Affiliate Marketing vs Freelancing: What You Need to Know in 2025

Affiliate marketing and freelancing are two widely used ways to generate income online — each with its own structure, benefits, and challenges. Understanding the differences and similarities between these two paths can help you choose the one that best aligns with your skills, lifestyle, and goals in 2025.

In this article, we’ll break down what affiliate marketing vs freelancing involve, compare their pros and cons, and offer practical insights to help you make an informed decision.

I bring experience from both worlds — I work as an affiliate entrepreneur and also run a web design business, so I know firsthand what it takes to succeed in each model.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Understanding Affiliate Marketing

Definition and Basics

How It Works

Key Players in Affiliate Marketing

Exploring Freelancing

Definition and Basics

Types of Freelance Work

Popular Freelancing Platforms

Pros and Cons of Affiliate Marketing

Advantages of Affiliate Marketing

Challenges in Affiliate Marketing

Long-term Potential

Pros and Cons of Freelancing

Advantages of Freelancing

Challenges in Freelancing

Income Stability

Skills Required for Affiliate Marketing

Definition and Basics

Marketing Skills

Technical Skills

Content Creation Skills

Skills Required for Freelancing

Specific Skill Sets

Client Management Skills

Marketing Your Services

Income Potential: Affiliate Marketing vs Freelancing

Earning Through Commissions

Charging for Services

Scalability of Income

Work-Life Balance in Affiliate Marketing and Freelancing

Flexibility in Affiliate Marketing

Flexibility in Freelancing

Balancing Multiple Projects

Choosing the Right Path for You

Assessing Your Skills

Considering Your Goals

Making an Informed Decision

Common Misconceptions About Affiliate Marketing

Is It Beginner Friendly?

Time Investment

Income Expectations

Common Misconceptions About Freelancing

Job Security

Client Acquisition

Workload Management

Summary Table of Misconceptions

Combining Affiliate Marketing and Freelancing

Benefits of Diversifying

Managing Both Paths

Transitioning Between the Two

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is affiliate marketing?

How does freelancing work?

What are the main differences between affiliate marketing and freelancing?

Is affiliate marketing good for beginners?

Can freelancers have a steady income?

What skills do I need for affiliate marketing?

What skills are important for freelancing?

Can I do both affiliate marketing and freelancing?

Key Takeaways Affiliate Marketing Vs Freelancing

• Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products, while freelancing involves offering your own skills and services directly to clients.

• Both models offer flexibility in work hours and location, but they differ in how income is generated and how client relationships are managed.

• Freelancers may experience more predictable income streams, while affiliate earnings can fluctuate depending on performance and sales.

• Affiliate marketers benefit from strong marketing and sales skills, whereas freelancers need expertise in their chosen service area (e.g., design, writing, tech).

• Choosing between affiliate marketing and freelancing depends on your skills, preferences, risk tolerance, and financial goals.

  
  

Understanding Affiliate Marketing

Definition and Basics

Affiliate marketing is a way to earn money by promoting products or services offered by other companies.

As an affiliate, you receive a unique tracking link. When someone clicks that link and makes a purchase, you may earn a commission — at no extra cost to them. It’s a business model that allows you to monetize your content or audience without needing to create your own products.

Personally, I enjoy this model because it lets me recommend tools and services I believe in, while earning income when others find value in them too.

How It Works

Here’s a simple breakdown of how affiliate marketing works:

Here’s a simple breakdown of how affiliate marketing works:

1. Join an Affiliate Program: Sign up for a program that matches your interests or niche.

2. Get Your Unique Link: You’ll receive a special tracking link to share with others.

3. Promote the Product: Share your link through blogs, social media, email, or other channels.

4. Earn a Commission: When someone makes a purchase through your link, you may earn a commission — at no extra cost to them.

Key Players in Affiliate Marketing

In affiliate marketing, there are three main players:

Player	Role
Affiliates	Promote products or services and earn a commission for each valid sale.
Merchants	Provide the products or services and pay commissions to affiliates.
Customers	Purchase products through affiliate links, often at no additional cost.

Affiliate marketing is a way to potentially earn income online, especially if you enjoy sharing products you genuinely believe in. With thousands of products and services available across different affiliate programs, it’s easy to find something that aligns with your style and audience.

