If you’re like most people, you have a friend or acquaintance who has left their full-time job to become a freelancer. It’s an increasingly common trend, as more and more professionals choose to take advantage of the flexibility and earning potential that freelancing offers. But what exactly does this career choice entail, and is it really possible to make a living as a freelancer?
A freelancer is a self-employed worker who contracts with multiple clients to perform various services. This may involve writing articles, designing websites, coding apps, or performing administrative tasks for various companies, organizations, and individuals. This type of work can be done from a home office or other location outside the office, and it typically has set deadlines that must be met. Freelancers can find gigs through sites that connect them with employers or clients, or they can approach potential clients directly.
There are many benefits of freelance work, including the ability to set your own schedule and decide which clients to work with. However, it’s important to remember that freelance work can be inconsistent, and it requires good time management skills in order to be successful. Additionally, freelancers must be comfortable networking and approaching strangers in order to find new projects and clients. Lastly, freelancers must be willing to handle difficult conversations with clients, such as negotiating a rate increase or breaking up with a client.
It’s also important for freelancers to understand that they are their own business, and as such, they must manage all aspects of the company, including finances, bookkeeping, benefits, and taxes. This can be a challenge for some people, especially those who are used to having an employer take care of these tasks for them. It’s also essential for freelancers to have a backup plan in case they lose a client or are unable to complete a project for any reason.
One way to avoid these issues is to network with other freelancers and stay active on social media. This can help you create a support system, and it may even expose you to open gigs that you wouldn’t have known about otherwise. Additionally, it’s helpful to make sure that your friends and family know that you are a freelancer, as they may be able to refer you to clients.