I work remotely, so I’m no stranger to being wrapped up in my laptop at a coffee shop table or turning my bedroom into an office. But this year, I made the leap and quit my full-time job to pursue freelancing.
As challenging as it’s been (hello, self-discipline!), there are many benefits to working for myself that make it so worth it. I’ve learned tons about myself and have had the pleasure of meeting other ambitious women in person and online who have also taken the plunge into freelancing.
So let’s take a moment to celebrate all of us boss babes who are making our dreams come true by forging our own careers!
Takeaways |
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1. Freelancing can be a transformative career choice, leading to significant changes in individuals’ lives. |
2. It offers opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and increased flexibility in work-life balance. |
3. Freelancing allows people to pursue their passions, work on diverse projects, and have more control over their schedules. |
4. Financial independence and the potential for higher income are among the benefits experienced by freelancers. |
5. Building a strong network and support system is crucial for success in the freelancing world. |
I Can Work Whenever And Wherever I Want
As a freelancer, you can work whenever and wherever you want. You can work in a coffee shop and listen to the ambient sounds of the city. You can work in your pajamas with your cat snuggled up beside you.
Or maybe you prefer to be outside that works too! If there’s a park nearby or even just a bench by an alleyway, that’s where some of my best ideas have come from.
I’ve also found that working while traveling is incredibly rewarding; being in new places inspires me so much that I often find myself coming up with big projects when we’re driving through mountains or oceanside towns.
Freelancing can be a life-changing career choice, and it certainly was for me. Discover how freelancing saved my life and opened doors to new opportunities and personal growth. Check out our article on How Freelancing Saved My Life to learn more about the transformative power of freelancing.
I Never Get Bored
Let’s be real. There are times when you might find yourself working on the same project, in the same place and at the same time for weeks or months on end. That can get boring. In fact, it can feel like a bit of a slog.
Freelancing has taught me to never get bored because I am constantly challenged by new work and different environments;
I don’t need to work in an office with all my peers around me all day I can set up shop anywhere!
This means that if I find myself on a plane or train heading somewhere new (or just sitting in my living room!) I have the freedom to do something productive while also experiencing fun new things outside of work hours which is awesome!
I Can Make A Living Doing What I Love
I’m not going to lie, this was a tough one for me.
I have a background in graphic design and marketing, but I was never great at it I would do work for friends or family and give them what I thought was my best work, but they always seemed to be underwhelmed.
When I started freelancing on Upwork after college, it felt like my life had finally begun! It was like spending every day with my friends while having the freedom of being able to go home whenever I wanted (which wasn’t often).
The money wasn’t really there yet though; $25 here or there doesn’t really add up when you’re paying rent each month!
Have you ever reached a point where freelancing felt effortless and enjoyable? Read about “The Moment When Freelancing Isn’t Hard at All” and discover how freelancers can experience a sense of ease and fulfillment in their work. Dive into our insights on The Moment When Freelancing Isn’t Hard at All to uncover the keys to a rewarding freelancing experience.
I’m Getting To Know My Creative Process Better
The freedom that freelancing brings you is pretty amazing. There are no deadlines and you can work on a project for as long or short a time as you want.
You can also work on multiple projects at once, which means that you don’t have to wait until one project is complete before moving on to another one you can even start new ones while working with others!
The only thing that does change is how quickly each project moves from idea stage through completion date because those tasks vary in terms of complexity and time needed to complete them (i.e., writing an article might take less time than designing a logo).
In general, I find myself doing more creative things now than when I had a full-time job because I have more time available for it now!
My Anxiety Has Decreased
It is nice to have the freedom to work when you want. It’s also really nice to be able to work from home. And even nicer still when you can work from anywhere else in the world, because we all know that working from home can get pretty boring after a while.
But there’s an even greater benefit: Your cat will now be your office colleague. You will be able to communicate with him or her via meowing (or hissing) instead of talking, which means no more awkward silences during meetings!
