Freelancing Isn’t Just For Retirees Anymore

If you’re like a lot of people these days, you don’t want to be held back by your job. 

Being an employee doesn’t give you the freedom to make your own schedule or pick up work when it’s available and if you have other responsibilities, that can make holding down a full-time job impossible. 

If freelance work is calling to you, this post has all the info you need to start freelancing in your field. (Note: I’ve written it with writers in mind, but there’s plenty of good advice here for any kind of freelance worker.)

Takeaways
Freelancing offers opportunities beyond retirement.
Freelancing is a viable career choice for individuals of all ages.
The freelance industry has evolved and expanded its demographic reach.
Millennials and Generation Z are actively participating in freelancing.
Freelancing provides flexibility and the potential for income growth.

Have A Backup Plan

If you’re going to be a freelancer, have a backup plan. You’ll need one for when things don’t go as planned and you need to take a break. You’ll also need one for when you want to take some time off or even take an unexpected vacation (that’s right: vacations are not just for retirees). 

And finally, if something comes up that requires you to be at home instead of working whether it’s illness or injury you’ll want your freelancing gig-ready with some form of income insurance

Being pregnant doesn’t have to pause your freelancing career. Discover effective strategies and tips for staying on track as a freelancer during pregnancy in our comprehensive guide on Freelancing When Pregnant.

Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

A lot of people think freelancing is just a bunch of fun, but it’s not. It’s hard work. One day you’re working on a new project and the next day you’re wondering if you should get another job because this one isn’t paying off as it should be. 

Or maybe what you’re doing looks great on paper but the client doesn’t like it (and let me tell ya, clients can be brutal). You might feel like quitting or giving up and going back to that 9-5 job where at least there’s stability and structure but trust me when I say that quitting isn’t an option.

If freelancing is something worth pursuing long term then we must realize that we will face challenges along the way; challenges that could potentially lead us down paths we don’t want to go down. 

But if these challenges teach us something valuable then they are worth facing head-on rather than running away from them in fear of discomfort (which usually means failure).

Be Your Cheerleader

Here are a few tips for staying motivated:

Be your cheerleader. When you’re working alone and don’t have anyone to turn to, it can be easy to start doubting yourself and your abilities. 

Take time each day to remind yourself why you’re doing this the idea that one day you’ll be able to quit your job in favor of freelancing is powerful! Remind yourself why this matters by writing down the reasons on paper or just saying them out loud. (Tip: Don’t do it while driving.)

Ask for help when necessary. If there’s something you need assistance with, ask someone else it doesn’t matter if they’re an expert or not; somebody out there knows how to do whatever it is better than you do! 

Just ask them for help, and chances are good that they’ll be happy about helping someone else too because we all like being useful!

Figure Out An Effective Way To Communicate With Clients

There are several ways to communicate with clients, and it all depends on your comfort level. If you’d prefer to work from home, then an online calendar is a good way to schedule meetings and calls with clients. 

If you’re more comfortable in person, then use a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool like HubSpot or Zoho CRM to keep track of everything and make sure nothing gets lost in translation.

For remote freelancers who want something more flexible than emailing back-and-forth with their clients, messaging apps such as Slack or WhatsApp can be great tools for communicating quickly without having to worry about missing anything important while multitasking around the house. 

Some freelancers may also use video conferencing software like Zoom or Google Hangouts if they need visual cues when talking to people over long distances; this is especially helpful if one party isn’t used to being on camera regularly!

If working remotely makes sense for your business model but face-to-face interactions aren’t always possible due to time constraints or other factors not related directly related solely to the location itself (such as budget constraints). 

Virtual meeting platforms like Skype might be useful too since they allow users from anywhere around the world to connect instantly without needing any special hardware setup beforehand!

Generation Z is poised to revolutionize the freelance industry. Explore the ways in which this emerging generation is reshaping freelancing and its impact on the future of work in our insightful article, How Generation Z Will Change the Freelance Industry.

Make A Killer Resume Detailing Your Experience (Which Is Actually What They’re Hiring You For)

Your resume is your first impression. Make sure it’s spot on.

Make sure your resume is formatted correctly. The formatting of a resume is always determined by the type of job you are applying for, so make sure you know exactly how to format yours before submitting it for an interview or sending off an application.

Make sure your resume is easy to read. You want employers or interviewers looking at what experience you have, not trying to figure out how many letters are in each word and whether or not you should capitalize them! 

To keep things simple, use Times New Roman as the font and 12 points as the size (but be consistent throughout). 

Also, leave enough room between sections so that info doesn’t run together; this makes it easier for both recruiters/recruitment specialists and hiring managers alike who may need to refer back later on down in their stack when considering candidates’ resumes side-by-side with others’. 

And remember: don’t use Comic Sans…ever! It looks juvenile no matter how old we get 🙂

Make sure your resume is targeted specifically towards what they’re hiring people like me for,” says Mona Nasseri.”I always start by asking myself “Why am I applying?” If there isn’t a good answer then don’t waste time because they won’t either.” 

