Freelancer vs. permanent position - what is the right choice for you?

Two working models, many possibilities

The world of work has changed. Flexibility, self-determination and new life plans characterise the everyday lives of many professionals. The question increasingly arises: Do I want to work as a freelancer or in a permanent position?

Freelancers work on a project basis, usually for a limited period of time at various companies. They are not permanently tied to one company and therefore enjoy a lot of freedom.

In a permanent position, on the other hand, there is an open-ended employment relationship with an employer. Employment provides security and fixed structures, but also less scope for individual organisation.

Both models have advantages and disadvantages. We take a look at them.

Advantages of freelancing: freedom, variety, flexibility

Working as a freelancer gives you a lot of freedom:

Flexibility: You decide when and where you work – whether in your home office, in a coworking space or at the lake.
Self-determination: You choose projects that interest you and have no internal to-dos that you ‘just have to do’.
Potential for higher income: Attractive hourly rates can be achieved, especially with in-demand expertise.
Variety and learning: Every new customer brings new challenges. This keeps you fresh and promotes further development.

Advantages of permanent employment: security, structure, planning

Not everyone wants to be constantly looking for the next job or dealing with administrative issues. A permanent position offers:

Financial security: You receive the same monthly income, regardless of the order situation.
Social security: Automatic insurance against illness, accident and unemployment.
You continue to receive your salary during holidays and sick days.
Less administrative work: You don't have to write any invoices, no customer acquisition, unless you work in sales, and you can concentrate on your professional work.

Disadvantages of freelancing: not just freedom

As appealing as the freelance model is, there are also downsides:

Job hunting: You are responsible for landing projects yourself.
Financial insecurity: No work also means no income and that can be a burden.
Social and pension issues: You have to organise your own insurance and pension provision.
Administrative tasks: Writing invoices and checking contracts takes time and nerves.

Disadvantages of a permanent position – less flexibility

Permanent employment also has its pitfalls:

Less flexibility: Fixed working hours and little or no home office can restrict you.
Little influence over tasks: You work on what you're assigned, even if it's not your favourite subject.
Dependence: The employer determines the pace, location and often also the content of your work.

The solution in between: Freelance with Bosshard & Partner

Who says you have to choose? At Bosshard & Partner, we offer a model that combines the best of both worlds. Our freelancers work flexibly on exciting client projects, but are employed by us.

In concrete terms, this means:

You don't have to worry about insurance, pensions or payrolling yourself - we take care of that.
You will benefit from varied assignments with renowned companies in Switzerland. These are mainly large companies in the financial and insurance sector as well as the public sector.
Suitable new positions will be displayed in your profile on the Bosshard & Partner candidate portal. You don't have to go through a tedious search.
Many of the positions we place are limited to a few months, so you remain flexible. At the same time, we also have permanent positions available from time to time and sometimes you have the opportunity to be taken on permanently by the client after your temporary employment.

Do you want the freedom of a freelancer but don't want to miss out on security and support? Then you've come to the right place.

You can find more information here: bosshardpartner.ch/de/freelancer