Whether You Love It Or Hate It, Freelancing Is Here To Stay; So Learn How To Live

Freelancing is often a love-it or hate-it proposition. 

Either you love the freedom and flexibility it gives you, or you hate being your own boss, managing all of your work, and having to find clients for yourself. 

For me, it’s been a mixed bag of both, with most days falling somewhere in between. Even if you’re not sure how freelancing could benefit you personally. 

It’s important to understand that it’s here to stay: nearly 50% of Americans will freelance within 2 years by 2027 according to a survey by Upwork and Freelancers Union. 

That means even if you don’t end up freelancing professionally, there are likely many people in your life who will be doing so. 

Here’s what I’ve learned about living as a full-time freelancer in the last couple of years:

Takeaways
Freelancing is a prominent and enduring career path.
Embrace freelancing’s flexibility and remote work benefits.
Learn to overcome challenges like irregular income.
Build a support system to thrive in the freelancing journey.
Continuously improve and adapt to succeed in freelancing.

Whether You Love It Or Hate It, Freelancing Is Here To Stay; So Learn How To Live

Freelancing is a growing trend. With the rise of the gig economy and more people working from home, there are more opportunities than ever before for self-employed professionals. 

But whether you’re an aspiring work-from-home writer or just looking for some extra cash on the side, freelancing can be more than just a job it can be a lifestyle as well. 

And while there are many benefits to being your boss (i.e., setting your schedule and being able to run errands in between assignments), there are also drawbacks (i.e., not getting paid regularly). 

Whether you’ve been thinking about making the jump into the freelance world or already have but want some advice on how best to go about it, here are some tips that will help make this transition easier:

Know what kind of freedom you want before deciding if full-time freelancing is right for you. Think about whether this kind of freedom will suit your lifestyle and personality type.

If so, then decide which particular aspects appeal most strongly: flexibility vs predictability? Constant deadlines vs fewer deadlines? Unstructured days vs structured days?

As technology continues to shape the world of freelancing, it’s essential to explore how freelancers can thrive without physical meetings. Discover the advantages and strategies for building your freelance career in our guide on being a successful freelancer without ever meeting anyone.

It’s A Lot Easier To Work From Home When You Don’t Live In A Cave

If you are going to work from home, you must make sure your living space is conducive to focusing on your work.

You need to be able to get out of the house occasionally. Consider walking or biking around your neighborhood for a fresh perspective. 

Or grab some friends and go for a walk in the park it’s good for both of your minds!

You also need to interact with other people occasionally. Make time at least once a week (or month) for some face time with family or friends who live nearby. 

It’ll help keep you grounded and connected as an individual, not just as an employee behind a computer screen all day long.

And finally: You must get away from your computer every once in a while! 

Whether this means going on vacation (or even just taking an afternoon off), leaving yourself available for socializing shows that you’re committed not only professionally. 

But also personally and will give others more confidence in hiring freelance talent like yours when they know they can count on you being there whenever needed (and ready!).

Don’t Wait For The Perfect Client; Get A Client And Make Them Perfect

If you’re looking for a gig, don’t wait around for the perfect client. Get a client and make them perfect.

The most important thing to remember when starting as an independent worker is that the only way to get started is by actually working on something. 

When you’re just starting, it can be tempting to think that working with clients isn’t worth your time because they won’t pay enough or because they aren’t “the right fit.” 

But if someone wants work done and they are willing to pay something in return even if it’s not much it doesn’t matter how good or bad their project might be; 

Providing your services shows that you know how to do what they need to be done and that’s all any company needs before hiring someone new.

The last thing I want anyone reading this article will say is “I’m going to go out there today and find my dream job!” That may happen but probably won’t so here are some tips on getting started:

Freelancing provides unique opportunities to overcome the fear of missing out on life’s experiences. Uncover how freelancing empowers individuals to pursue their passions and live life to the fullest in our article on how freelancing helps people reduce the fear of missing out.

Attitude Is Everything, Especially When You’re Pretty Much All By Yourself Every Day

Once you’re on your own, the only person you can count on is yourself. And if you’re not happy with yourself, that’s going to show in your work and lead to problems down the road no matter who else is around.

A positive attitude is key. If you need help learning how to keep a good one, think about all of the little things in life that make you smile: 

Maybe it’s your favorite song or movie (or book), or maybe it’s just something as simple as eating fried chicken or taking a walk outside when it’s nice out. 

Whatever it may be for you, try focusing on those moments more often than not, and then remember them whenever things get tough!

If You Don’t Love It, Maybe It’s Not For You

If you don’t love freelancing, it won’t work. Freelance is a lifestyle choice. 

