Questions About Freelancing That Will Make You Feel Better

Freelancing can be hard, scary, and confusing. Questions like “Should I get paid hourly?,” “How do I find clients?” and “How much should I charge?” come up often. If you’re new to freelancing, you might feel like you have no idea what you’re doing. 

But don’t worry: it’s normal to feel this way when you start your own business! Here are some common questions that I’ve heard from new freelancers over the past few years:

Takeaways
1. Addressing common questions about freelancing can help alleviate concerns and boost confidence.
2. Having a clear understanding of freelancing can provide reassurance and a sense of direction.
3. Exploring FAQs can help freelancers navigate challenges and make informed decisions.
4. Gaining knowledge about freelancing can lead to increased motivation and a positive mindset.
5. Seeking answers to questions can provide a sense of community and support within the freelancing world.

Do I Have To Network?

Networking is an essential part of being a freelancer. It’s important to be able to reach out to other people in both your industry and outside of it. You don’t want to become isolated when you work from home; having regular contact with other people keeps you from going crazy!

Networking is also important because it gives you access to resources that can help your business grow whether that’s learning about new software or getting advice on how best to market yourself through social media. 

Networking lets you meet potential clients and find gigs that otherwise might have gone unnoticed. And if there’s one thing most freelancers will tell you: networking isn’t just about getting things for yourself it’s also about giving back by helping others as well!

Building a successful freelancing career requires careful planning and implementation. If you’re just getting started, our guide on 12 Tips to Kick-Start Your Freelancing Career in Less Than a Month provides valuable insights and strategies to help you achieve your goals.

How Do I Find A Mentor?

Finding a mentor can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. You want someone who has been successful in your field but is also still active on their own. 

If you’re trying to break into journalism, find someone who has had a lot of success with writing and has kept their name out there while they were no longer working at a major publication or news network. 

This way they can give you advice on how to make sure you keep moving up the ladder in your career without losing sight of what makes it worthwhile for them.

If you’re having trouble finding someone like this, look for someone who isn’t in authority over you such as an executive editor at The New York Times or even just an intern, and ask them for help! Most people love helping others succeed and will be happy to help out if given the chance!

What’s The Secret To Dealing With Clients When They’re Driving Me Crazy?

There’s no such thing as a perfect client. Some of them will drive you crazy, but there are ways to deal with them that won’t make your life as a freelancer more stressful.

You should always try to understand the client’s point of view and be flexible in how you approach the project. Even if they’ve asked for something that seems unreasonable or unrealistic, there may be a good reason they want it this way (and it’s worth asking). 

If they say something like “I just need it done by tomorrow at 3 pm! There is no other option! I don’t care what else is going on in your life right now; we need this done yesterday!” it doesn’t mean that their needs are more important than yours. 

It just means they want something very specific done at a certain time and date and will probably get angry if those terms aren’t met. That doesn’t mean that angering them isn’t worth considering; sometimes flexibility means sacrificing some sleep or taking time away from other projects so that someone else is happy with your results of yours. 

As long as you’re okay with what happens when things go wrong (more on that later), try not to let yourself get too stressed out over deadlines or expectations set by others’ priorities rather than your needs/desires; 

Instead, focus more on being proactive about things like communication and managing expectations before any problems happen rather than reacting after the fact when everyone gets upset because things didn’t go according to plan–which only makes things worse for everyone involved.”

Freelancing offers a wide range of opportunities in various fields. Discover the different types of freelance jobs and explore exciting possibilities in our article on The Different Types of Freelance Jobs & Opportunities. Find the perfect niche that aligns with your skills and interests.

What If Everyone Thinks My Work Is Bad?

You are not the first person to wonder if your work is good.

I’ve worked with many writers who have asked me these questions, and I think it’s important that you know that feeling this way is normal. It can be very scary to put your work out there for people to see, whether they are strangers or friends and family. 

Writing isn’t easy, but finding a way to do it every day will help you grow as a writer no matter what happens in your future career.

Getting feedback from other people who don’t know how much time or effort went into something can be helpful because they can sometimes see things more objectively than we can (especially when we’re too close). 

Finding those sources can be tough though; ask around at local writing groups or online communities like Reddit’s /r/WritingGroup/, where writers discuss all manner of topics related to writing!

Why Does Everyone Seem To Be Doing Better Than Me Right Now?

The first thing you should do is stop comparing yourself to others. It’s a waste of time and energy, and it will not make you feel better about the things that are going on in your life right now.

Instead, compare yourself to your own goals and past self. Are you meeting or exceeding what you set out for yourself? If not, why not? What changes need to be made? If yes, congratulations! You are making progress towards being successful in freelancing which can be hard sometimes (especially when things are slow).

Then compare yourself with where you want to be in the future instead of with what other people have done (or haven’t done) so far this year or last year or whatever point it may be at which they started freelancing while also trying hard just like them!

As long as we’re talking about comparisons: don’t make any between potential versus actual results either just because someone else has achieved more than what we’ve achieved doesn’t mean our potential is any less than theirs; likewise for lack thereof.

