The Pros and Cons of Being a 1099 Employee

Did you know that 54 million Americans are freelancing right now? This means that they don't have set schedules or get health insurance as part of their contract. This also means they pay their own taxes at the end of the year.

According to Upwork's latest report, remote work is expected to grow by 2022. So, the good news is that you will have many opportunities to find the work you want.


What you'll need to decide is if you can handle the tax and paperwork side of things. If so, being a 1099 employee may be the right choice for you. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of freelance work so you can decide for yourself.

The Freedom and Flexibility of Being a 1099 Employee

A 1099 employee is an individual who works as an independent contractor. This type of employee is not an employee of the company, they are instead self-employed. 1099 employees are responsible for their own taxes, health insurance, and other benefits.

A 1099 employee like a sales independent contractor, has the freedom to work when and where you want. You are not tied to a certain location or schedule. You can set your own hours and take time off when you need to. This allows you to have a more flexible lifestyle.

1099 employees are also paid more per hour than traditional employees. This is because 1099 employees are considered independent contractors. They are not given the same benefits and protections as traditional employees.

You Are Your Own Boss

The biggest advantage is that you are your own boss. You set your own hours and work as little or as much as you want. You are also in control of your own career path and can take on as many or as few projects as you like.

Another advantage is that you are not tied to one company or location. You can work from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.

Finally, 1099 employees often make more money. This is because they are usually paid per project, and they can negotiate their own rates.

The Drawbacks of Being a 1099 Employee

There are several drawbacks to being a 1099 employee. One is that 1099 employees are not entitled to the same benefits as regular employees, such as health insurance, and paid vacation. This can make it difficult to budget and plan for long-term financial stability.

Another drawback is that 1099 employees are not protected by the same labor laws as regular employees. This means they can be exploited by their employer and are at a greater risk of being fired without cause.

Finally, 1099 employees may have a harder time finding another job if they are let go. As their work history will look much less stable than that of a regular employee.

Thoughts About Being a 1099 Employee

It can be both good and bad to be a 1099 employee. On the one hand, you are your own boss and can set your own hours. But on the other hand, you don't have the same job security or benefits as a traditional employee. If you're thinking of becoming a 1099 employee, weigh the pros and cons before making your decision.

Are you in search of being a 1099 worker? If so, contact us today to help you find great, flexible work that you can do from home.