Going freelance is a big step, and it’s natural to be feeling nervous. But there are so many reasons why you shouldn’t be afraid to go freelance and why you should do it anyway.
I was worried about things like whether clients would pay me on time if my bank balance would get low sometimes, if I’d be able to grow a business that could support me, and if my lack of experience or expertise would hurt my chances.
Then I went out on my own and realized that 98% of the things I worried about never actually happened. Here are reasons why you shouldn’t be afraid to go freelance:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Embrace the Freelance Journey |
| Overcome Nervousness About Going Freelance |
| Learn from Others’ Freelancing Mistakes |
| Manage Your Time Effectively as a Freelancer |
| Understand Upwork’s Policies and Ban Concerns |
You Have Nothing To Lose
I mean, think about it. You’ve got a job that you can always go back to if freelancing doesn’t work out for you. If you quit your job and start working freelance full-time, then yes if things don’t work out, there might be some consequences (like having no income or having to move back in with your parents).
But if you keep your day job while working on nights and weekends, those consequences are minimal (at worst).
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You Can Make More Money
If you’re looking for a way to make more money, freelancing is a great option. You can set your own rates and work for yourself or others. For example, if you’re a graphic designer working with an agency, that agency will pay you for each piece of work that you complete.
If you’re working with clients directly (which is what I do), then clients will be paying YOU each time that they use your services. This means that if someone hires me for one month and asks me to design their website in exchange for USD 1,000/hour… they will owe me USD 2,000 when it’s done! That’s what I call “making bank”.
You Choose Your Hours
You Choose Your Hours – I know, it sounds so obvious. But the truth is that your boss is never going to give you the hours you want. They’ll always be trying to meet deadlines or get a project done as fast as possible. That’s fine, but if all you can do is work when they allow it, then there’s no way you’re going to have a life outside of your job.
When I went freelance, I was able to choose my hours and make sure that my life wasn’t completely consumed by work (or stressed out about not being able to get any work done).
Nowadays we tend to think of freelancers having insane schedules where most of their waking hours are spent working because this seems like how other people do it and how one should be if they want success in the field (or at least more money). The truth is much simpler than this: You can choose your hours and still make an excellent living!
You Can Always Go Back
You can always go back, but you can’t go forward.
If you don’t like freelancing, then it’s easy to just go back to your old job. If you are working for a large corporation, it can be hard for them to accept someone who has taken time off for an extended period and then re-entered the workforce because they weren’t ready to dedicate themselves fully again without taking some time off in between.
However, if you decide that freelancing is a better fit than working full-time at one company, then this option isn’t available anymore because once you start doing something on your own (whether it’s online or offline), it becomes more difficult for employers to accept that type of situation from someone who had previously done things differently before being employed by them…
Time management is key to thriving as a freelancer. Master the art of managing your time effectively to boost productivity and achieve work-life balance. Discover essential time management tips for freelancers in our article: Time Management Tips for Freelancers.
Your Job Is More Likely To Be There Tomorrow
If you’re an employee, your job will likely be there tomorrow. Your employer is going to pay you and provide benefits if you get sick or injured even if they don’t have to. It’s nice to know that these things are taken care of, but it also means that you may not have a great deal of say in how the work itself gets done.
If you’re a freelancer, on the other hand, the only guarantee is that your paycheck will appear by the end of each month (or week). While this can be scary at first glance, there are also some major upsides. You won’t have anyone telling you what hours or tasks to do.
Instead, it’s up to you and how much money needs to be earned at any given time. You can choose whether or not collaborating with other people works best for getting things done whether those people are clients or former coworkers who now work from home too (and therefore need their own flexible schedules).
In addition, you can create opportunities for yourself by pitching stories and asking questions about new products before anyone else does!
If something goes wrong in one area of your life (like having a kid), freelancing allows more flexibility than having one job since it doesn’t require staying late at night every day just because someone else needs help right now they’ll still get everything done eventually.
You Can Create Your Opportunities
You can create your opportunities, and here’s how:
By doing something different; You don’t have to jump into the deep end to be a successful freelancer. You can start with small projects, work on them until they’re done, and then build up your client base from there.
