Devoted to WAHMs -Work at Home Moms

Today's guest post is from Tamara Berry who blogs at Freelance Parent. She is part owner of a freelance writing business.

Freelancers have a pretty solid reputation as home-bound professionals who have little to no contact with the outside world. They work diligently at their computers, communicate through emails, and may not leave the house for days. While there are exceptions to this stereotype, it’s certainly true that introverts and the generally self-sufficient are drawn to this career more than any other personality type.

That’s probably why, when I tell people that I am not only a freelance writer but a freelancer with a business partner, the most common response is a puzzled look or a delayed, “…Oh. That sounds great.” The truth of the matter is, freelancers almost always go it alone. That’s not to say they don’t have wonderful online support networks or contact with other professionals, because those are certainly out there. However, if you consult the available literature and speak to freelancers as a whole, the freelance partnership is definitely in the minority.

As one half of a fairly successful partnership, I happen to think that it was the best move I ever made. There are a number of benefits to having a partner, and it’s worth considering if you find yourself facing new challenges or trying to open more doors.

Click through to the next page to see Tamara's discussion of the pros and cons of having a freelance business partner.

The Pros

Accountability: It’s a lot harder to slack off when someone else suffers from your irresponsibility.

Division of Labor: Maybe you love accounting but hate answering emails. Perhaps you’re more productive if you don’t have to worry about finding jobs for a week. Dividing jobs between two people can be great for productivity and general contentment.

Shared Workload: Although you obviously have to take on more work to cover two people, there is infinite peace of mind in knowing that each project you take on isn’t resting solely on your shoulders.

Simple Fun: Whether it’s a relaxed business meeting or a hearty chuckle over the phone, a business partner adds a level of fun and lightheartedness to the endless daily freelance grind.

Brainstorming Board: Two different people equals two different brains. You get twice the insight, twice the creativity, and a voice of reason telling you when you’ve simply missed the mark.

A Shoulder: Having this kind of support is, in a word, phenomenal. Tears, frustrations, and angry rants have an outlet (above and beyond a slightly disinterested spouse).  

The Cons

Personality Differences: If you’re trying to mix the work ethics and motivations of two entirely separate personalities, there are definite possibilities for tension. It can be hard to reconcile the freedoms of working from home and the constraints of working alongside someone with whom you may not always get along.

Shared Finances: Every time you land a big deal, the financial benefits are not solely your own. It can be hard to watch your $2,000 job get portioned off into taxes, company expenses, and more than one paycheck.

Constant Communication: You can’t drift off into the dreamy anonymity that often accompanies this job. Your partner typically needs to know where you are, where you’re going, and what you’re working on for most days of the week.

Taxes: Taxes are a little bit more complicated when your business is a general partnership or corporation.

Differences of Opinion: No matter how well you get along, you won’t always agree on everything. Frustrations are inevitable, and you have to be able to work through them in a way that will allow your relationship to continue.

Having a partner isn’t always warm sand and cold margaritas. It can be hard work, it can be frustrating, and it can sometimes seem like the wrong idea.

Still, I wouldn’t change a thing. Trite though it may seem, having a freelance partnership is a bit like having a good marriage: in the end, you’re just happy to have someone you trust to go on the journey with you.