If you’re considering working as a freelancer, you’ve probably heard some of the horror stories: working all day and night with no end in sight, dealing with difficult clients on a daily basis, not being able to earn enough money to support yourself.
Well, I’m here to tell you that those things are true! But so is the opposite. Freelancing is great in fact, it’s better than working at an office if you set yourself up for success from the beginning. Here are the tips that will help make your freelance career go much more smoothly.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Freelancing offers a unique work experience with its flexible schedule and the ability to choose projects that align with your interests and skills. |
| 2. The freelancing journey may have its ups and downs, but building a support system and seeking advice from fellow freelancers can be beneficial. |
| 3. Understanding the gig economy and how it operates can provide valuable insights into the freelance landscape. |
| 4. Freelancers often receive higher payment rates compared to traditional employees, reflecting the value of their specialized skills. |
| 5. Constructive client feedback plays a crucial role in a freelancer’s growth and success. Learning how to solicit and utilize feedback effectively is essential. |
Freelancing Is Great, But It Can Be Tough At Times
Freelancing is great, but it can be tough at times. You might have to work long hours and miss out on social activities if you’re working a lot of traveling for work. And since you’re not an employee, your responsibilities may be less defined than they would be at a traditional job.
But freelancing is also flexible, allowing you to take vacations without having to worry about putting in the notice or ringing up your boss every time you want to go away for the weekend, and being able to do that doesn’t make freelancing worth it for you, then maybe nothing will.
If an employer has offered me something that seems too good to be true (like free travel), I always ask them how much money am I getting paid per hour (or day) first? We must see ourselves as professionals who are worthy of being paid well but also should have our own goals set aside from pure monetary value alone.”
Upwork and Fiverr are popular platforms for freelancers, but choosing the right one can significantly impact your freelancing journey. If you’re unsure which platform is suitable for you, check out our comparison guide on Is Upwork or Fiverr Right for You? to make an informed decision.
Working From Home Is A Luxury
You can take breaks whenever you want and spend time on things that are important to you. It’s also a great way to work more efficiently because there are fewer distractions.
If you’re an introvert, this will be a dream come true! You can have some alone time without having to worry about getting stuck in traffic or surrounded by other people at the office. While working from home has its perks, it also comes with challenges that vary depending on the person.
Some freelancers struggle with staying focused when they work from home because they don’t have anyone else around them to keep them accountable for meeting deadlines and sticking to schedules.
Finding Clients Is Hard
Finding clients is hard. The best way to do it? Be proactive, be willing to sell yourself and your skills, and remember that being a freelancer means you need to communicate your value as much as possible.
If you’re not good at sales or talking about yourself (I am not), then this may be the hardest part of freelancing. You need to understand what skills are most valuable in your field and how you can communicate them effectively.
A good strategy is simply finding ways for people outside of your network (potential clients) to see those skills in action so there isn’t any question about what exactly it is that you bring to the table which brings me back around again: don’t underestimate the importance of networking!
The gig economy has transformed the way people work, and freelancers play a crucial role in it. If you’re curious about the gig economy’s dynamics and want to know more from fellow freelancers, explore our article on Freelancers: What Can You Tell Us About the Gig Economy? to gain valuable insights.
Networking Is Your Best Friend
Networking will be the cornerstone of your success as a freelancer, so it’s important to understand how it works. You don’t have to be in a networking group, like Toastmasters or meetup, but you should network online.
The internet allows us to connect with people from around the globe and make professional contacts with ease. You can meet potential clients who are looking for work just like yours or even find an opportunity for yourself by sharing your work on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook!
The Hardest Part Is Finding Those Initial Clients
The hardest part is finding those initial clients. This might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s important to remember that freelancing isn’t just about the work you’re doing it’s also about getting paid for it. That means identifying potential clients and pitching your services to them in a way that makes sense for both parties.
Good clients are few and far between. It can be tempting to take on any client who approaches you, especially if they pay well or offer some other incentive (like offering free meals during meetings). But remember: these people hire you because they need something is done for them—that includes dealing with their personality quirks, too.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from working as an independent contractor, it’s this: the more annoying someone is as a person, the more likely they’ll be able to afford your rates when it comes time for billing…and if there’s anything worse than dealing with someone who doesn’t respect your boundaries (such as being late or forgetting key details),.