By taking risks; If you’re afraid of being rejected by potential clients or losing money on a project that doesn’t turn out well, then maybe it’s time to take a risk! You’d be surprised at how many people will tell you “no” when they don’t need your help very badly it’s just in their nature (that’s why we call them “people!”).
But sometimes when someone says no it means that they just aren’t ready yet so keep trying until one day someone does say yes. That way everyone wins. Well except for those who said no but later regretted their decision…but let’s not dwell on such things.
Experience Isn’t Everything, But It Helps
You might have heard the saying “Experience is the best teacher,” or something similar. While it’s true that experience is indeed an important part of your education, you can gain valuable experience through freelancing and internships or even volunteering and working in a different industry or field.
For example, if you want to work in marketing but are worried about not having enough experience, try volunteering for local charities that need help with their social media strategy (and make sure to ask for references).
By doing this, you’ll learn how to work with people and organizations without taking on too much responsibility at once. You may even find that you’re able to combine these experiences into one job offer!
Worried about Upwork’s permanent ban? Stay informed and understand the dos and don’ts to ensure your freelancing career thrives on the platform. Read our guide on Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of Upwork’s Permanent Ban to navigate Upwork policies confidently.
You’re Not Out Of The Running
Losing a job is not the end of the world. If you’ve been rejected by an employer, don’t let that define who you are. You are more than just your resume and cover letter; what matters most is how well you can perform in a real-life situation once hired.
Don’t give up after one try; if one job doesn’t work out, try again! Maybe this time around they’ll consider hiring someone who’s been laid off but still has experience in their field.
Maybe another company will hire you because they need someone right away instead of waiting for someone new to graduate from school with an advanced degree (or because they’re doing well enough financially were paying for such expensive training isn’t necessary anymore).
Maybe another company will hire me so soon after my last failed attempt at freelancing that I thought it couldn’t possibly happen again!
Nobody Has Everything Figured Out. Ever
As a freelancer, it’s incredibly important to keep your eyes open to new and exciting opportunities. If you’re not aware of what’s going on in the world and how that might affect your business or industry, then you could find yourself struggling to stay afloat when things get tough.
It’s also important that you don’t become complacent and think that because someone else is doing something in their freelance business that it won’t work for you. Everyone’s experiences are different, so chances are if one person has done something successfully then there will be other people who have tried it too!
The key is learning from others’ mistakes so that when we try something ourselves, we can do so with confidence knowing all possible pitfalls have already been documented (and hopefully avoided).
Everyone Pushes Themselves Too Hard – Don’t Try To Impress Anyone
One of my biggest fears about going freelance was that I wouldn’t be good enough. That I would fail. The truth is, everyone has their own level of skill and expertise. And it’s important to not compare yourself to other people or try to keep up with them.
Everyone pushes themselves too hard at some point in their life, but don’t worry – it won’t last forever! The only way you can get better at something is by practicing and learning from your mistakes (which will happen a lot!). So just keep on trying even if you struggle at first!
We all have weaknesses and strengths, but they’re not set in stone; they can change as we learn new things through our experiences in life. When looking back on past failures, remember: you’ll never know how much potential you had until someone else tells you otherwise!
Ethical client acquisition is the key to long-term success on Upwork. Learn how to gain more clients without compromising your integrity. Our article, How to Get More Clients on Upwork Without Lying, Cheating, or Stealing, provides valuable insights and strategies.
Having A Job Isn’t Everything – And It Certainly Doesn’t Define Who You Are
There are many ways to define who you are. You are more than your job. You may have a job title, but it doesn’t determine who you are. You might be an accountant or a nurse, but that doesn’t make you any less of a person than someone who does something else for their living.
You may be worried about losing your income by quitting your job and going freelance, but this shouldn’t define who you are as an individual either way.
As long as you’re doing work that makes sense for your life goals and passions, then money can come and go without having any impact on how much value or meaning is found in what it is that you do with your life every single day!
Having Fun Matters Too
I think it’s important to have fun. That’s why, for me, freelance has been a lot of fun. It was never just about the money or whatever else people say when they talk about freelancing. I’ve had so much fun doing this job because it gives me the freedom of being my boss and doing my own thing while still making some money on the side.
I know that there are going to be times when getting work will feel hard and not being able to find clients can make you feel worthless sometimes but if you just keep your head up high and keep trying then eventually things will come around for you (just like they did for me).
