Over the past decade, more so in the last five years, our way of working has completely changed. The 9-to-5 office job is no longer the gold standard and more have turned to freelancing. In fact, it has become one of the most popular career choices in the United Kingdom today.
According to the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE), there are more than 4 million self-employed people in the UK and many of them are freelancers.
And when you are in this industry, one thing is certain. Having a reliable Internet connection is your lifeline. More specifically, we’re talking about mobile broadband.
Why Is Freelancing So Popular In The UK?
The surge in freelancers is due to a couple of reasons. Many want to avoid the rush hour traffic or the arduous daily commute. But it also goes beyond that. People want the flexibility and freedom in their work lives and freelancing allows them to choose when, where and how they work.
For many, it’s about working on projects that they are truly passionate about and to build a career on their own terms. This way, they can achieve more balance between work and life, making time for things that matter to them while still building a strong portfolio.
Interestingly, a lot of businesses actually prefer to work with independent contractors as opposed to hiring full-time employees. It’s more convenient and they also get access to experts with highly-specialised skills. It’s a win-win for everyone really.
What Is Mobile Broadband?
Mobile broadband is a form of Internet connection that works over 4G or 5G mobile networks. However, it’s not just limited to a mobile device. You can use it on a tablet or laptop with a SIM card or mobile Wi-Fi device.
The beauty of it is that it’s portable so you can work from just about anywhere and it’s secure, so you can work comfortably from coffee shops or co-working spaces.
Moreover, you can usually find flexible plans or contract-free options so you aren’t tied in for long periods of time if you manage your own business expenses.
8 Reasons Why UK Freelancers Should Consider Mobile Broadband
Mobile broadband has given freelancers the freedom and flexibility to do their best work, wherever that may be. For those who haven’t made the switch yet, here are 8 reasons why you should consider using it.
1. The Ability To Work From Anywhere
Freelancers thrive on flexibility, since it’s usually the main reason for that career choice. With mobile broadband, you can work in a park, on a train or an Airbnb in Spain. Really, the options are endless!
2. It’s Good For Those Who Travel Frequently
A lot of freelancers are digital nomads who choose to work while travelling to different cities or countries. Without mobile broadband, it can be a nightmare to find places with decent Wi-Fi or face costly roaming charges.
Fortunately, mobile broadband keeps you connected while you are on the move.
3. It Serves As A Backup Internet
Home broadband can have outages from time to time and let’s be honest, the timing is usually not great. If your Internet goes down during a client call or just before your project deadline, your workflow will be affected.
Mobile broadband can kick in if your home Internet has a problem, keeping you online without interruptions.
4. It Is More Secure
Public Wi-Fi networks don’t always offer the most protection and can be risky to use sometimes. On the other hand, mobile broadband gives you a secure connection to manage client information or make payments with less chance of being hacked.
5. It’s Affordable For Those On A Budget
Usually, traditional broadband contracts will lock you in for 12 or 24-month periods, and you may not be ready for that kind of price or commitment.
Alternatively, mobile broadband has flexible plans to accommodate those who work seasonally or freelance part-time.
6. Supports Multiple Devices
Most mobile broadband setups can support more than one device at the same time. So if you need to switch between a phone or computer, you can do so without the hassle of being disconnected.
7. It’s Good For Uploads During Meetings
If you have regular online client meetings where you need to present pitches or content, mobile broadband allows you to do it instantly. That means no awkward silences while waiting and no buffering which gives you a more professional look to your clients.
8. Maintain Your Work-Life Balance
Keeping a work-life balance is usually important to freelancers who want to prioritise things aside from work. Having a separate Internet connection for when you are working can actually help you switch off easily.
That means when your workday ends or you have completed a project, you can turn off your mobile broadband and enjoy your personal time with no work distractions getting in the way.