Working in your PJs? Or maybe even underwear? No problem at all! You’re free to express yourself however way suits you best and this goes double if your PJs are cat-themed onesies (because then it’s just like having two jobs).
I Feel Like Part Of A Community
When I first started freelancing, I was worried about being alone. But after a few months of working for myself and choosing who I work with, I realized that wasn’t the case at all! It’s been quite the opposite.
I’ve met so many cool people through freelancing that it’s hard to keep track; I’ve made friends with people from all over the world and from different walks of life.
Not only do these connections help me grow as a person (and improve my writing), but they also make me feel like part of something bigger than myself like part of a community.
I’ve Had The Opportunity To Meet Other Boss Babes And Male Peers
You can meet people who are in the same industry. For example, if you’re a freelance writer, you may be able to connect with other writers and share ideas for projects or jobs.
You can meet people who are in different industries. For instance, if you’re an artist who freelances as a graphic designer on the side, your network can expand beyond artists to include designers and other creatives.
You can meet people who are in the same age group as you are (or close enough). If you find yourself surrounded by people older than yourself and don’t feel like they understand what it’s like to be young anymore.
Joining online groups allows younger individuals like yourself a chance to connect with others going through similar experiences at this point in life, especially those who have been in their 20s for longer than just a few years!
In addition: It’s important not only that we make sure these opportunities exist but also ensure that everyone has access regardless of income level/location etc., which is why I chose #4 above as one main goal for our community.”
Freelancing is a journey that requires resilience and long-term commitment. Learn why freelancing is more like a marathon than a sprint and how embracing this perspective can lead to sustainable success. Explore our article on Freelancing Isn’t a Sprint but a Marathon to discover the mindset and strategies for thriving in the freelance world.
I’m Learning More About Myself And My Industry
Learning how to manage your time and be more efficient is a great skill to have, even if you don’t freelance. It’s something we all need to learn as we live in this digital age. Freelancers are no exception!
When you’re not chained down by an employer or boss, you have the freedom to work on whatever interests you most at any given moment.
You can always choose whether or not to take on new projects and if a client isn’t paying their bills on time or providing quality workmanship, there’s no need for them to get upset about losing your services (they’ll simply lose out on future customers).
I’m learning that being able on my means being able in other areas of life as well: confidence in my skills; motivation when there’s no one else around; positivity when things get tough; etcetera,
Traveling Is Easier (And Cheaper)
Traveling is a huge part of my life, and I’ve found that it’s easier to do with freelancing. I used to be tied down by a 9-to-5 job, but now I can make money while traveling as long as I’ve got wifi.
Traveling has become a lot more fun since becoming a freelance designer. Not only do you get to see new places (and make some cash), but you don’t waste time waiting for your vacation days or planning when you can go on the trip.
Traveling has also become more relaxing since becoming self-employed. There are no managers breathing down your neck about how much time you take off and what projects need doing first; instead, it’s all about finding balance between work and play for yourself!
My Style Has Evolved
My style has evolved. The biggest thing is that I’m much more relaxed about work clothing and dress in a way that makes me feel comfortable. I’ve had to learn how to dress for the weather, which has been great because now I know what types of clothes are best for different situations.
I have also learned what type of clothing works best in my industry, so if someone wants me to come in wearing a suit and tie, I can do it without feeling like an impostor or overdoing it on the professional front.
Finally, dressing appropriately for your mood is important if you want to wear jeans every day, do it! You don’t need anyone else’s approval but your own
My Knowledge About Business Finances Keeps Growing
I’ve learned so much about business finances, and it’s important to learn as much as you can. You can learn how to do your accounting and bookkeeping, what a profit & loss statement is, and how taxes work.
You can also compare costs against revenue to determine your profit margin for different projects. For example, if I sell an ebook for $5 but it cost me $3 in materials and time to create it, then my profit margin is 33%.
Another thing I learned about was sales tax laws in different states; this helped me figure out which states have sales tax and where I need to pay those taxes on purchases from my home state (or lack thereof).
