> Freelancing/consulting is harder than a 9-5 salary job, in every way

If its harder in EVERY WAY, why are you doing it ? There must be some positive points.

9-5 could be harder in following ways:

1. Annoying co-workers and/or boss.

2. Office politics

3. No enough pay and/or credit for your work

4. Not able to telecommute

5. Can't build your own portfolio

6. Can't get paid for overtime

7. You could get fired anytime

8. Don't get opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills

9. You can't choose your projects

10. Don't have to refresh Linked List and DFS every time you go for an interview (for software jobs).