Freelancer Lifestyle: What You Wish Someone Had Told You

When I first started freelancing, I always thought that the freedom to work on my own schedule would be a blessing. How wrong I was!

Even though I’m now used to my new lifestyle and am managing it pretty well, those first few months were hell. In fact, if someone had told me some of the things that I’m going to share with you here, I probably wouldn’t have started freelancing.

But now that you’re reading this article, you don’t have to make the same mistakes as me. Here’s what you need to understand to survive — and thrive — as a freelance professional:

What Is The Freelancer Lifestyle?

The “freelancer lifestyle” is a way of life that’s focused on the freedom and flexibility of being self-employed. It usually involves working remotely and pursuing projects that are personally meaningful.

What Is A Freelancer?

A freelancer is a person who works independently and isn’t tied to a particular company or organization. In other words… us! We don’t work for anyone but ourselves, which means we can do whatever we want.

What Are Some Of The Benefits Of The Freelancer Lifestyle?

Freelancers have the chance to take control of their careers, pursue projects that matter to them, and create a better work-life balance than they might find in traditional employment.

How Can I Get Started Living The Freelance Lifestyle?

As with any big change, starting out as a freelancer takes time and planning. You should think about what skills you have that you could use to freelance, decide who your ideal clients are (and how to reach them), figure out where you’ll work, and create a budget for your new business.

What Do You Mean By “Freelance Lifestyle”?

We mean the way you live your life as a freelancer. It’s how you dress, how you think, how you approach your work. But it’s also where you work (anywhere!), why you work (freedom!), who you work with (anyone!), when you work (whenever!), and more!

What’s The Best Part About Being A Freelancer?

The best part about being a freelancer is that you get to work for yourself and set your own schedule! This is great because you can choose projects that you love, and focus your time on them. If you don’t want to go out of your way to help someone else without getting paid, then you don’t have to.

If you want to take the day off and relax in the park with a book and a picnic, then you can do that too!

What Kinds Of Services Can I Offer As A Freelancer?

Almost anything! But common services include web design, development, marketing, IT support, writing/editing, graphic design, video/audio production, etc.

How Much Time Do I Have To Spend Working As A Freelancer?

As much or as little as you want! If you want to work 24/7, 365 days a year, knock yourself out. If you want to work just on Tuesdays from 3:00-4:30 pm, that’s totally fine too. You’re in control of your hours and your schedule.

How Do I Get Clients?

The best way to find clients is through word-of-mouth and referrals. One of the best ways to kickstart your business is by targeting people who know you and your skills, working with them, and then letting them know that you’d love it if they referred anyone else who needs help with similar projects.

The more people you work with and the better your relationships with those folks, the easier it will be to get new clients in the future.

How Should I Price My Services?

There’s no one answer for this one, as every freelancer works differently and has different costs associated with their business. To start, make sure you know how much all of your costs are per month—including things like childcare and office space rental—and then add up how many hours a week you want to work.

Divide those costs by the number of hours you want to work each week, and use that number as a starting point for setting your rates by the project.

I’m Not Qualified For This Job. Do I Need An Mba Or Something?

Nope! Just be yourself! The skills necessary for this position are… well… being yourself. That’s it! No frills, no gimmicks—just being yourself and you’ll be great at this job.

How Do I Find Clients To Work With?

You don’t! Once you have everything set up, the clients come to you. The best part about being a freelancer is that you don’t have to spend time hunting down opportunities—your focus is on doing great work. And when you do great work, your clients will spread the word and more opportunities will come to you.

How Can I Get Paid?

When you become a freelancer, you can choose how you want to get paid. Some people prefer getting paid by check, which means your client has to mail a check to you. Other people would rather get paid electronically, which means that payment goes straight into your bank account (and often faster). You can decide which method works best for you!

What Kinds Of Jobs Are Out There For Me?

There are all kinds of jobs out there for a freelancer like yourself. Some people specialize in writing content for websites, others specialize in editing academic papers, and some specialize in creating content for social media posts.

There are also lots of technical jobs like data entry or transcription that are great for freelancers! You can try your hand at all different.

What Are Some Common Struggles As A Freelancer?

Some common struggles as a freelancer are having to motivate yourself to work, and finding clients that are willing to pay what you feel like you’re worth. As an employee for an organization, it’s easy for them to motivate you with deadlines or tasks that need completing.

When working for yourself, it’s up to YOU to set those deadlines for yourself and make sure things get done. For clients that want to pay less than what you’re worth, it’s up to YOU to negotiate prices and find clients who are willing to pay more.

As A Freelancer, Will I Have To Pay Taxes?

No, you will not have to pay taxes. As a Freelancer, you are exempt from all types of income tax.

How Can I Sell My Freelance Services?

You’ll need to have a portfolio of the work you’ve done, including the basics (like a resume), but also some of your best pieces. Some of the first places you should be looking for work are through freelance marketplaces, like UpWork and Fiverr, and job boards like Monster and Indeed.

How Do I Find A Mentor?

There are a lot of excellent programs and organizations where you can find mentors. Look for industry groups, career-specific organizations, or even people you know who are doing what you want to do—and ask if they’d be willing to meet with you to talk about how they started out in their careers, what their day-to-day work is like, and how they got where they are today.