That means if she finds herself wanting something other than what she has now–which happens often!–then she will pursue those opportunities first instead of just settling until something better comes along later on down the road.”

Learn How To Present Yourself Online, And Offline

Okay, so if you’re a freelancer and you want to get noticed, it’s important to know how to present yourself online. 

You might be wondering what exactly that means. It could be anything from making sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and professional or even making sure your email address looks professional.

Let’s start with the basics: make sure you include a link to your website on all of your social media profiles. This way people can click through and have access to a lot more information about you and what kind of work you do.

The next step is building up some online presence! So many people are just starting as freelancers these days; there’s no reason why yours should get lost in the crowd! 

One way I’ve found that helps me stand out is by using social media as much as possible you never know when someone will see something about one of my projects or articles and decide they need my services (or hire me). 

Social media platforms are also great places where we can promote ourselves without feeling like we’re spamming others’ feeds with constant updates about every single thing we do which isn’t always easy when there are so many other things vying for attention on those same pages!

I also highly recommend including an email address on any resume that has one available; it makes it easier for prospective clients/employers who may want further information about us before hiring us full-time (and paying us)! 

The same goes for headshots: having both professionally taken photos can help establish our credibility when applying for jobs or just trying out new opportunities because employers tend to look favorably upon candidates who put effort into creating an image worth representing externally.”

Looking for well-paying freelance jobs? Earn $30 an hour or more with our carefully curated list of high-paying opportunities in various fields. Discover lucrative freelance gigs in our article, Freelance Jobs That Pay $30 an Hour.

Stop Looking For Jobs And Start Creating Them

Freelancing is a mindset, a lifestyle, and a business. It’s also a way of life that doesn’t require an office or even much structure to it. You can work anywhere there’s Wi-Fi (or even when there isn’t). 

You can set your hours and work around your schedule. All you need is an internet connection and some basic tech skills and you’re ready to go!

Your earning potential is only limited by what you make the sky’s the limit with freelancing. If you want to make $1 million per year writing, then go for it! 

If you’d rather make just enough money to pay your bills while pursuing other passions such as painting or traveling abroad (or both), then do so without guilt! 

The beauty of freelancing is that it allows each individual the freedom to create their path in life without being constrained by society’s expectations or norms about how we should live our lives.”

Have Multiple Streams Of Income

The most important thing you should do if you’re embarking on this kind of project is to have multiple streams of income. With just one stream, it can be difficult to weather financial storms like medical emergencies or job loss. 

Having a second source will allow you to feel more secure about your finances since it gives you some breathing room during lean times.

Setting up a backup plan is also important because freelancing is not all sunshine and roses; sometimes clients don’t pay their bills, or something happens that prevents them from getting their work done in time (or at all). 

While there’s no way to completely protect yourself against these types of situations, having another income source can help soften the blow when they happen by giving yourself some cushion in your budget for unexpected expenses or delays.

Networking Is Key

If you’re just starting to build your business, or if you’re looking to make a change in the industry and need some advice, there’s no better way than networking. By getting out into the world and meeting other freelancers, you’ll be able to learn from each other and share your knowledge.

While it may seem intimidating at first, networking is all about building relationships with like-minded people people who can help you grow as a freelancer. 

If you’re nervous about meeting new people, try approaching someone at an event who looks friendly or easygoing (or even bored). 

Ask them what they do; maybe even ask if they have any tips for getting started in their field or tips on where else they networked recently! They might be more than happy to connect with someone new too!

Ditch The 9-To-5 Mindset

While you may be used to working in a 9-to-5 environment, freelancing is not a 9-to-5 job. As a freelancer, your schedule is flexible and you will have to work around the schedules of others of your clients. 

To be successful as a freelancer, you need to be able to work when other people are awake and available for communication. 

This means that if someone wants their project completed at 3 am on Sunday, then it’s up to you as the freelancer to get it done no matter what time of day or night you’re working on it.

If you’re going into this new career with the expectation that freedom means doing whatever and whenever suits your fancy, then I’m afraid I have some bad news for you: 

Being your own boss does not mean being able to spend all day binge-watching Netflix or playing video games all day long while making money off Google AdSense ads embedded into blog posts about how much money can be made online by blogging (and yes. 

These types of blogs exist).

Are you a millennial struggling to enter the housing market? Explore the impact of freelancing on millennials’ ability to buy homes and gain insights into alternative approaches in our thought-provoking piece, Freelancing Is Keeping Millennials from Buying Homes.

Ask For Help, And Don’t Be Afraid To Admit You Don’t Know Something  It’s The Only Way You’ll Learn

When I started freelancing, I was completely new to the process. I had never done it before and didn’t know what to expect. It wasn’t until I reached out for help that everything started making sense.

