A frequent read for me is the Tutorial Blog RSS feed.  Stacked with helpful and also entertaining content, it is one feed that I can continually count on to be updated with worthwhile information.  Of recent interest, is their mention of Brad Colbow Design’s blog entry titled “Boss Hate Your Freelancing?” I have been in positions where I was either expressly forbidden to freelance or completely allowed as long as it did not interfere with work.  Currently, I have approval from the head cheese to freelance and that approval is in writing, signed and dated.  Not everyone has that, so here are some of my thoughts.

What Employers Should Realize
If you employ someone who has the ability to design, develop, etc, they will more than likely freelance whether you like it or not.  Rather than prohibit it with strict rules and tense working environment, why not better define the guidelines in which your employee could work?  If your target client is $9500 for a website, then why would you be opposed to your designer working freelance for a small company who would never pay $9500 for a site and would only pay $1500?  Why would you prohibit your designer from handling a CD layout design for an independent band when you never pursue that type of client?  I think better boundaries are more than warranted and will also give your designer or developer a sense that you care about your business and their supplemental income.  The original article said it best:

I’ve been discouraged lately to learn about friends who aren’t allowed to do side work that has no bearing on their day job. People who are webmasters or work in a marketing department where taking up a side gig in a non competing industry would have no impact on their company.  This seems short sighted to me. What better way to keep an employee happy then to let them use their skills to make more money to supplement their income. That kept me at my last job far longer than I would have otherwise. Shutting the door on freelancing says to an employee that you don’t trust them.

What Employees Should Realize
Your full time job pays the bills.  Don’t screw that up or put that at risk.  If you feel that accepting a freelance gig is borderline, then assume that it is and don’t do it.  Something else will come along, trust me.  Creative services will always be in demand.  Passing up one job wont hurt.  Don’t double-dip, either.  As tempting as it can be at times, do your full-time job during your full-time job and your freelance work during your freelance time.  Maintaining this will help you in the long run.

Lastly, a comment I wanted to address was the following:

Freelancing on the side can be a very stressful thing to do, particularly when you’re forced to work late on weeknights and you’re exhausted during the day.

It can be, however, it is all about effective client & time management.  With a full-time position, your bills are paid (or should be).  Freelance is supplemental, so you have the freedom to pick and chose a little more.  Do not take on so many projects that you are unable to effectively manage all of them.  Take on a few, do them well, and get paid.