As a member of Gen Z, you’re probably not afraid to work for yourself. Studies show that a vast majority of you want to start your businesses but are less interested in traditional jobs and careers.
Indeed, you’ve grown up seeing how precarious corporate and government employees can be. You know that working for yourself can mean making more money than if you worked for someone else (at least, eventually).
And perhaps most importantly: You were born with an entrepreneurial spirit because that’s what it takes to survive these days!
But being self-employed isn’t easy, even when it is rewarding. And when you’re just starting on your own, you may feel overwhelmed by all the advice that comes your way.
So I’m here to clear things up by offering some key pointers specifically geared toward those of us who identify as “The Other Millennials.” Here’s what you need to know:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Embrace the flexibility and freedom that freelancing offers. |
| 2. Develop a diverse skill set to stand out in the competitive freelance market. |
| 3. Leverage technology and digital platforms to reach clients and showcase your work. |
| 4. Build a strong professional network to expand opportunities and gain valuable insights. |
| 5. Stay proactive in self-promotion, marketing, and continuously improving your craft. |
| 6. Prioritize financial management and establish stability in your freelance income. |
| 7. Seek mentorship and learn from experienced freelancers to accelerate your growth. |
| 8. Stay adaptable and embrace continuous learning to keep up with evolving industry trends. |
| 9. Maintain a healthy work-life balance and prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. |
| 10. Be open to exploring new industries, niches, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. |
Find Your Voice
In your voice, you’re able to connect with your audience. Your voice is what makes you stand out among the rest.
To find your voice, use these tips:
Ask yourself why people would want to listen to what you have to say? What makes your thoughts and opinions valuable?
Think about all of the things that make up who you are and what experiences have shaped those qualities. Take advantage of this by writing about them!
Don’t hold back! If something comes up in conversation with a friend or coworker that sparks an idea for an article or blog post, write it down immediately so there’s no chance of forgetting it later on down the line when deadlines start piling up around here (which happens often).
As a Generation Z freelancer, you have the power to start your freelancing journey right from your phone. Learn how to leverage the convenience and accessibility of mobile freelancing with our comprehensive guide on how to start freelancing from your phone.
Know-How To Sell Yourself
You’ll need to be able to sell yourself. You may think that you’re the best at what you do, but clients will determine whether or not that’s true. If you don’t know what makes you valuable, how can you expect a client to see it?
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is integral to knowing yourself as a freelancer. It will help guide your career path and give direction on where to focus your efforts to improve.
It’s easy enough for clients to say they want something; it’s another thing entirely for them to get it done once they’ve hired someone.
By understanding their needs before the project begins, we can ensure we’re providing exactly what’s needed rather than guessing at what would be best later on down the line when things start getting complicated (and costly).
Your strengths are probably obvious: You’re good at math and science! You enjoy working with people!
But maybe there are some areas where others might have an advantage over YOU: language skills come easily for some people but not all; coding experience might not mean much if someone has never used it before.
But then again maybe you do know how these things work so well because you’re the one who knows everything about everything all the time and are also very passionate about it as well!!!
We’ll consider this when looking for new opportunities through our research process…
Keep Learning New Things, And Never Stop Expanding Your Horizons
The world is changing and evolving faster than ever before. As a freelancer, you need to continue learning new things so that you can keep up with the changes. Don’t be afraid to try new things or fail at them; it’s all part of being a professional and growing as an individual.
Asking for help or letting others know when you’re struggling can sometimes make people feel uncomfortable, but it’s important not to let this fear stop you from asking questions or seeking assistance when necessary.
If someone offers advice on your work and they’re wrong, don’t be afraid to politely say “no thank you,” but if they happen to say something helpful then consider those words!
It’s okay if some people won’t like your work because they don’t agree with what type of style/genre it is; just do what feels right for YOU (and hopefully others will too).
Want to charge more for your freelance services? Mastering the right skills is the key. Explore our expert-curated list of the top 10 freelance skills to charge more and elevate your earning potential in the competitive freelance market.