But here’s an important rule: only promote high-quality products. Always test the product yourself when possible. Recommending something you wouldn’t use ( or low quality products) or trust can harm your reputation — and your results.

Exploring Freelancing

Definition and Basics

Freelancing means working independently and offering your skills to clients on a project-by-project basis. Freelancers typically operate as self-employed professionals and may provide services remotely, depending on the nature of the work and client needs. This model can offer flexibility in terms of location and the types of projects you pursue.

Types of Freelance Work

Freelancers can specialize in many different areas. Here are some common types of freelance services:

• Writing (e.g., articles, blog posts, copywriting)

• Graphic Design (e.g., logos, marketing materials)

• Web Development (e.g., building websites, front-end or back-end coding)

• Social Media Management (e.g., managing business accounts, content planning)

• Consulting (e.g., offering specialized advice based on industry experience)

Popular Freelancing Platforms

To find clients, many freelancers use online platforms. Here are some well-known options:

Platform	Description
Upwork	A large freelance marketplace offering a wide range of project categories.
Fiverr	A platform where freelancers offer services starting at $5, often with tiered pricing.
Freelancer	Connects freelancers with clients through project bidding and contests.
Toptal	Focuses on top-tier freelance talent, especially in tech and design.
Guru	Lets freelancers showcase past work and connect with clients in various industries.

Note: Freelancing can be a rewarding way to earn income, but results vary. While it may offer flexibility, the ability to choose projects often depends on your skills, demand, competition, and client selection.

Freelancing Overview

Freelancing offers a unique way to use your skills and earn income.You may enjoy flexibility, choose your clients, and work on projects that align with your interests. However, it also requires self-discipline, time management, and the ability to market your services effectively.

Tip: The more in-demand and well-developed your skills are, the more opportunities you can potentially find.

Pros and Cons of Affiliate Marketing

Advantages of Affiliate Marketing

• Passive Income Potential: Once your affiliate content is set up and generating traffic, you may continue to earn commissions over time. However, despite the common hype, it takes effort, consistency, and strategy — it's not a “set it and forget it” model.

• Flexibility: You can work from anywhere and on your own schedule. This makes affiliate marketing adaptable to different lifestyles — though results still depend on how much focused effort you put in.

• Wide Range of Products: There are thousands of products and services to promote. If one doesn’t convert well, you can switch to another. That said, always test the product yourself before recommending it — promoting low-quality products can hurt your brand and credibility.

• Low Startup Costs: Unlike traditional businesses, affiliate marketing doesn’t require inventory, shipping, or customer service. Many people start with just a website, a social media presence, or a hub — making it an accessible option for those on a limited budget.

• Scalability: As your audience grows, so can your earnings — without needing to increase your workload proportionally. By diversifying your affiliate programs and content, you can expand your reach and income potential over time.

Challenges in Affiliate Marketing

• Slow Results: It often takes time to build trust, generate traffic, and see your first commissions. Consistency and patience are key.

• High Competition: Many people are doing affiliate marketing, especially in popular niches. You’ll need a clear strategy and strong value proposition to stand out.

• Dependence on Product Performance: Your income is tied to how well the products or services you promote convert. If they don’t sell — or if the company changes its terms — your earnings may drop.

  
  

Long-term Potential

Affiliate marketing can offer a way to earn income over time, especially if you're committed to learning, testing, and adapting your approach. With persistence and strategy, some affiliates build reliable earnings — though results vary widely from person to person.

Choosing the right affiliate programs plays a big role in long-term success. Look for high-quality programs that align with your interests and audience. For example, networks like Amazon Associates or ShareASale offer a wide range of products you can promote based on your niche.

Keep in mind: success doesn’t happen overnight. Affiliate marketing takes time, effort, and experimentation. But with consistency and smart strategies, it’s possible to develop a long-term income stream — one that reflects the value you provide and the trust you build with your audience.

Pros and Cons of Freelancing

Advantages of Freelancing

Freelancing offers several benefits that make it appealing to many individuals. Here are some key advantages:

• Flexibility: Freelancers often have the ability to set their own schedules and pursue projects that align with their interests, though availability and deadlines may depend on client needs.