A way of life. It’s not some kind of job where you clock out at 5 pm and go home to your significant other and kids in the suburbs with a retirement plan sitting in a 401K (if you’re still lucky enough to have one). 

If you choose to freelance as your primary source of income, then be prepared for some hard truths:

• You are responsible for yourself and everything that comes with that
• You will never have another boss again
• You will never receive paid vacation days or sick leave
• You are no longer entitled to health insurance or retirement benefits (and if those things were important to you before, they should be now)

In short: freelancing means taking responsibility for everything that comes with self-employment good and bad. 

It isn’t always pleasant; there will be times when things feel overwhelming or depressing but only because we’re human beings who crave stability in our lives.

Sometimes You Have To Fake It Until You Make It 

You may be thinking, “How can this be true? Isn’t the whole point of freelancing that I am my boss and can do whatever I want?” The answer is yes and no. 

Yes, you are your boss and no one else will tell you how to run your business (unless they’re an investor or a partner). 

However, there are still many things that need to be done for your freelancing business to succeed. 

You will have deadlines that need to be met; clients who expect certain things from their vendors; and possibly even employees who depend on getting paid every month so they can pay their bills.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that anything goes when it comes time to put together proposals or invoices. 

It does mean that sometimes faking it until you make it will help get everything started on the right foot and even once those jobs start rolling in, there’s always room for improvement!

Are you a talented copywriter looking to break into the world of freelancing? Learn how to leverage your copywriting expertise and create a successful freelance writing business with our comprehensive guide on turning your copywriting skills into a freelance writing business.

“No” Means “Ask Me Again Later”

Sometimes you get a “no” when you’re asking for an interview or a chance to speak with someone. 

In this case, don’t take it personally. It could be that the person is just busy, or doesn’t have time for something like that right now or maybe they just aren’t interested in talking to you at this point in your career (or ever).

The key is not taking “no” as a final answer. Instead, consider it an opportunity to ask again later, when circumstances are different and perhaps more favorable. 

If someone says “I’m sorry I can’t talk now,” try sending an email saying “Would tomorrow work?” 

Chances are good that if they weren’t able to set aside time today because of their schedule or other commitments, tomorrow may be better and who knows? Maybe by then, they’ll remember how much fun it was last time and will say yes!

People Buy People First And The Product Second

It’s not enough to simply be a great writer, editor, or designer. You need to be able to sell your services as well.

The best way to get client work? First and foremost, you have to have a personality and approach that people want in their lives. 

By that I mean: are you one of those people who makes others feel comfortable? 

Are you good with conversation (both listening and starting), able to communicate clearly and effectively, quick-thinking when faced with problems (even if it means just saying “I’ll figure it out for you!”), and ready for anything?

If so, then congratulations you’re already ahead of the game. And if not…well let’s hope this article will help!

For Every Thing That Has Gone Well, There’s Something That Has Gone Badly. Keep Perspective And Share The Stories Of Both

I’ve found that keeping a journal or blog is helpful for me because it’s easy to keep track of my successes and failures. It also helps me remember things about projects I may have forgotten.

One way I use this method is by sharing my stories with others who are interested in what I do. 

For example, if someone asks me how working online has helped me grow, I’d be happy to share my experiences with that person.

Another way I use this method is by sharing my story through social media like Twitter and LinkedIn (even though they’re not as popular anymore). 

When people follow me on those platforms, they get updates from time to time about what’s going on in my life professionally, personally, etc., 

Which helps them get to know more about me as an individual so that when opportunities arise where our paths cross professionally. 

Whether for work or play – there’s already some sort of relationship established between us which can make things easier on both ends!

Finally: If any part of your story resonates with someone else’s life situation (even just one thing). 

Then it probably has value even beyond your own experience alone; so don’t hesitate at all when asked questions related directly/indirectly tied back around whatever happened during those times during which we were able?

Keep Your Long-Term Goals In Mind; “Freelance” Doesn’t Have To Mean “Forever”

But freelancing doesn’t have to be your whole life. As long as you’re realistic about what is possible, and what is not, you can always go back to the regular job if it turns out that freelancing isn’t for you after all.

I would recommend keeping your long-term goals in mind while making this decision. 

Even if freelance work pays better than a traditional job right now, if it takes away from other things (like family or school), then maybe it’s not worth it. 

Also, think about whether or not the flexibility of freelance work will help with any other goals you may have. 

For example, if you’d like to work at home so that a child or family member can come live with you full time but need flexible hours for that reason, then freelancing might be a good decision for this situation!