Cultivate A Side Hustle Or Two
The side hustle is a great way to gain experience in new areas, earn some extra cash, and develop relationships that could eventually lead to more work. It’s also a great way to explore different types of work or discover which ones you enjoy the most.
For example, if you’re a writer who has been focusing on copywriting for clients but would rather be writing fiction, working on your short story project can help you figure out what it takes to produce something of quality and build up the required skills.
Side projects are also an opportunity for self-directed learning in other ways. They can allow you time to experiment with new technologies or learn how to use software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop without worrying about deadlines from clients (or if you don’t want those things).
You might even find yourself learning something completely unrelated such as web design that ends up being useful down the road!
Work For As Many People As Possible, And Learn From All Of Them
As you begin your freelance career, it’s important to work for as many people as possible. This will give you a wide variety of experiences and help you learn from each interaction.
It also helps to build your network and increase the likelihood that someone will reach out to you when they need a freelancer who fits your skill set.
It’s important to find mentors, coaches, and communities that can help guide your growth as a freelancer.
Sometimes these people may be mentors in the traditional sense (an older person who gives advice), but they might also be coaches who teach life skills or members of an online community where everyone supports one another.
Take Advantage Of Technology
As a Generation Z, you’re likely to know more about technology than the average Gen Y or Millennial. But that doesn’t mean you can use it to your advantage.
The best way to be successful in your freelance career is by using technology in the right ways. For example, if you’re applying for jobs and don’t have enough experience or education (or if it’s been too long since high school).
Then consider doing some freelance work for businesses that are looking for people with your skillset/background so that they can see how capable and reliable you are as a freelancer before giving them a full-time job offer.
Another good thing about using technology is that it allows Generation Z members who live far away from each other – like siblings or cousins – can keep in touch on social media sites such as Facebook Messenger!
Build Your Network From The Ground Up
To build a strong network, you have to expand it beyond the people in your field and industry.
You should also consider expanding your network beyond the city you live in or are planning on living in.
You must find people who are doing similar work as you and can offer valuable advice about how to succeed as a freelancer; however, this isn’t always possible when it comes down to geographical location and proximity.
If there aren’t any opportunities for networking with others like yourself locally, consider reaching out online instead of by participating in forums or Slack channels related to freelance work (e.g., Upwork).
This may help expose new opportunities that wouldn’t have been discovered otherwise!
Make Connections In Real Life, Too
One way to get more clients is to meet people in person. You can start by attending networking events and conferences, but if you don’t live in a major city or near one where these types of events are held, it may be that the best way for you to connect with people is online.
This is especially true if you have a freelance business that doesn’t require physical interaction with clients.
For example, as a writer or designer, your job will likely be done even before any meetings take place between companies and freelancers like yourself. So there’s no reason why you can’t use social media tools such as LinkedIn and Facebook Groups to network online!
Once again: make sure to follow up after meeting someone new at an event or on social media this could lead directly to getting work!
Are you passionate about design and considering a freelance career in the field? Discover the essential steps and strategies to become a successful freelance designer in our in-depth guide on how to become a freelance designer.
Diversify Your Income Streams, And Don’t Rely On One Client For Too Much Of Your Money Or Time
When you’re building up a freelance business from scratch, it’s important to diversify where you get your revenue from.
Not only does this help prevent one bad client from bringing down an entire quarter and potentially the entire year but it also helps protect yourself against future market changes.
For example, if the industry in which you work is struggling (as many industries have been since the economic crisis), it’s wise to widen your net so that even if one sector of your business goes through some tough times, another will carry its weight until things improve again.
While many freelancers are hesitant to take on additional clients because they’re afraid they’ll be overextended or won’t be able to deliver their best work with so many demands on their time, I’m going to tell you what most hiring managers will tell you:
Take more work! When things aren’t going well at home or school or with friends and family (which happens often).