How Can I Figure Out How To Get A Raise?

If you’re wondering how to get a raise, there are several things you can do. First, ask for one. It’s as simple as that: just ask for it! But if that feels like too much of a commitment or risk to you, here are some other tips:

Think about why you deserve a raise. Make a list of all your achievements since the last time your salary was reviewed and discuss them with your boss. 

You might want to think about how they could benefit the company (e.g., increased revenue), but also think about what value they add to yourself and others on the team (e.g., reduced stress).

Think about the value you add to clients’ lives through your work and how much clients value this service when asking for a raise from clients themselves (if applicable). 

Clients can be especially helpful in helping freelancers prove their worth when it comes time for annual reviews by discussing specific projects or initiatives where freelancers exceeded expectations

Traveling while freelancing can be a liberating experience. Learn how to effectively manage your freelance work on the go with our story on How I Freelance on Phone While Traveling. Stay productive and maintain a flexible work-life balance while exploring new horizons.

How Much Should I Charge?

The best way to answer this question is by looking at the “value” you provide. If you do great work, are easy to work with, and deliver on time, then your value is high.

If someone wants to hire you for a project and they’re willing to pay $2,000/month for it, but your time is worth $3,000/month (because of all the other things going on in your life), then tell them that’s what they should pay or look elsewhere. It would be silly to take their offer because your time is worth more than what they’re offering.

You may think that charging more will mean that no one hires me anymore but I’ve found the opposite: people respect those who charge what they deserve and if someone can’t afford my rate then there are plenty of others who can!

How Do I Ask For Payment On Time?

If you haven’t been paid on time, you should feel empowered to ask for payment. If the client is a repeat customer, they may be more likely to accommodate your request. If not, there’s no harm in reminding them that they agreed to pay by [date] and asking if they’re ready.

If you need help negotiating what that payment will look like or if it seems like their response isn’t satisfactory talk with other freelancers or reach out to one of the organizations dedicated to protecting freelancers’ rights (like Freelancers Union).

How Do I Separate My Personal Life From My Business And Keep Them Both Healthy?

A healthy personal life is important for many reasons. You’re going to be a better freelancer if you are in a good place and have time for yourself. If you can’t separate your work and personal life, it will become too much!

Be sure to make time for friends, family, and fun. If you feel like having fun one day but don’t have the energy or creativity at work, just go out with friends. Don’t feel guilty about taking some time off now and then because it’s important to have that balance between being productive and having fun!

Do I Need A Business Coach Or Therapist?

You don’t need to consult with a business coach or therapist. But if you want to talk things over with someone more experienced, that’s an option. Counselors can help you deal with the difficulties of freelancing, such as feeling lonely and stressed out.

If you’re not sure which type of support would be best for you, consider both options. A business coach can help guide your decisions around marketing and pricing, while a therapist might offer insight into why certain clients feel like they have power over your mental health (and what could be done about it).

Is It Ok To Talk About Money Openly In This New Age Of #Goaldigging And #Girlbosses?

Yes, it’s totally fine to talk about money openly. You don’t have to be afraid of saying “I’m a really good writer” or “I want a lot of money for my work.” I think it’s important that you say these things! It’s not just about being honest with others it’s also about being honest with yourself.

As long as you’re being transparent and honest about what you want from your career, I think there is no shame in asking for more than the industry standard. So many amazing women worked hard to get where they are today why should we limit ourselves?

How Can I Make Sure People Who Want To Work With Me Are Legit  And Not Scam Artists?

Do your research. Make sure that you’re not working with someone who has a history of scamming people, and there are plenty of ways to do this:

Check the company’s website for security certificates. This will prove that their site is secure and encrypted, which means your information will be safe from hackers when you send it across the web (and also means that if they want to steal any of your personal information, they can’t).

Check their social media accounts. If they have good reviews on Facebook or LinkedIn, they’re likely legit; if not run away!

Check the person’s portfolio on Behance or Dribbble (or both!) If nothing else, look at how many people like/comment/follow them; since these websites are designed for professionals in various fields (which includes freelancers). 

This can give you an idea of whether or not someone is trustworthy enough for you not only by looking at what kind of work he or she does but also by seeing how many people appreciate his/her skillset enough that they want him/her as part of their team!

The creative industry is witnessing the rise of freelance agencies as a new trend. Discover the benefits and opportunities associated with freelance agencies in our insightful article, Freelance Agency: A New Trend in the Creative Industry. Explore how this model can enhance your freelance career.

Should I Quit My Job Now, Or Wait Until I Have Some Money Saved Up First?

No. You need money to survive, and freelancing won’t provide you with enough money to survive. If you’re like most people in this world, it will take a long time before you can make enough from freelancing to live on.

If your goal is to quit your job with the expectation that freelancing will pay all of your bills and maybe even help save up some money for retirement then yes, I’d say go ahead and quit now! 

