With the increase of remote and hybrid jobs emerging across the workforce, employees can often find themselves torn with finding an optimal work-life balance. While the flexibility of working from home is quite appealing, the blur between one’s private life and work-life can cause overworked, overwhelmed, and burnt-out employees. However, for decades, freelancers have been faced with this same exact challenge. In fact, freelancers can have an even more difficult time separating their career from their private life, given the fact that they are the sole person responsible for creating this balance, rather than having a boss.
Nevertheless, if you are interested in becoming a freelancer or are currently working as a freelancer struggling to have an optimal work-life balance, now is definitely the time, as these struggles can be greatly minimized due to the use of VoIP, or “Voice over Internet Protocol”. VoIP phone systems are taking the market by storm, as the opportunities are endless and freelancers can receive tremendous benefits, which can completely elevate a freelancer’s work-life balance.
What exactly is a VoIP phone system?
A VoIP phone system is a technology that uses the internet for telephony communications. So, rather than using traditional telephony that is implemented via a local phone provider and over copper wires, a VoIP system uses data packets that are transmitted across a network. While this seems quite advanced, VoIP technology has been commonly used for years. For example, FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom are all applications that employ VoIP technology.
So what does this mean for freelancers?
The VoIP phone system serves a much larger purpose than just being a phone line. VoIP technology is accompanied by numerous resources that can allow freelancers to save time, elevate their professional image, and increase productivity, which in turn greatly improve work-life balance. A few of these key features include:
Low cost
Freelancers no longer need to worry about hefty phone bills or additional costs for international calls, as the VoIP phone system has been found to be much cheaper than traditional telephony and international calls can be made free of charge. Furthermore, there usually are no heavy installation or hardware fees.
Flexibility and mobility
The VoIP phone system can operate from wherever you are in the world, as long as you are connected to the internet. In fact, VoIP phone systems have a “Follow Me” feature that can have your calls follow you around and can be answered based on the device you are using such as a computer, mobile device, or even tablet. That way, you don’t need to constantly stress about being next to a landline phone.
Voicemail
Missed calls can be recorded and the audio file will be emailed, so no voicemails will ever be lost. Furthermore, if you are taking time to focus on your private life, you don’t have to worry about losing a potential customer as you know their information and message will be forwarded.
Out of hours
With a VoIP phone system, you can set your business and holiday hours to never miss any calls. All outside of working time will be directed towards voicemail so it won't let lose any potential clients or customers!
Do not disturb
VoIP phone systems have a do not disturb option that can allow a freelancer to temporarily disconnect from work, but still be able to receive calls; the voicemail and call queuing benefits can compensate for this.
Above all, the lower costs and flexibility that accompany VoIP phone systems are stellar, but what really stands out from the VoIP benefits is the image it can create for yourself as a freelancer: these key features are no longer just for large companies. You’ll be able to manage your clients and calls in a much more efficient and elevated way, allowing you to have additional time to build your brand and work on your personal life. In fact, according to Stellcase, switching to a VoIP phone system can save you up to 32 minutes per day; 32 minutes that can be used to spend time with family and friends, to try cooking a new dish, or to catch up on work that can potentially cause future stress, all aspects that can greatly improve the quality of life. While these are just a few of the key benefits of using a VoIP phone system, it is quite evident that this system can completely elevate one’s work-life balance.
Verdict
Lastly, it is important to note that companies that use VoIP technology can have a much easier time finding, hiring, and maintaining relationships with freelance workers. As a result, freelancers do not need to spend nearly as much time tracking down job opportunities, as companies now have a broader range of accessibility to people all around the world. The opportunities are truly endless being a freelancer, and utilizing a VoIP phone system can be the key to success in both your career and personal life.
Don’t wait any longer, try a VoIP phone system for free today!