Managing freelance projects on platforms like Upwork requires finesse and organization. Delve into the essential tips and tricks for effectively managing your Upwork freelancing gigs in our article on what I’ve learned about managing an Upwork freelance job.

You’ll Never Know If You Can Do Something Until You Try Doing It

One thing to remember is that you won’t know if you can do something until you try doing it. If you’re fearful of failing, that fear will only hold you back from achieving as much as possible.

Another important point is that asking for help and feedback is not a bad thing. It’s all part of the learning process, and most people are more than happy to help out when they see someone trying hard and doing their best.

If all else fails and your freelancing experience isn’t quite what you expected, don’t give up! 

Things can always change; now that winter has settled in around us, maybe there will be an influx of demand for snow shoveling jobs or other seasonal work opportunities.

A Deadline Is A Deadline Is A Deadline, Even When You Set It Yourself

You may be used to working for someone else, and that’s fine. But as you take on more assignments for yourself and others, it’s important to establish a schedule that works for your lifestyle. 

You don’t want to get into a habit of procrastinating or missing deadlines because they weren’t set ahead of time. It’s easy enough to do this—just put yourself on the clock!

Set up an alert that says “deadline” in your calendar every day at noon (or whatever time is convenient). 

If you’re used to getting up later than 9:00 AM each morning, make it 11:00 AM instead so that the alert doesn’t happen too early in your routine. 

Set the reminder for 10 minutes prior so you have enough time to finish what needs finishing before the deadline. 

This will help keep you focused throughout each day and keep those clients happy when they see their work delivered on time!

All Your Friends May Not Be The Best At Giving Feedback On Your Work. Find Good Ones Who Are Honest With Their Praise And Criticism, And Pay Attention To What They Say!

Some people are naturally good at giving feedback. Others aren’t, but they can be taught. If you know someone willing to help you improve your work, they’re worth their weight in gold.

However, don’t just take the advice of anyone who offers it! Most people are not good at giving honest criticism. 

So you need to find people who are good at it people who have been freelancing for a long time and have seen plenty of different styles and approaches to copywriting. 

You should also look for people with whom there is mutual respect (i.e., friends). 

When we respect one another’s work ethic and skill level, we’re more likely to give each other honest feedback because it’s harder for us to get defensive about our work when we know that person respects us enough not only as professionals but also personally (or vice versa).

A well-optimized Upwork campaign can propel your freelancing career to new heights. Learn how to make the most of your Upwork presence and attract the right clients with our insightful guide on getting the most out of your Upwork campaign.

Conclusion

Freelancing gives workers more control over their work, leads to greater job satisfaction, and even improves personal relationships. 

However, it does have some downsides as well. For example, the lack of regular income or guaranteed benefits can be intimidating for many freelancers. 

In addition to this, freelancers must manage their taxes and benefits like healthcare costs. 

Still, many people are finding that being a successful independent contractor is worth these potential downsides because they enjoy having more control over their lives. 

If you’re thinking about becoming one yourself then make sure you’re up for these challenges before diving in!

Further Reading

What Is a Freelancer?: This article provides a comprehensive overview of what freelancers are and how they operate in the modern work landscape.

15 Popular Reasons to Become a Freelancer or Entrepreneur: Explore the top reasons why individuals choose to venture into freelancing or entrepreneurship and the benefits they can reap from these paths.

What It Takes to Be a Freelancer: Uncover the essential qualities and skills that are crucial for succeeding as a freelancer in today’s competitive market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Freelance Writing?

Freelance writing is the process of writing for multiple clients, usually on an ongoing basis. The client hires you as a contract worker to write articles, blogs, social media posts, and other materials for them. 

Some clients will pay you per word or per project; others will pay by the hour or month.

Do I Need To Know How To Write Well To Be A Freelance Writer?

No! You can be a great writer and still struggle with finding work as a freelance writer because there’s so much competition out there. 

You must know how to market yourself and your services as a writer so that you’ll be able to find clients who are willing to pay for what you offer.

How Can I Learn How To Be A Freelancer?

The best way is to get hands-on experience. Take on a project and see how it goes. You can also check out websites like [website name] where you can find jobs that suit your skillset.

What Are The Benefits Of Being A Freelancer?

If you love flexibility, freedom, and the chance to work from home then freelancing could be for you! 

You’ll also have more time to spend with friends and family just make sure you don’t take on too many projects at once!

What’s My Downside?

Working as a freelancer means being responsible for everything from finding clients to handling invoices, so if you’re short on time or don’t want this added responsibility then it might not be right for you!