But if all you’re hoping is that freelance work will help pay off some debt or put a little extra food on the table while keeping current employment as a safety net until things get better financially? Then hold off on giving up regular income just yet.

The Freelancing World Can Be Confusing But These Questions Will Help You Navigate It

Freelancing is a great way to make money, but it can be hard to navigate. If you find yourself in a confusing situation, don’t worry! There are lots of things you can do to find your footing again. Here are some common questions freelancers have about their careers and how they should handle them:

• How do I get clients?
• How do I get paid? Will they pay me on time and in full?
• Am I getting paid enough for my work? Can I ask for more if this client isn’t paying as much as others have been willing to pay me in the past?

Tired of the 9-to-5 grind? Consider freelancing as an alternative career path. Our article on 15 Reasons to Freelance Instead of Taking Your 9-to-5 highlights the advantages of freelancing, including flexibility, independence, and potential for higher income. Take control of your professional life today.

Conclusion

So there it is, a list of questions about freelancing that will make you feel better. They’re all relevant, important and worthy of discussion, but they are also the kind of thing that has been said a million times before. 

That is why I was careful to put them in this article rather than in a text post on my blog or something similar. As I mentioned earlier, if you have any additional questions then please leave them in the comments below 🙂

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources for further reading on freelancing:

Ten Questions You Always Wanted to Ask About Freelancing: This article addresses common questions and provides insightful answers to help you gain a better understanding of freelancing.

Questions Freelancers Should Ask Clients: Explore this blog post to discover essential questions that freelancers should ask their clients to ensure a successful working relationship.

Freelancer Interview: 8 Common Questions and Best Answers: If you’re preparing for a freelancer interview, this resource offers common questions asked during interviews and provides valuable tips on how to answer them effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Find Clients?

There are lots of ways to find clients, but the best way is to start with the people you already know. What are your friends, family members, and former coworkers doing now that they’re not at your old company? 

Are there companies they work for that don’t yet have someone on their team who does what you do? Do those people know about freelancing or remote work in general? If yes, then ask them if any projects are coming up that might need an extra set of hands.

A good friend from college works at a small startup she knows me as a designer and writer and thinks my skills would be helpful! What should I say when she asks why I’m interested in working with this particular firm?

Just be honest: “I love the sound of what [The Company] does and want to help!” This isn’t about lying; it’s about finding common ground between your passion for creativity (or whatever) with your passion for making things happen. 

They’ll appreciate your enthusiasm because they’re probably feeling it too and it’s likely mutual! If nothing else, just tell them how excited you are about being part of something new/exciting/interesting/not-yet-in-existence.

Why Do I Need To Network?

The best way to find good work is through the person who is paying you. If your clients love you and trust your work, they will recommend you as someone new comes along. 

However, if they think that your skills are mediocre or worse, they won’t help spread the word about how great of a freelancer you are. You don’t want this kind of reputation because it could hurt any chances of getting new clients in the future!

What’s The Secret To Dealing With Clients When They’re Driving Me Crazy?

This isn’t always an easy task but sometimes it’s necessary for survival as a freelancer especially if there’s more than one project being done at once here are some tips: 

• Be polite but firm in response; 
• Do not let them drive away from what needs to be done right now;
• State clearly that if things go wrong again then there’ll be consequences; 
• Make sure their bad behavior doesn’t become normal practice within the organization

What Is Slack? 

It’s a communication app for teams that make it easy to get stuff done from anywhere. From one-on-one conversations with coworkers to keeping tabs on group projects, Slack keeps everyone informed about what matters most (like meeting reminders or video calls).

How do I get started as a freelancer?

Getting started as a freelancer involves a few key steps. First, identify your skills and determine your niche. Next, create a portfolio or website showcasing your work. Then, start networking and promoting your services through various channels, such as social media and freelance platforms. Finally, be proactive in searching for clients and submitting proposals to relevant job postings.

How do freelancers find clients?

Freelancers can find clients through various methods. Some common approaches include networking with professionals in your industry, leveraging online freelance platforms, creating a strong online presence through a website or blog, utilizing social media platforms, and actively marketing your services through targeted outreach and advertising.

How do I determine my freelance rates?

Determining freelance rates can be based on several factors, including your skills, experience, market demand, and the complexity of the project. Research industry standards and consider your desired income, expenses, and the value you provide to clients. It’s essential to strike a balance between offering competitive rates and ensuring your work is adequately compensated.

What should freelancers include in a contract?

A freelance contract should include key details such as project scope, deliverables, timelines, payment terms, intellectual property rights, confidentiality clauses, and dispute resolution processes. It’s crucial to have a clear and comprehensive contract to protect both parties’ interests and ensure a smooth working relationship.

How do freelancers manage their finances?

Freelancers should establish good financial practices to effectively manage their income and expenses. This includes keeping track of all earnings and expenses, setting aside funds for taxes, creating a budget, invoicing clients promptly, setting aside emergency savings, and considering the use of accounting software or hiring an accountant to streamline financial processes.