Dear freelancer-to-be, I know you’re scared. Sometimes, even the most experienced of us are. But that’s okay! Fear is a natural response to the unknown. When you think about beginning your freelance career, there are so many questions and unknowns that it can feel like going into battle with a troll army or exploring a mysterious forest that might or might not contain trolls.
This sense of fear is normal and part of why being a freelancer works for some people but not others it takes courage and tenacity to strike out on your own without knowing if you’ll make ends meet in the end. But when it comes down to it, we freelancers have more in common than we realize: We’re all crazy enough to do this wild thing called freelancing.
And when you take the plunge into freelancing full-time (or part-time), what happens next?. I’ll tell you: You’ll be able to control your schedule (for better or worse). You can choose who you work with and who you don’t want to work with again. You can decide which projects make sense for your business model and which ones don’t help move your business forward in any way.
Plus, as someone who’s been doing this freelance thing for over eight years now, here are reasons why I believe you should go ahead and follow your dream of becoming a full-time freelancer:
Takeaways |
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1. Embrace self-belief: Having confidence in your abilities is crucial for success as a freelancer. Believe in yourself and your skills to overcome challenges. |
2. Set clear goals: Define your freelancing goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. Having a clear vision will keep you focused and motivated. |
3. Learn from failures: Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Treat failures as learning opportunities and use them to improve your freelancing journey. |
4. Network and collaborate: Build a strong professional network and collaborate with other freelancers or businesses to expand your opportunities. |
5. Continuous learning: Stay updated with industry trends and acquire new skills. Lifelong learning is essential to stay competitive in the freelancing market. |
6. Manage finances wisely: As a freelancer, financial management is vital. Budgeting and saving can provide stability during lean periods. |
7. Prioritize self-care: Freelancing can be demanding; prioritize your physical and mental well-being to maintain productivity and creativity. |
8. Seek mentorship: Connect with experienced freelancers or mentors who can offer guidance and valuable insights on freelancing success. |
If You Approach Freelancing As A Business, You Can Earn Real Money
Freelancing is a legitimate career path. You can make a lot of money if you work hard and are good at what you do, just like any other job out there.
And if the idea of making “a lot of money” doesn’t motivate you enough, know that freelancers tend to earn more than people working traditional 9-5 jobs because they have control over their schedule and where they work from – which means that if your mental health (and physical health) need to have some sort of flexibility in your life, this is an option worth exploring.
Working as a freelancer doesn’t necessarily mean working as an employee either; many freelance workers are sole proprietors who set up their businesses so they can set their hours and manage everything themselves without having to answer to anyone else but themselves (and perhaps one or two clients).
Furthermore, some freelancers don’t even need specific types of equipment such as computers or offices – all it takes is internet access plus some basic tools like smartphones or tablets with built-in cameras so that we can connect with potential employers and clients wherever we go!
What does this mean? Well…it means no more commuting every day between home base office (or apartment complex) than spending half our waking hours stuck inside cubes trying not to fall asleep while listening closely enough during meetings so as not to miss anything important being discussed over speakerphone.”
Building a successful freelancing career requires avoiding common pitfalls. Check out our guide on 10 Freelancing Mistakes That Are Keeping You Broke to learn how to stay financially secure as a freelancer.
A Freelance Skill Can Help You Secure A Job Even If You’re Working For Someone Else
There are many ways to use your freelance skills to secure a job or improve your current situation in the workplace. You can leverage them to get a promotion, earn more money, and even land a position that is better than what you have now.
For example: If you’re looking for a new job, you can use your freelancing skills (and other strengths) as an advantage when interviewing with employers. Even if they don’t give you credit for it when making offers (which rarely happens), these traits will still come into play during the hiring process and could help land them on their feet in their new role with confidence and enthusiasm.
Your Career Is Portable – Even If You Have A Family
As a freelancer, you can work from anywhere. You don’t have to worry about nailing down office space or commute time. You can set your hours and even take on projects that demand more flexibility (such as client-facing gigs).
If you have children, this is especially important: it means that when they are having a bad day or the weather is too hot or cold outside, they won’t ruin your productivity by keeping you cooped up inside you could still get some work done while taking care of them!
Embracing the changing landscape of work is essential for freelancers. Discover how to adapt and get a piece of the future of work in our latest article.
You’ll Build The Confidence That Comes With Being Self-Employed
Being self-employed is a great way to build confidence. You may be afraid of the unknown, but running your own business takes that fear away because you’re in control.
