies, nonprofits, and other organizations are willing to pay for the skills that you already have.

What if your clients consider your skillset so valuable that they’re willing to pay you on a monthly retainer, where you don’t have to hustle as much?

That’s the power behind freelancing. It can give you the work-life balance that you’re looking for.

It also gives you a chance to connect with some amazing people. As a government worker, you don’t always get a say in who you want to work with.

But you do when you freelance your services.

Chances for Growth

Most importantly, freelancing gives you the ability to grow yourself and your skillset.

Personally speaking, the most accomplished I’ve ever felt is becoming a freelance writer. It was the first time that I took control of my career.

Does that mean that I’ve never made mistakes? No. In fact, I’ve made several. But I’ve grown and overcame my mistakes in ways I never would have if I was just a government worker.

Whether you work in local, state, or federal government, it’s easy to become stagnant. Even though there are opportunities to be promoted, it’s usually after jumping over several hoops.

And if you have to participate in corporate politics, forget it.

Freelancing allows you to showcase your strengths without asking for permission. Again, if you have in-demand skills, you’ll always be able to provide value to people.

And the best thing about freelancing is that when you educate yourself and master your craft, you and your clients reap the rewards.

You actually have an incentive to better yourself outside of a promotion.

Final Thoughts

Again, this year doesn’t have to be a year of uncertainty.

As a government worker, freelancing may be the next step in your career that you weren’t prepared for.

Freelancing is just like any other venture. Before jumping headfirst, you want to do a little bit of research.

Then you want to develop the right type of mindset.

If you want to learn more about going from government professional to freelancer, schedule a consultation with me here.

What are your thoughts on freelancing as a government worker? Share in the comment section below.