• Potential for Higher Earnings: Skilled and experienced freelancers may earn more than traditional employees in certain industries, though this varies widely based on demand, pricing, and workload.

• Variety of Projects: Working with different clients allows you to gain experience in multiple areas, build a diverse portfolio, and stay creatively engaged.

• Control Over Work Environment: Many freelance roles can be done remotely, giving you the option to work from a location that suits you best — whether it’s home, a co-working space, or while traveling.

Challenges in Freelancing

While freelancing can be rewarding, it also comes with important challenges:

• Lack of Job Security: Freelancers don’t have the stability of a salaried role. Income depends on securing consistent work and client contracts.

• Responsibility for Business Operations: You’re in charge of everything — from finding clients and setting rates to managing deadlines, taxes, and finances.

• Requires Self-Discipline: Freelancing demands motivation, time management, and the ability to handle multiple tasks without supervision.

• Irregular Income: Your income can fluctuate from month to month, especially when starting out or working in a seasonal industry.

Income Stability

Freelancing can offer the potential for more predictable income than affiliate marketing, especially when you establish long-term client relationships. However, both models come with variability and require effort, consistency, and strategy to sustain.

Aspect	Freelancing	Affiliate Marketing
Income Structure	Typically charged per project or hourly	Earned through product or service commissions
Job Security	Less secure than employment	Varies by program terms and product performance
Work Environment	Often flexible and client-dependent	Flexible, but results depend on ongoing marketing

Freelancing may give you the ability to manage your time and select projects that align with your availability and skills. However, this flexibility also comes with responsibility — including being available for clients, managing deadlines, and balancing workload effectively.

Freelancing can be a rewarding path, but it requires self-discipline, strategic planning, and a willingness to navigate uncertainty. Carefully weighing the pros and cons of both freelancing and affiliate marketing can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals.

Skills Required for Affiliate Marketing

Definition and Basics

To succeed in affiliate marketing, you'll benefit from developing a mix of skills that help you promote products effectively and build trust with your audience. While no skill guarantees success, strengthening these areas can improve your chances of long-term growth.

Marketing Skills

• Strong Communication: Clear, persuasive communication helps you connect with your audience and build credibility with affiliate partners.

• Creativity: Coming up with unique angles or promotional strategies can help you stand out in a competitive market.

• Self-Motivation: Affiliate marketing is often self-directed. You’ll need the discipline to stay focused, set goals, and keep going without direct supervision.

Technical Skills

• Analytical Mindset: The ability to analyze data such as website traffic, conversion rates, and sales helps you make informed decisions and improve your strategies over time.

• Networking Skills: Building relationships with other marketers, content creators, and affiliate managers can lead to collaboration opportunities and industry insights.

• Persistence: Affiliate marketing often involves trial and error. Staying resilient and continuing to improve despite setbacks is important for long-term growth.

Content Creation Skills

• Engaging Content: Creating valuable and interesting content can help attract visitors and encourage them to click on your affiliate links.

• SEO KnowledgeUnderstanding basic search engine optimization helps your content appear in search results, increasing visibility and organic traffic.

• Social Media SkillsSharing your content on platforms like Instagram, X (Twitter), or YouTube can expand your reach and help drive traffic to your offers.

Skills Required for Freelancing

Freelancing involves more than just delivering services — it requires a diverse set of skills that support client work, time management, and self-promotion. While there's no single formula for success, developing these skills can significantly improve your results.

Specific Skill Sets

• Self-MotivationThe ability to stay focused and driven without supervision is essential for meeting goals and managing your workload.

• Time ManagementOrganizing your time effectively helps you meet deadlines and balance multiple projects.

• Clear CommunicationStrong written and verbal communication supports collaboration, helps clarify expectations, and builds trust with clients.

  
  

Client Management Skills

Managing relationships with clients is an important part of freelancing. These skills can help you navigate projects more smoothly:

• Organizational SkillsKeeping track of project details, deadlines, and client communications helps you stay on top of your work.

• Problem-SolvingBeing resourceful when challenges arise allows you to respond quickly and maintain professionalism.

• AdaptabilityFlexibility is helpful when working with a variety of clients, industries, or project types.

Marketing Your Services

Finding freelance work often involves marketing yourself effectively. Here are key strategies:

• NetworkingConnecting with others in your field — online and offline — can lead to referrals and new opportunities.