Having some steady cash flow coming in can help alleviate some financial stressors and give you breathing room during moments when everything else seems overwhelming.
This means that before taking on any additional projects from existing customers or from new ones you should make sure there isn’t already enough on your plate;
Otherwise, there might come a point where all those tasks pile up into an insurmountable amount of stuff that needs doing right away without giving anyone enough time between projects broken down into manageable chunks first.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of freelancing is the freedom it provides for time and travel. Learn how freelancing can gift you with the flexibility to explore the world while earning a living in our inspiring article on how freelancing gave me the gift of time and travel.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help, But Also Know When To Go It Alone
It’s important to understand that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Asking for help can be a sign of strength and independence, especially if you know when to ask for help and when to go it alone.
Asking for help starts with being able to say yes, no, and maybe. Saying yes is usually the easiest thing you’ll have to do as a freelancer.
It may seem scary at first because many of us have been conditioned over time by our parents, and teachers.
Or other authority figures who told us what we should do instead of letting us decide ourselves how best to accomplish something on our terms (and this was especially true if we were female).
But once you get over these fears and trust me I know how scary it feels you will feel empowered by knowing that you’re in control of your career path and decisions.
If someone ever tries to boss me around or make me feel bad about myself or my work ethic I politely let them know that they don’t have my permission/approval/consent/etc., etc., etc…to tell me what they think needs doing unless they’ve asked first!
Freelancers are shaping the future of work, and as a member of Generation Z, you have a unique role to play. Discover why freelancers are the driving force behind the evolving work landscape and what it means for your career in our thought-provoking piece on why freelancers are the future of work and what that means for you.
Conclusion
So, what’s the takeaway? Remember that you’re part of a generation that is used to doing things it’s way, but don’t let that go to your head. You may be great at technology, but this doesn’t mean you can skimp out on other skills like communication and time management.
Also, remember not to be afraid to ask for help when necessary! We wish you all the best as you embark on your exciting new adventure in freelancing.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources and articles for further reading on Generation Z and freelancing:
Majority of Gen Z Considers Freelancing to be a Viable Career Option: Explore the findings of a study that highlights how a significant portion of Generation Z views freelancing as a viable and attractive career choice.
Gen Z Career Choices: Discover the various career choices and opportunities that Generation Z is exploring, including freelancing, and how they are shaping the future of work.
Gen Zers and Millennials are Turning to Freelancing in Greater Numbers Than Ever: Learn about the growing trend of Generation Z and Millennials embracing freelancing as a career path, and the reasons behind this shift.
FAQs
Can freelancing be a stable career choice for Generation Z?
Freelancing can provide both stability and flexibility for Generation Z. With proper planning, skill development, and a strong work ethic, freelancing can offer a fulfilling and sustainable career path.
What are some key advantages of freelancing for Generation Z?
Freelancing offers Generation Z the opportunity to work on their own terms, pursue their passions, gain valuable experience, and enjoy a better work-life balance. It also allows them to explore diverse projects and build a versatile portfolio.
How can Generation Z get started in freelancing?
To start freelancing, Generation Z can begin by identifying their skills and interests, building a strong online presence, networking with potential clients, and creating a portfolio that showcases their abilities. They can also consider joining freelancing platforms and seeking mentorship from experienced freelancers.
How can Generation Z maintain a steady income as freelancers?
Maintaining a steady income as a freelancer requires effective marketing and self-promotion, consistently seeking new clients, diversifying services, setting competitive rates, and managing finances wisely. Building long-term relationships with clients can also help generate a reliable stream of work.
What challenges might Generation Z face in freelancing, and how can they overcome them?
Generation Z freelancers may encounter challenges such as competition, establishing credibility, managing time effectively, and dealing with financial uncertainty. By continuously upgrading their skills, building a strong professional network, seeking mentorship, and maintaining a positive mindset, they can overcome these challenges and thrive in their freelance careers.
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.