It’s okay if you don’t know something (I still don’t). Ask questions! Don’t be afraid of being perceived as a “dummy.” 

You’re here because you want to learn so ask away! If someone offers advice or insight into something that seems foreign or confusing, take advantage of their generosity; they may only offer it once or twice in your career, so make sure you take advantage when they do.

Own Your Career Path And Take Control Of Where It Leads You

If it’s not a direction you want to go, or if you’re afraid to ask for help because of what other people might think, then don’t do it. 

Instead, be open about wanting to make a change in your career and keep an eye out for opportunities that will allow you to do what you love while opening doors for future growth.

To take control of your career path:

Take responsibility for your future. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes; they’re part of learning how to improve yourself as a worker and person in general!

Owning your career means being willing to try new things, even if it makes others uncomfortable. People who don’t like change are often unhappy with their lives because they never took risks or tried something new something that could’ve changed everything!

Ask questions when necessary or when something feels unclear (as long as doing so doesn’t offend anyone). Sometimes asking someone else’s opinion can help us realize our shortcomings without having them pointed out by someone else first.”

Learn How To Say No Without Feeling Guilty About It

The first step to becoming a freelancer is to learn how to say no without feeling guilty about it. You will be saying no a lot, even if you’re only doing it for yourself. 

You will be turning down an opportunity because it doesn’t align with your values, or because the pay and/or content of the project isn’t what you want you mustn’t feel bad about that. 

There are things we can control in our lives and there are things we cannot control and if someone else has more power than us, they have more leverage over us in terms of being able to make decisions for our careers (and lives). 

If someone is offering you work that doesn’t inspire you or pay you enough money, say no!

The next step after learning how to say no is learning when it’s okay to ask for help from other people. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak; asking others for assistance makes everyone better at their jobs! It also allows them an opportunity for growth professionally or personally…

Try Every Day To Do Something That Scares You

Every day, try to do something that scares you.

It should be something challenging and different from what you’re used to. It should be something that pushes your comfort zone and might even make you feel uncomfortable in the process. 

But if we stay in our comfort zone all the time, then our work will never improve. If we’re only doing things that are safe and familiar, then we risk becoming stagnant as artists and as human beings!

A good way of finding new things is by reading about people who are doing them (e.g., “How This Woman Started Her Own Travel Blog”). 

People who have done something similar before can help point us towards resources that will get us started with our projects on top of just advising about how they did it themselves (which is always useful).

Freelancing isn’t easy but taking control of your work life can be empowering

It also means you’ll have to take control of your work life, which can be empowering. As a freelancer, you have the freedom to choose what projects you take on and which clients you work with. 

You don’t have to punch a clock or answer to someone else’s demands and deadlines (though there are many reasons why freelancers need mentors).

Freelancing won’t be easy at first; it takes guts and perseverance to leave behind the safety net of a regular job or reliable paycheck. 

But if you’re motivated by learning new skills and meeting new people, freelancing may be right for you and it could lead to some amazing opportunities down the road.

Passionate about writing and the agricultural industry? Learn how to combine these interests and embark on a freelance writing career in agriculture with our comprehensive guide, How to Become a Freelance Writer in the Agricultural Industry.

Conclusion

Freelancing takes a lot of work to get started. But the payoff can be worth it in the end. You have the opportunity to make your schedule, choose your clients, and develop deeper relationships with people who will appreciate you for your abilities. 

Remember that freelancing isn’t just about making money; it’s also about being your boss and creating something out of nothing. Just remember, there’s no one right way to do this so go out there, and experiment with different strategies until you find what works best for you!

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources to further explore the topic of freelancing:

The New York Times: Retiring, but Not From Freelancing: Discover how freelancing has become an appealing option for retirees seeking continued professional engagement and income opportunities.

Rock Content: Pros and Cons of Freelancing: Gain insights into the advantages and challenges of freelancing, helping you make informed decisions about pursuing a freelance career.

Freelancer Club: Freelancing Isn’t a Stopgap, It’s a Masterplan: Explore why freelancing is more than just a temporary solution and how it can be a strategic long-term career choice.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about freelancing:

Q: Is freelancing a viable full-time career option?

A: Yes, many individuals have successfully built full-time careers as freelancers in various industries.

Q: What are the benefits of freelancing?

A: Freelancing offers flexibility, autonomy, the potential for higher income, and the opportunity to work on diverse projects.

Q: How do I find clients as a freelancer?

A: You can find clients through networking, online freelancing platforms, social media, referrals, and by showcasing your work through a portfolio or website.

Q: How do I determine my freelance rates?

A: Factors such as experience, expertise, industry standards, and the complexity of the project are considered when determining freelance rates. Researching market rates and evaluating your unique value proposition can help set competitive pricing.

Q: How can I manage my finances as a freelancer?

A: It’s essential to track your income and expenses, set aside money for taxes, establish a budget, and consider using accounting software or hiring an accountant to streamline financial management.