Then surely that would be having to deal with someone who does respect your boundaries but still manages anyway because they think they deserve preferential treatment simply because their wallet contains more cash than yours does right now (or ever will).
It’s Not Just About The Work You Do
You may be thinking that this article is going to be all about the work you do and how much money you can make. While that’s a big part of freelancing, it’s not the only thing.
The reality is that you’re doing a job for someone else, so they’ll be your boss (or client). And if you’re going to be working with someone, especially over an extended period, they need to know what kind of person they’re getting in return.
For instance: are you great at communicating? Are you patient? Do people enjoy working with or for you because of how easygoing and pleasant your personality is?. If these things don’t come naturally for someone like me who has ADHD and dyslexia then I’d better learn them quickly.
These things will determine how successful a freelancer I become as well as whether or not my clients would want me back on their projects again next time around so I must learn how best to communicate while also being able to work well with others around me (or potentially even alone).
You Have To Find Time To Market Yourself, Too
Another thing to keep in mind: you have to find time to market yourself, too. If you’re used to having a boss and being told what to do by your employer, the idea of having to find your clients might seem overwhelming at first. But it’s not only possible it’s necessary!
You may be able to do this on the weekends or after work hours, but you must put in the effort because if you don’t show up online in search results relevant to potential clients, they’ll never see you. You can also opt for an hourly rate instead of charging by the project; if that works better for your schedule and skillset then go with it!
Freelancers often enjoy higher payment rates compared to traditional employees, and there are reasons behind this trend. Discover the factors contributing to this phenomenon in our post on Why Are Freelancers Paid More Than Employees? to understand the value of freelancing skills.
Missing Days Is Ok
Freelancing is a job. You have to be disciplined and stick to the plan you’ve made if you want it to work out for you. If you miss days, it doesn’t mean that it’s all over for your business and that nothing good will ever come from freelancing.
Missing days is ok, as long as you can make up for them later by working extra hard in the future or getting more clients. But if freelancing isn’t working out for you in the long run, stop doing it!
There Are Good And Bad Days, Just Like With A Normal Job
If you are a freelancer, there will be good days and bad days. Just like with a normal job, the more you work hard, the better results will come. The same is true for freelance work: if you put in more effort, it’ll pay off.
When I first started freelancing at home, I was so excited about the new freedom that I worked myself ragged. But when that didn’t lead to any steady income (and worse), my mood plummeted along with my bank account balance and my self-esteem dived as well.
Then I realized that this wasn’t working out for me or my body. So I had to change things up by reducing how much time I spent working (taking breaks) and getting help from others who were willing to assist me around the house or with childcare responsibilities when needed/desired (saving money).
If this sounds familiar then don’t worry because there are lots of options available today thanks to technology like Slack where companies can set up channels that make communication easier between team members who live far apart from each other or even outside their country altogether!
It Gets Lonely At Times
As a freelancer, you may find yourself working alone. You don’t have a team or boss to motivate you and there is no manager around to give guidance if needed.
Your mentors may be hard to come by because it’s difficult for people who are already successful to take the time out of their busy schedules to mentor someone else, especially when that person is not in the same industry as them.
Finally, sometimes working in isolation can make it difficult for a new freelancers to learn from their peers because they have different experiences that could prove beneficial when learning from one another
Nothing Beats Having A Flexible Schedule And Working On Something You’re Passionate About
The best part about freelancing is that you can work at your own pace and on something you’re passionate about. You don’t have to commute, and you can do it all from the comfort of your own home.
When I first started freelancing, I used to wake up early in the morning and get to work before my kids woke up for school. Now, I tend to freelance in the evenings after they go to bed or when they’re at their dad’s house.
I usually work while wearing my pajamas because I’m too lazy (or uncreative) to think of something else better than that. However, if you have a more professional side and want to dress for success then by all means do so.
You will never be forced into working when you don’t feel like it either; this means that even if there is an emergency at home or with one of your kids (or even both), then there won’t be any pressure from an employer who needs their project done yesterday.
Getting constructive feedback is essential for a freelancer’s growth and success. If you’re looking for ways to enhance client feedback on Upwork, don’t miss our practical tips in the guide on How to Make Sure You’re Getting the Best Client Feedback on Upwork.
