Freelance vs. permanent employment

In short: Permanent employment offers security, special payments, paid holiday and structured learning; freelancing offers higher day rates and freedom, but only pays off financially once you have solid utilization, experience and a network. Many in IT start out permanent, build a reputation and switch later — it is not a one-way street.

Permanent employment

Pros: security, special payments, paid holiday, social insurance sorted, training, belonging to a team. Cons: less flexibility, salary ceiling, less project variety. Good for: stability, learning within a team, a predictable life.

Freelance/self-employed

Pros: higher day rates possible, freedom over projects and time, variety. Cons: fluctuating workload, your own pension & taxes, acquisition, no paid holiday, more admin. Good for: experienced people with a network and discipline.

The honest math

A higher day rate doesn't equal more net income: factor in utilization, pension provision, tax-free periods and admin effort. Financially, freelancing usually only pays off once you have solid utilization and experience.

The middle path

Many start out in permanent roles, build a network and reputation — and switch later (or combine both). It's not a one-way street.

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