05/29/2026
**Freelance Workers And Continued Education: Is It Worth It?**
There is a lot of competition for freelance workers, especially as many people continue to seek side gigs as a means of making extra money. When you do freelance work, you may find that you must do something to make yourself stand out against others who perform similar work. One way to make yourself more appealing to prospective customers or clients is to improve your skills. The value of more schooling, however, is dependent on the work you do and may not be worth the investment of time and money required.
• What is your earning potential? – Research what others in your industry make and what education and certifications they have. You can use this data as a general guide to decide what changes furthering your education could make to your earning potential. Keep in mind the differences in markets based on location.
• How much will it cost? – The cost of education must be weighed against the value it could add to your work prospects. If you already hold an advanced degree or certifications in your field, seeking higher education may not pay off financially.
• Do you have the time? – Taking classes can take a lot of time that could be better spent working. It’s important to weigh the future benefits against the current commitments to decide whether it’s worth spending time on schooling.
• What are your options? – Your options for advancing your education depend much on the industry in which you work. For some industries, online courses can add to your skillset, which can make you more valuable to clients or customers. In other industries, you may need to pursue an advanced degree to better your work potential.
Continuing your education can help you increase your job prospects, but the importance of continued education can vary greatly depending on the type of work you do. You should weigh the pros and cons to decide whether it’s the right choice based on your earning potential and the costs of furthering your education. Consider the time spent on schooling, the costs, and the potential increase to your earnings when making your decision.
By Brittney Dockery for Vertu Marketing LLC