You have more control over your work. You have the freedom to choose which projects or clients you accept and when you work on them. If you don’t like what’s being offered, no one can force you to take it and if someone does force it onto you, they will soon realize they made a mistake!
You also have more control over your schedule and how many hours per day/week/month that person puts into this project (or business). Again: no one can force someone self-employed against their will. They just want it. And if they do not want this opportunity? Then too bad for them because there are plenty of other people out there willing to step up and take their place as soon as possible!
You Have the Flexibility To Handle Emergencies And Appointments
You can work from home, which means that if something urgent comes up you don’t have to worry about finding childcare or rushing off in the middle of a project. You can also work around other commitments such as appointments, family activities, errands, and so on.
And finally, since freelancers have more flexibility with their schedules than employees do (who usually have set hours), they can take time off when they need it most – during holidays or when life throws them curveballs. This is important for those who possess an entrepreneurial spirit but don’t want to deal with the stress of having a traditional job!
You Can Make More Money If You’re Willing To Work Hard
You can make more money if you’re willing to work hard, and this applies to your freelancing career as well. Freelancers must be willing to work 24/7 to succeed, but the rewards of being a successful freelancer are worth it.
The more hours you put into your freelance business, the more money you will earn. As an example, if two freelancers were working on the same project but one of them was only putting in 80% effort while the other was putting in 100%, then chances are that the second freelancer would walk away with a better paycheck at the end of their project.
The same principle applies when it comes to learning new skills and honing old ones if someone wants to get better at something (whether it’s writing blog articles or designing websites), they have got to practice consistently until they reach their desired level of expertise.
Time management can be a challenge for freelancers. Learn effective strategies in our comprehensive guide on Time Management Tips for Freelancers and take control of your freelance journey.
It’s Risky, But Low-Cost
If you’re risk-averse and need a steady paycheck, freelancing is probably not for you. You will have no idea where your next dollar is coming from, or how much it will be. Your income depends entirely on your client’s ability to pay their bill at the end of each month and sometimes even that isn’t enough!
But if being able to work from wherever you want, with no boss getting in your way sounds appealing (and I’m guessing it does), then freelancing could be right up your alley.
You can get started right now with little more than a laptop and phone (your tools) and some software (the magic). There are many fantastic tools out there that make things like invoicing super easy so there’s no reason why anyone should have trouble getting started with what they’ve got in hand right now.
Your biggest expense as a freelancer is going to come when investing in yourself—in finding ways to improve what you offer clients so that they’ll want to keep coming back again and again…not necessarily buying new toys!
Networking Will Open Up New Opportunities For Both Your Career And Your Personal Life
Networking is the most important skill you can develop. It’s how you’ll find new jobs, new clients, and new opportunities in your personal life too.
Networking is a two-way street you have to put yourself out there and help people as much as they help you. Your network will always be there for you when times are tough, so don’t feel like it’s a one-way street where all the work is on your side of things!
You never know who might have an idea that can lead to something big or offer advice from their own experience when things aren’t going well in your career or personal life. Even better than that? You can also meet someone who may become a friend for life!
When You Succeed As A Freelancer, You Learn That The Impossible Is Possible
You will learn that the impossible is possible. You will learn that anything can be done with hard work and determination. You’ll learn that dreams can come true just by believing in them, no matter how ridiculous they seem at first glance.
And if there’s one thing I have learned from working as a web designer for over two years now: The internet is an amazing place where anything can happen if you put your mind to it!
The More Time And Effort You Put Into Your Work, The More Money You’ll Make (There’s No Limit)
The more time and effort you put into your work, the more money you will make. There is no limit to this concept so long as there are enough people who want what it is that you’re offering.
You could start by working on a few projects in your spare time but soon enough, once things get rolling, there will be no need for “spare time” at all because there will always be something new waiting around the corner!
Don’t let fear hold you back from pursuing freelancing on Upwork. Understand the realities of platform bans in our post on Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of Upwork’s Permanent Ban and stay confident in your freelancing endeavors.
Work From Home Means You Save On Office Expenses, Meals Out, And The Cost Of Commuting To Work Every Day
Working from home can save you a lot of money daily. You don’t have to pay for rent, office expenses, and meals out because you work from your living room. You also won’t be paying for the cost of commuting to work every day or the cost of gas if you drive a car to get there. Plus, there are no parking costs associated with working from home!