We Don’t Have That Much Time So Life’s Too Short To Waste On Things That Don’t Work For Us. At All.
We don’t have that much time so life’s too short to waste on things that don’t work for us. At all.
If you’re a freelancer and you’re still not sure about whether or not you should go freelance, this is for you. If you’ve been thinking of going freelance and are nervous about it because of some of the reasons listed above, this article will help you overcome them!
Let me tell ya: I’m no expert but I am an example that if we put our mind to something and keep working at it, anything is possible!
The Internet And Modern Technology Have Made The World Your Oyster Without The Need For Travel Or Relocation
If you’re a freelancer or thinking about becoming one, the Internet and modern technology have made your job easier and more flexible.
With an internet connection and a laptop, I can write from anywhere in my house or out at a coffee shop. If I want to get out of the house for a change of scenery, I can do so without having to relocate.
It’s not just writing either – if you have any sort of graphic design skills at all (and even if you don’t), there are plenty of online tools that will allow you to work from home without ever having to leave your chair!
If You Don’t Take Risks Then Nothing Happens, Life Stands Still, And Suddenly Before You Know It, It’s Gone
The world needs more risk-takers. The way I see it, there are only two ways to live your life:
- Take risks and hope for the best, or
- Don’t take risks and regret them forever
I’m not talking about throwing caution to the wind and putting yourself in danger, but instead being willing to try new things that could potentially benefit you in some way.
Taking risks is important because of what can happen if you don’t do it! If you don’t take any risks then nothing happens, life stands still, and suddenly before you know it it’s gone. You will be left with regrets and wasted opportunities when all is said and done which would have been avoided had you just taken that first step into something unknown (and possibly scary).
Gen Z freelancers, avoid the biggest freelancing mistake and set yourself up for success. Discover the essential skills to thrive in the freelancing world. Check out our article on The Biggest Freelancing Mistake That Gen Z Makes to pave your path to freelancing greatness.
Final Thoughts
This is true for people who want to be freelance, start their own business, and move away from the traditional model of working 9-5 in an office. Yes, it can be nerve-wracking. And yes, there’s a lot to think about when you decide to do something different.
But it doesn’t have to be scary and if you don’t try then nothing will happen. It’s worth remembering that although this is a very personal decision – you still have your family behind you no matter what happens. So don’t worry too much!
Further Reading
Reasons to Go Freelance: Explore the compelling reasons why freelancing might be the right career choice for you.
5 Common Fears People Have About Freelancing and How to Overcome Them: Learn how to conquer common fears and doubts that often hold people back from starting a freelancing career.
Freelance and Anxious All the Time About Money: Discover tips and strategies to manage financial anxiety while navigating the freelancing journey.
People Also Ask
What Is Freelance?
Freelancing is a business model that allows you to work as an independent contractor, rather than as an employee. It’s a great way to earn a living while maintaining your flexibility, and it can be especially beneficial if you have other responsibilities such as school or family commitments.
Why Should I Go Freelance?
Freelancing gives you a lot of freedom. You can choose your hours, your projects, and even your clients. If you’re a control freak like me, it’s great to be able to have that control over the way your work life looks!
But What If I’m Not Good At Managing My Time?
That’s where the second part of freelancing comes in you can make sure that you’re prioritizing what needs to get done first. If you’re good at managing your time well daily, then freelancing is an even better option for you because it gives you more control over how you do things (and when) than any other type of job would allow.
How Do I Know What Kind Of Work Will Be Right For Me?
There are so many different types of freelancing jobs out there! Some people prefer working with clients who are close by (like local businesses), while others love working remotely with clients all over the world. Some people like writing articles or blog posts; others prefer designing websites or apps. The possibilities are endless!.
What If I Can’t Find Work?
You will find work! It might not be right away, but if you keep looking and putting yourself out there, you will find something. And if you don’t, then that’s okay too you can always fall back on your day job while you’re looking for opportunities and decide what direction you want to take your career in.
What If I Don’t Know How To Market Myself?
You don’t need to know how to market yourself. There are plenty of ways for you to learn how just ask the experts.
There are so many resources out there that can help you learn the ropes of marketing yourself as a freelancer, from books to courses like Skillshare’s Social Media Marketing Class or Udemy’s How To Market Your Business Online course.
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.