That helps me save money because the government doesn’t get their cut of each sale!
My Network Is Forever Growing
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that networking is a skill. It can be learned, practiced, and grown just like any other skill. Many freelancers start with no idea of how to network or what to look for when they start looking for gigs.
There are many ways to network: in person (at meetups), on social media (via LinkedIn groups), and online via email newsletters like Freelance Switch or The Freelancer’s Weekly.
The importance of networking cannot be overstated; it’s one of the things that has helped me tremendously since I decided to go solo full-time two years ago! I get almost all my clients from referrals or word-of-mouth now.
I’ve built up such a strong reputation within my industry that people come back again and again because they know they’ll get quality work done by someone who cares about them as more than just another client.
The rise of freelancing has been a significant shift in the modern workforce. Find out why freelancing is becoming more mainstream and how this trend is reshaping the way people work. Delve into our analysis on Why Freelancing Is Becoming More Mainstream to understand the driving forces behind this paradigm shift.
Coffee Shops Are My Office Now!
Coffee shops are a digital nomad’s best friend. Since you can work from anywhere, you can pick a coffee shop that meets your needs.
Some people prefer to work in quiet environments and others want more energy around them it all depends on how much noise you need to focus on your work.
Coffee shops are usually easy to get to, they have free wifi and they don’t require a reservation or appointment (unless it’s peak hours).
You can take breaks and go for walks outside as needed, but if it gets too hot or cold out there then just go back inside!
You can also vary your location depending on what day of the week it is maybe one day will be better suited for working at home while another might be perfect for grabbing some lunch with friends at one of Houston’s many restaurants before heading back into the office later in the afternoon?
Freelancing isn’t always a side gig; for many, it becomes a primary source of income and a full-fledged career. Learn about the realities and considerations of freelancing as a full-time pursuit in our comprehensive guide on Why Freelancing Isn’t a Side Gig and What You Need to Know If It Is Your. Gain valuable insights into managing freelance work as your main professional focus.
Conclusion
We asked, and you answered: freelancing has changed my life in so many ways! It’s clear to me that this lifestyle is not only sustainable but also incredibly rewarding.
And while there are certainly challenges along the way like figuring out how to balance work with personal life, or finding motivation when working alone I think we all agree that it’s worth it to be our bosses and make money on our terms.
The creative freedom of freelancing is what allows people like us to live the lives we want for ourselves, and I think that’s something worth celebrating!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to explore related to the topic of freelancing and its impact on people’s lives:
Working as a Freelancer: Gain valuable insights into the world of freelancing, including tips and strategies for success in this dynamic career path.
How Freelancing Changed My Life: Discover personal stories and experiences of individuals whose lives were transformed by freelancing, offering inspiration and motivation for those considering this career choice.
10 Ways Freelancing Liberated Life: Explore the ways in which freelancing can bring liberation and freedom to one’s life, including flexibility, autonomy, and the ability to pursue passion projects.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the impact of freelancing on people’s lives:
Q: Can freelancing provide a stable income?
A: Freelancing income can vary depending on factors such as clients, projects, and market demand. Building a diverse client base and establishing long-term relationships can help create stability in freelancing income.
Q: How does freelancing affect work-life balance?
A: Freelancing offers the potential for greater work-life balance as it allows individuals to have more control over their schedules. However, managing boundaries and setting priorities is crucial to maintain a healthy balance.
Q: What skills are essential for freelancing success?
A: Freelancing success often requires a combination of technical skills related to the specific freelance niche, as well as soft skills such as communication, time management, and self-motivation.
Q: Is freelancing suitable for everyone?
A: Freelancing is not for everyone, as it requires self-discipline, independence, and the ability to handle the challenges of running a business. Assessing personal strengths, goals, and preferences can help determine if freelancing is a good fit.
Q: How can freelancing impact personal growth and professional development?
A: Freelancing provides opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and professional growth. Freelancers often develop a versatile skill set and gain experience working with various clients and industries, contributing to personal and professional development.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.