It’s Easier Than Ever To Start Your Own Small Business Or Become Self-Employed As A Freelancer
When you decide to go freelance, it can be daunting to think about all of the work you will have to do on your own. But thanks to online platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, it’s easier than ever before for freelancers just like you to start their small businesses or become self-employed as a freelancer!
- Online Platforms give access to millions of customers around the world.
- They provide access to millions of customers around the world.
- There are more opportunities for people who want an alternative career than ever before whether that means starting up a side business or being able to make money from home in their spare time.
A modern and eye-catching portfolio can set freelancers apart. Learn how to showcase your work effectively with our guide on Creating a Modern Portfolio Has Never Been Easier and boost your chances of landing great clients.
Final Thoughts
Freelancing can be a great way to start if you are thinking of branching out and setting up your own small business. It’s also a good way for anyone who would like more flexibility in the hours they work or where they live without losing their income source. If you’re looking for jobs at home, freelancing is an excellent option!
Further Reading
15 Popular Reasons to Become a Freelancer or Entrepreneur: Discover the top motivations and benefits of freelancing or starting your own business.
Benefits of Freelancing: Explore the advantages and perks of working as a freelancer in the modern job market.
Becoming a Freelancer is a Great Choice – Here’s Why: Learn why freelancing can be an excellent career path and how it opens doors to exciting opportunities.
People Also Ask
What Kind Of Things Should I Consider When Choosing My Niche?
Consider what kinds of things interest you and what kinds of things you are good at doing. For example, if you like writing but don’t like math, then perhaps being a freelance writer isn’t the best choice for you.
How Do I Know If Someone Is Trustworthy?
Trust your instincts! If something doesn’t feel right like if someone asks for personal information without much explanation or seems too eager to hire you without getting to know about your experience then chances are that person isn’t trustworthy.
What Are The Pros Of Being A Freelancer?
Freelancing is an amazing way to make money while you travel, stay home with your kids, or just work at a time that suits you best. You can work as much or as little as you want and set your schedule no more having to ask for vacation time. Plus, you have complete control over what kind of clients and projects you take on, so it’s easy to find clients who value your skills and pay well.
What Are Some Things I Should Consider Before Becoming A Freelancer?
As a freelancer, all of the risks fall on you. If something goes wrong with a project, it could affect your reputation and prospects.
In addition, many administrative tasks come with being self-employed, such as setting up a business bank account and filing paperwork for tax purposes. To succeed in this role, you must keep up with these tasks so that they don’t become overwhelming later on down the road.
What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Freelancing?
Many people think that freelance writing is easy money and it is! But it takes time and effort to build up your reputation as an expert writer and attract clients who will hire you regularly.
Also, while many freelancers find they’re able to make more money per hour than they did in their previous jobs, it’s still important to remember that this is only true if they manage their time well and aren’t wasting hours looking at memes instead of writing!
How Do I Know If Freelancing Is For Me?
You’ll know you’re ready to be a freelancer when you feel like you’ve exhausted all of your options and are ready to go out on your own. You need to have confidence in your skills and abilities as well as an understanding of the benefits and challenges of being a freelancer.
Why Should I Choose Freelancing Over Other Career Paths?
Freelancing is more than just another job it’s an opportunity to take control of your life and live it on your terms.
Freelancers have more freedom than traditional employees because they can choose where they work and when they work, which means they don’t have to worry about what their boss thinks or follow strict schedules.
Freelancers also have more flexibility with their finances because they don’t need health insurance or other benefits that come with full-time employment.
What Is The Best Way To Start Your Freelance Writing Career?
You can start by creating a website, or blog, and putting it up on the internet. This will help you to get clients interested in what you have to offer. You should also make sure that your website is professional-looking and easy for people to navigate around so that they know that you are serious about what you do.
How Do I Make Money As A Freelancer?
There are many ways that you can make money as a freelancer, but it all depends on what kind of services or products your business offers. Some of these include advertising space on your website for companies who want to reach out to their target audience, selling products such as books or ebooks online through websites like Amazon or eBay, etc…
What Kinds Of Skills Do I Need To Become Successful In My Field?
While there are no set skills required for someone to become successful with their online business ventures; however there are certain traits that most successful entrepreneurs possess such as determination, perseverance, and creativity which all contribute to helping them achieve their goals.
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.