Should you freelance as an audio-visual technician or work for a company?

We like to train and grow our employees and give them more opportunities as they master their skills. We have senior installers that can mentor and train the junior installers. Companies like ours will provide training classes (virtual and in person). Plus we make sure our employees have the tools needed to take care of the work.

I believe both have their pros and cons. Most technical people start by working for a company to learn the trade and then move on to freelancing for various companies, agencies, sports, and live entertainment. It depends on the individual and whether they prefer a stable job and income.

I have worked for companies throughout my career and have enjoyed traveling the world, collaborating with different departments and branches. The typical in-house company dynamics are present in all companies and industries. As a freelancer, you will often encounter these dynamics on-site. Ultimately, it comes down to what you want.

I have found that working within a company slows professional growth compared to working as a freelancer. Once the major A/V problems are solved and the company is happy, work can become repetitive. Without the need to solve diverse problems, new skills are developed very slowly.

There is risk involved with being a freelancer, but the rewards can be substantial. As a freelancer, you have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, gaining valuable experience and expanding your skill set. This variety can be incredibly rewarding, allowing you to collaborate with different clients, industries, and creative teams. However, it's important to be prepared for the inherent challenges that come with freelancing. Flexibility is key, as you will need to adapt to varying project schedules and deadlines. This can sometimes mean working irregular hours or managing multiple projects simultaneously.

There is freedom to pursue the jobs you want. Not every job will be the most exciting work, but there is always potential to find a job that you are thrilled to work on. It also allows you to work on a diverse set of projects that foster skills growth.

Companies like ours put processes and procedures in place that we have honed over the years. We also have software to track projects, time spent and billings. All of this is vital to a good customer and employee experience.

However, it's important to be prepared for the inherent challenges that come with freelancing. Flexibility is key, as you will need to adapt to varying project schedules and deadlines. This can sometimes mean working irregular hours or managing multiple projects simultaneously. Despite these challenges, the ability to choose your projects, set your rates, and enjoy the independence of freelancing often outweighs the risks for many professionals. Ultimately, success as a freelancer requires a balance of flexibility, organization, and a proactive approach to building and maintaining client relationships

There is a constant juggling act of working on projects and working on finding new projects. I've known many freelancers that don't enjoy networking or marketing. Marketing is a necessity for a freelancer to grow their personal brand and keep money consistently coming in. If marketing of any kind sounds painful, freelancing might not be the best choice.

Choosing between a stable full-time job and freelancing depends on your lifestyle and career goals. A full-time job offers stability, benefits, and clear career progression, ideal for those valuing routine and security. Freelancing provides flexibility, diverse projects, and autonomy, suited for those who thrive on variety and independence. Weigh your financial situation, preferences, and long-term goals to decide what's right for you.

I personally think that working for a company will give you a wide-eye view of what the field is like. You can also learn about where to get the equipment, how it works and which equipment seems better to both the technician and the client. I would say a couple of years can give you a very good view of the market, maybe weekends practicing with things in your house or setting up your neighbors new audiovisual elements can give you a taste of what it would be like or the kind of things you would need. I would most definitely try to keep with the company and not go freelance until I can no longer keep up. I would also try not to compete directly with the company and maybe look for different niches that the company is skipping.

As a freelance, you will have to figure out how to split your time between the actual service work, sales and invoicing/billing.

???????? ?????????????????? ????????? ??? ????????????????????? : 1?? Autonomie vs. sécurité : Freelance = grande autonomie avec un revenu à se construire. Entreprise = stabilité financière mais une gestion pilotée. 2?? Variété des projets vs. spécialisation : Freelance = jongler avec une diversité de projets. Entreprise = accès plus facile à la spécialisation et l'approfondissement des compétences. 3?? Réseau professionnel vs. équipe dédiée : Freelances = élargir son réseau pour trouver de nouveaux clients. Entreprise = bénéficier d'une équipe et de ressources dédiées. ?? Le choix n'est pas définitif et peut toujours évoluer en fonction des objectifs de carrière, du style de vie, et de ses motivations ??

Ultimately, the right choice is the one that aligns with your personal and professional aspirations. Reflect on what you value most in your work life and choose the path that best supports your vision for the future. Whether you seek the stability of a full-time job or the freedom of freelancing, both options offer unique opportunities for growth and fulfillment.