How Should I Structure My Day?

We recommend a flexible schedule that is formed around the hours you are most productive. This way, you can get more work done and make more money with your time. And since you’re in charge of your own workflow, you can choose to take on projects when you feel like it—and not when it’s expected of you.

No more having to wake up every morning at 7 am, only to face a long commute. You could sleep in and start your day later if you feel like it!

Do I Need A Freelancing Coach?

It depends on what kind of work you want to do. For example, if you want to be a fiction writer, we suggest finding a writing coach (who is also a freelance writer!) that specializes in the types of stories that interest you.

If you’re looking for a career as an online business manager (OBM), there are many sources online that help OBM freelancers develop skills like digital marketing and advertising, which can be helpful in attracting new clients.

How Should I Write My Cover Letter?

Your cover letter is your first chance to really show off your personality. First, start with a friendly greeting—just like you would if someone walked up to you at a party! Then get right into why you’re interested in this particular project.

Tell the client why you think this job is made for you—what are some examples of similar work that you’ve done? What did you love about it? What about it makes you excited for this new project? Finally, before signing off with another friendly greeting, ask the client if they have any questions or need more information from you.

How Do I Get Started As A Freelancer?

The best way is to just jump in! Start by picking a service that you would like to start offering, and then put yourself out there. Ask friends and family to help you get started.

What Should I Expect As A Freelancer?

You’ll probably have some ups and downs as you get used to the work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you’re really passionate about something!

What If Someone Wants Me To Work For Free?

Don’t do it! No matter how good the opportunity sounds, no one should expect you to work for free. They don’t deserve your time or effort if they aren’t ready to compensate you fairly for it!

How Long Will It Take Me To Start Getting Clients?

Our experience tells us that you can start seeing results in as little as a week, but we’ve also seen people take up to three months to get their first client. Don’t worry if it takes some time—it’s all about persistence! (And you can totally do it.

I’m Not Sure If I Can Commit To Freelancing Full-Time. Is It Worth The Investment?

If you’re already working with great clients, then sticking with what you’re doing could be a good bet. But if you feel like your clients are taking advantage of your skills or that they don’t value you, then the Freelancer Lifestyle course could be an excellent way to earn more money while giving yourself more freedom and flexibility.

I Have Another Job That I Really Love: Should I Keep Working There Or Go Freelance?

That’s a pretty personal decision, but we think it depends on what kind of work your current job is, and whether or not you would be able to get clients for that type of work outside of your current company. If the answer is yes, then we’d say go for it!

How Much Do Freelancers Make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median freelance salary is $28.00 per hour, which is higher than the average salary for all workers at $20.42 per hour.

Can I Really Work From Home?

Yes! You can work from anywhere as a freelancer. This includes your couch, coffee shop, library, car—whatever works best for you! (And you can even change it up day by day if you want.) Working from home can be especially great for people with pets!

Who Hires Freelancers?

The answer is simple… everyone! Companies of all sizes and industries hire freelancers to help them complete their projects.

What Are Common Jobs For Freelancers?

Freelance job descriptions can include web design, graphic design, programming, writing and editing, and more.

Is Freelancing Hard?

Yes! There are lots of things to figure out, like how much to charge, what exactly your business will do, and how to find clients. But if you’re willing to put in a little time and effort, it’s totally worth it. And the more you practice freelancing—and the more experience you gain—the easier it gets.

What Is It Like To Work As A Freelancer?

It’s great. I get to do what I love every single day and I don’t have to spend hours commuting back and forth to a job that isn’t fun for me.

Do You Have A Lot Of Free Time As A Freelancer?

A: Yes, actually. I have so much more free time than when I was working at company X because I’m no longer wasting hours commuting!

How Do You Get Clients?

A: There are a lot of ways to find clients, but my favorite way is using Upwork. This website helps connect me with clients who are looking for freelancers like me, and it has made my job so much easier!

Can I Start Freelancing Without Any Experience?

Absolutely! There are plenty of opportunities out there for new freelancers, so don’t worry if you don’t have much on your portfolio yet.

How Much Money Can I Earn?

It’s entirely up to you! As a freelancer, you set your rate, and you can work as much or as little as you’d like.

Can I List More Than One Skill?

Of course! Add all the skills that you feel confident working in, and you’ll be able to find more jobs.

What If I Don’t Know How Much To Charge?

If this is your first time freelancing, we recommend starting with a lower rate and then adjusting it once you get a feel for the market. You can always increase it later!

What Does A Typical Day Look Like For You?

I wake up, shower and get dressed, have breakfast, and then I’m on my computer, ready to work by 8:30 am every day. I usually take a break around noon for lunch and then get back to work until 5:00 pm. A lot of people don’t realize that being a freelancer means you still have to do things like this—you need to stick to a schedule and treat your work like it’s any other job. The only difference is you can wear pajamas while you do it.

What Are Your Favorite Things About Being A Freelancer?

I love the freedom of working from home (and in my pajamas!). It’s great because I can also make my own schedule if I need to go out for appointments or run errands during the day—that’s not something a lot of people get to enjoy when they have traditional 9-5 jobs.