You Can’t Slack Off And Expect Things To Just Happen
When people think of freelancing, they tend to picture a carefree life of leisure. But this couldn’t be further from the truth; if anything, you’ll have more responsibility than ever before. key points;
- You have to work hard to get results and stay on top of your game.
- You have to be proactive and not wait for things to happen
- You have to be willing to put in the effort and take risks
- You can’t slack off or expect things just to fall into place
If You’re Not Working, Then You’re Losing Money
This is a hard truth to swallow for some people, especially if they are used to having a steady paycheck or two coming in every week. However, freelancing requires that you work hard and keep on working even when no one is paying you for your efforts.
Freelance writing jobs usually come in bursts: there will be months where nothing happens at all and then suddenly everything springs up all at once. If this sounds like your experience as a freelancer so far, don’t worry! It’s normal.
The most successful freelance writers have discovered ways to manage their income during those dry spells (for example, by taking on other contracts).
A Lot Of Things Get Easier With Time, But It Will Never Be Easy
The truth is, you will have to work hard. And then, you’ll have to work harder. You’ll have to hustle and never be satisfied with what you have. You’ll need to be persistent and patient with yourself when things don’t go your way for a long time (which can feel like forever).
I learned this the hard way when I first started freelancing: I thought it would be easy because I had been writing for years, but I didn’t realize how much more difficult it would be in terms of setting up my own business, managing my finances and making sure that everything ran smoothly at all times.
You should also know that while freelancing will give you more freedom than having a 9-to-5 job or working under someone else’s umbrella: it won’t necessarily make life easier—sometimes it will require more work than ever before!
Transitioning into freelancing part-time can be a great way to test the waters before committing full-time. If you’re considering freelancing on a part-time basis, read our insights in the article on Are You Thinking of Becoming a Freelancer Part-Time? to make a smooth and informed entry into the freelance world.
Final Thoughts
Yes, freelancing is tough. I’ve been doing it for over a decade now, and there are still times when I feel overwhelmed. But in the end, the pros outweigh the cons by a large margin.
The flexibility of being my boss and having my schedule is priceless. And if you can survive those first few months or years, you’ll be well on your way to making a living doing what you love.
Further Reading
N26 – What is Freelancing? Learn more about the concept of freelancing and its benefits in this comprehensive guide.
99designs – 7 Things to Know About Freelancing Explore seven essential aspects of freelancing to help you navigate the freelance world with confidence.
FlexJobs – What is a Freelancer? Discover the definition and characteristics of a freelancer and how freelancing can impact your career.
People Also Ask
What Is Freelancing?
Freelancing is when you work for yourself and choose your schedule. You can be a freelancer in almost any industry, from graphic design to copywriting to web development. Some companies even hire freelancers as full-time employees, allowing them the flexibility of self-employment without the risk.
What Is Freelancing Like?
Freelancing is a lot of work! But it’s also a lot of freedom and flexibility, which can be rewarding. You get to choose who you work with, and when you want to work on projects. That means that if you’re looking for something part-time or short-term, freelancing might be perfect for you.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something full-time and long-term, it might not be the best fit (which is why we have full-time jobs). Freelancing can also be very competitive there are so many people out there who are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
So if you’re not willing to work hard and hustle for your clients, then don’t expect that freelancing will make everything magically better!
Why Do People Freelance?
People freelance for a variety of reasons, including:
Freedom – You can choose when and where you work, and what type of work you do. Many people who freelance have families or other obligations that make working a traditional 9-to-5 job impossible. Others simply prefer the freedom that comes with being their boss.
Financial Security – Freelancing gives you the ability to set your rates and negotiate with clients on a case-by-case basis. This can help ensure that you will always be paid fairly for your time and services. It also means that if one client doesn’t pay up or if the business suddenly goes south, it won’t take everything else with it just that one client’s contract.
Is It Easy To Get Started Freelancing?
Yes! You can get started by signing up for one of the many freelance websites out there, like Upwork, Freelancer.Com, and Fiverr. Once you have an account, you can post your project and wait for offers from potential clients.
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of posting a project and waiting for offers, there are plenty of other ways to find clients.
How Much Money Do Freelancers Make?
The answer varies depending on what kind of work they do and how well-connected they are with potential clients.
In general, though, most freelancers earn between $50-$100 per hour or $500-$1000 per project. It’s important to note that this isn’t income these figures represent the amount of money they would receive after taking out things like taxes and expenses (such as office space).
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.