• Online PresenceUse social media, freelancing platforms, or a personal website to highlight your services and credibility.

• PortfolioA well-crafted portfolio showcasing your best work can help attract and convert potential clients.

Man working on a laptop

Income Potential: Affiliate Marketing vs Freelancing

Earning Through Commissions

In affiliate marketing, you can earn commissions by promoting products or services. When someone makes a qualifying purchase through your unique link, you may receive a percentage of the sale.

Some experienced affiliates have achieved significant earnings — but these results are not typical. Building consistent income takes time, strategy, and effort, it's not easy. While affiliate marketing can lead to passive income over time, it requires consistent work, testing, and patience to see results.

Charging for Services

Freelancers earn income by providing services directly to clients. This is often done on a per-project or hourly basis. Many freelancers build steady income streams by working with multiple clients or on retainer contracts.

Freelancing may offer more control over pricing and workload, but it also requires managing client relationships, deadlines, and marketing your services.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Aspect	Affiliate Marketing	Freelancing
Income Type	Commissions on sales	Payments per project/hour
Effort Required	High upfront effort; may lead to passive income over time	Ongoing effort for each client/project
Consistency	Income may fluctuate based on traffic and conversions	Potentially more stable with recurring clients
Scalability	Can scale with content and audience growth	Scales by raising rates or taking on more clients
Client Interaction	No direct client contact (in most cases)	Regular communication with clients

Scalability of Income

Both affiliate marketing and freelancing have the potential to grow over time, but they scale in different ways.

In affiliate marketing, your income may increase as your audience grows and your marketing strategies improve. With consistent effort, it's possible to earn more without directly trading time for money — though this typically takes time, testing, and patience.

In freelancing, your income can scale by taking on more clients, offering premium services, or raising your rates as your expertise grows. However, your income is usually tied to the time and effort you invest.

Both models offer income growth potential, but they require different skill sets, business models, and levels of involvement. Consider your strengths, interests, and goals to choose the path that aligns best with your lifestyle and aspirations.

Work-Life Balance in Affiliate Marketing and Freelancing

Flexibility in Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing can offer a high level of flexibility. Since you're not tied to clients or fixed schedules, you can often work on your own terms — which can be helpful if you have other responsibilities.

However, flexibility doesn’t mean less work. In fact, many affiliates find themselves working late hours, weekends, or irregular schedules to keep up with content, traffic strategies, or platform changes. That’s why setting boundaries is important.

Tips for Managing Flexibility:

• Create a work schedule that fits your lifestyle

• Set clear work hours to stay focused

• Take regular breaks to recharge and avoid mental fatigue

Flexibility in Freelancing

Freelancing also offers flexibility, but it typically comes with more structured commitments. While you can choose your clients and projects, you’ll often need to be available during standard business hours — depending on the client’s location and industry.

This flexibility can turn into pressure if you overbook yourself or take on too many deadlines at once.

Tips for Managing Freelance Workload:

• Clearly communicate your availability and turnaround times

• Prioritize tasks and break projects into manageable steps

• Learn to say no to projects that exceed your bandwidth or timeline

Note: Both affiliate marketing and freelancing offer flexibility — but neither guarantees perfect work-life balance. Creating that balance requires proactive planning, time management, and knowing your personal limits.

Balancing Multiple Projects

Whether you’re doing affiliate marketing, freelancing, or both, being able to manage multiple projects efficiently is essential to staying focused and meeting your goals.

Here are some strategies I personally use and recommend:

• Use a planner or digital tool to track tasks and deadlines

• Break larger projects into smaller, actionable steps

• Review your workload regularly and adjust your priorities as needed

• Try the Pomodoro Technique — short, timed work sessions can help improve focus and output

To help you stay organized, I created a tool that’s been part of my workflow for years:

Download My “Affiliate Marketer’s Organizer Template” I originally built this when I started managing multiple affiliate programs and needed a better system to keep everything in one place. It’s simple, practical, and easy to adapt to your own setup.

• CSV File

• Numbers File

• PDF File

Note: This template reflects my personal system and may be customized to suit your own work style. It is provided for personal use only and may not be resold or redistributed. Please note that using this template does not guarantee any specific results.