Are Freelance Jobs Secure?

Generally speaking, no. Because you work for yourself, there’s nobody to pay you if there’s no work to do. That’s why it’s so important to have a good emergency fund in place before you try working for yourself. While there are some freelance jobs that might require a contract (like writing an article), these are quite rare, and you shouldn’t rely on them to keep your head above water or pay your rent.

Is Freelancing Worth It?

Absolutely. If you’re prepared to work hard and make sacrifices, there is no reason why you can’t be successful as a freelancer. It’s definitely not easy, though, so be sure you’re prepared to put in the work and have patience before diving in.

Should I Quit My Full-Time Job To Become A Freelancer?

That depends on how much work you already have lined up as a freelancer. It’s generally not the best idea to quit your job without having secured enough freelance assignments to replace your income from the full-time job. Make sure that your finances are stable.

How Much Does It Cost?

Freelancer is free to use! They don’t charge any fees when you post a project, hire a freelancer, or submit an invoice. So if you want to hire someone on Freelancer.com without spending any money—well, here is good news! They don’t charge any fees upon registration, so go ahead and browse our list of projects without worrying about getting charged.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment Or Software?

It depends on the type of work you’re doing. If your work requires a computer and an internet connection, that’s all you need! Some other tools that may be helpful depending on your field include programs for video calling and screen sharing, graphic design software like Photoshop or Canva, and photo editing software like Lightroom. There are many free options that can help you get started without spending too much money!

Why Would I Want To Work As A Freelancer?

You have a lot of freedom: the ability to work from anywhere, the ability to create your own schedule, and the ability to choose projects that you’re interested in are just a few of the benefits.

What Is Upwork?

Upwork is an online platform that connects freelancers with clients. You can use it to find and apply for jobs, and you can also use it as a platform for getting paid by your clients.

How Do I Get Paid On Upwork?

The client will pay money into escrow, which is then released to you upon completion of the project.

Do I Need Experience Working As A Freelancer Before Using Upwork?

No! The best way to start building your freelance business is through Upwork itself—we have many tools and resources that will help you succeed!

What Does It Mean To Be An Independent Contractor?

A freelancer is technically an independent contractor; this means that you are hired to complete certain tasks for a certain rate of pay, but you aren’t considered an employee of that company. You get more flexibility than someone who works a traditional 9-to-5 job (you choose who to work for and how much to charge), but there are also tradeoffs (no employer benefits like health care or sick days).

Do I Have To Work At A Specific Time?

No, you can work whatever hours you want! We are committed to giving you the freedom to live your life as you see fit.

Can I Freelance Part-Time While I’m Still Working Full-Time?

Absolutely! If you’re worried about not having enough work, connect with other freelancers who’d be willing to pass on jobs that don’t fit their skill set or schedule. You’ll find that most of the time, clients will hire someone who can start ASAP.

Do I Need A Business License?

It depends on where you live—check with your local government’s website.

What Are The Benefits Of Working On Upwork?

Upwork provides the freedom to work on projects that appeal to you, from wherever you want, at any time. You’ll have access to thousands of clients looking for freelancers just like you.

Why Should I Use Upwork?

Upwork will help you find clients, build your reputation, and get paid. The site connects top freelancers with clients who need their services.

How Do I Set My Rates?

When setting your rates, think about how much money you need in order to make a living and how difficult or challenging the project is going to be. You want to balance both these criteria so that you’re not charging too little (or too much) for the work involved.

Is There Anything I Need To Know If I Decide To Become A Freelancer?

You bet! One of the biggest things you should be prepared for is managing your finances. While you’re a freelancer, you’ll be responsible for paying your own taxes. There are a few ways to go about that:

-Pay estimated tax quarterly

-Make quarterly payments by the 15th of January, April, June, and September

-Save money from each payment you receive so you can pay at the end of the year

-Check out the IRS website for more information about taxes for freelancers

What’s The Difference Between An Entrepreneur And A Freelancer?

An entrepreneur starts their own company, which usually involves building a product or service that they then market and sell. A freelancer works independently on a project-by-project basis, usually for several companies at once.

There are lots of different kinds of entrepreneurs! But we’ve found that entrepreneurs who start their careers as freelancers often have these traits in common:

• They like to work on many projects at once and see what sticks; they are not afraid of failure or change.
• They’re good at networking, building relationships, and finding opportunities.
• They love variety and take on new challenges easily.

What Happens If I Don’t Have Any Freelance Contracts For A While?

It’s important when you first start out as a freelancer that you keep looking for new business even when you’re in the middle of projects because the nature of freelance work is that it ebbs and flows. So if there’s downtime, use it as an opportunity to explore other options or look for ways to increase your productivity!

Takeaway

Honestly, I wish someone had told me about the things I’m about to tell you. Or at least I wish someone had shown me these things when I started out freelancing. The process of freelancing comes with a steep learning curve and many mistakes; had I known about this information, it would have saved me a great deal of time and money.

But here I am, so hopefully, you can learn from my mistakes (and my successes) and avoid them yourself.