Finding the right balance between work and personal time is important for staying focused and productive over the long term. Make sure to set clear boundaries so you can maintain consistency in both your work and your personal goals.

Choosing the Right Path for You

When deciding between affiliate marketing and freelancing, it’s important to think about what fits your strengths, goals, and working style.

Assessing Your Skills

• Marketing Mindset: If you enjoy promoting, creating content, or building an audience, affiliate marketing may be a natural fit.

• Technical or Creative Skills: Freelancing often relies on hands-on abilities — such as writing, design, web development, or video editing — which you offer directly to clients.

• Self-Motivation: Both paths require initiative and follow-through. Freelancing tends to demand more day-to-day structure, especially when managing deadlines and client expectations.

Considering Your Goals

• How You Get Paid: Affiliate marketing earns you commissions when someone makes a purchase through your link — but it often takes time to build trust, content, and consistent results.Freelancing involves direct payment for services, and in many cases, you receive payment once a project or milestone is completed.

• Time Commitment: Freelancing is typically more immediate and task-driven: you work and get compensated per project or hour.Affiliate marketing offers more flexibility, but it often requires upfront effort before you begin to see returns.

• Future Vision: Do you want to build a content-driven brand with potential long-term earnings (affiliate marketing)?Or would you prefer hands-on work with clients and the variety of project-based income (freelancing)?

  
  

Making an Informed Decision

• Test Both: If you're unsure, try both on a small scale. Real-world experience can quickly show you which path fits your personality and workflow better.

• Follow Your Interests: Choose the option that sparks your curiosity and matches the way you enjoy working.

• Get Real Insights: Talk to people already doing affiliate marketing or freelancing. A short conversation can give you more clarity than hours of online research.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right path is the one that aligns with your skills, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals. Start small, stay open, and trust that clarity comes with taking action.

Common Misconceptions About Affiliate Marketing

Is It Beginner-Friendly?

Some believe affiliate marketing is too difficult to start. In reality, you don’t need special credentials or tech skills to begin — but it does require effort, willingness to learn, and time to improve. Anyone can start, but not everyone sees results right away — or at all.

Time Investment

Another common myth is that affiliate marketing is a fast way to make money. In truth, it often takes months of consistent effort before seeing any returns — and some people may never generate income.

What to expect:

• Patience is critical: It may take 3 to 6 months or more to gain traction — and there are no guarantees

• Effort is ongoing: You’ll need to regularly create, optimize, and promote content

• There’s a learning curve: You’ll need to develop skills in areas like SEO, content creation, and audience targeting

Income Expectations

Affiliate marketing is often promoted as a way to earn passive income, but the reality is different for everyone. Some people see results, while many do not earn anything at all.

Success is never guaranteed. It depends on factors like your niche, consistency, marketing efforts, and audience. It takes time, testing, and ongoing learning — and even with that, not everyone achieves results.

Affiliate marketing isn’t a shortcut to success. But for some, it can become a valuable skillset and opportunity when approached strategically.

Important points to remember:

• No guaranteed income: You only earn if someone makes a qualifying purchase through your link

• Product choice matters: Promoting low-converting or irrelevant products will likely lead to poor results

• Saturated markets: Popular niches can be competitive, making it harder to stand out

NOTE: Affiliate marketing is not a guaranteed income source. Results vary widely, and many individuals may never earn a commission. While some affiliates earn income over time through consistent effort, learning, and strategic execution, these outcomes are not typical and depend on numerous factors, including niche, audience, and marketing approach.

I'm committed to ethical marketing practice.

Common Misconceptions About Freelancing

Job Security

Some people assume freelancing offers the same kind of job security as traditional employment. However, freelancers don’t receive a guaranteed paycheck. Income can fluctuate — you might have a strong month followed by a slow one. This variability can make financial planning more challenging without proper systems in place.

Client Acquisition

A common misconception is that finding clients is quick or easy — but that’s rarely the case.

In truth, building a reliable client base takes time, consistency, and intentional effort. You’ll need to market your services, build credibility, and engage in ongoing outreach — all while making sure your methods are professional and compliant with platforms or legal guidelines.

Whether through freelancing platforms, networking, or referrals, landing clients is a process that improves as you refine your approach and reputation.

Here are some common ways freelancers find clients — but keep in mind, using these platforms doesn’t guarantee success. You’ll need to put in consistent effort to stand out and build trust:

• Join freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer

• Network on social media, online forums, or local business communities

• Request referrals from satisfied past clients or collaborators

Workload Management

It’s often said that freelancers can work whenever they want — but this flexibility comes with limitations. In practice, you may need to adjust your schedule to meet client deadlines, attend meetings, or manage overlapping projects. Without good time management, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

Freelancing can be a fulfilling and flexible career path, but it also involves a high degree of personal responsibility. Understanding these common misconceptions can help you set realistic expectations and prepare for both the opportunities and the challenges.

Summary Table of Misconceptions

Misconception	Reality
Freelancing offers job security	Income can fluctuate; no guaranteed paycheck
Finding clients is easy	Requires time, strategy, and ongoing effort to build a client base
You can work whenever you want	Flexibility exists, but client deadlines and availability still matter

Combining Affiliate Marketing and Freelancing

Benefits of Diversifying

Combining affiliate marketing with freelancing can be a smart strategy for those looking to explore different ways to earn money online.

While there’s no guarantee of income from either path, working in both areas may offer some advantages:

• Income Diversity: Engaging in both freelance work and affiliate marketing may reduce reliance on a single source of potential income. However, results can vary, and not everyone earns consistently — or at all — from either approach.

• Skill Expansion: By managing client work and affiliate promotions, you may develop valuable skills across communication, marketing, and project management.

• Work Flexibility: This dual path gives you more freedom to adjust your focus and workload based on your goals, availability, and interests.

Managing Both Paths

Balancing freelance work and affiliate marketing requires intention and structure.

These tips may help:

• Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like for you in each area.

• Use a Smart Schedule: Time-blocking can help you juggle client deadlines and content creation.

• Leverage Tools: Project management and analytics tools can help you stay on track and monitor performance.

Transitioning Between the Two

It’s completely possible to move between freelancing and affiliate marketing — or even combine them long-term. Keep the following in mind:

• Monitor Your Capacity: Avoid overcommitting. Track your workload to ensure you can meet deadlines and maintain quality.

• Stay Informed: Trends change quickly online. Keep learning to stay relevant.

• Connect with Others: Join communities related to both fields — this can open doors, offer support, and help you grow faster.

Conclusion

We’ve explored the key aspects of both affiliate marketing and freelancing — two flexible paths that offer different ways to work online.

If you’re interested in promoting products and enjoy building content or marketing strategies, affiliate marketing might be worth exploring.

If you have specific skills and enjoy working directly with clients on projects, freelancing could be a more natural fit. Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

The right path depends on your strengths, preferences, and long-term goals.

You don’t have to choose just one right away. Many people explore both and adjust over time. What matters most is starting where you feel curious — and staying open to learning as you go.

Disclaimer: Neither freelancing nor affiliate marketing guarantees any income. Results vary depending on your effort, skills, and market conditions.

Thanks for reading,

Laurence

Frequently Asked Questions

What is affiliate marketing?

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services offered by others. When someone makes a purchase through your unique affiliate link, you may earn a commission.

How does freelancing work?

Freelancing means offering your skills or services directly to clients for a fee. You typically work on individual projects and are paid based on agreed terms.

What are the main differences between affiliate marketing and freelancing?

Affiliate marketing earns you commissions based on product sales or referrals. Freelancing involves direct compensation for services you provide to clients.

Is affiliate marketing good for beginners?

Affiliate marketing can be accessible to beginners, especially when supported by training and a willingness to learn. However, results vary and income is not guaranteed.

Can freelancers have a steady income?

Freelancers can build more consistent income by securing ongoing clients or long-term projects, but income may still fluctuate depending on workload and demand.

What skills do I need for affiliate marketing?

Helpful skills include digital marketing, content creation, SEO, and analytics. Being able to communicate clearly and understand your audience is also valuable.

What skills are important for freelancing?

Freelancers benefit from strong technical or creative skills, time management, client communication, and the ability to market their services effectively.

Can I do both affiliate marketing and freelancing?

Yes, combining both can help diversify your income streams. Many people choose to explore both paths based on their interests, goals, and available time.