As years pass, the freelancing industry continues to flourish as more people make use of the internet’s flexibility. More professionals also understand their value and capabilities in digital-related fields, making them bolder in ditching their 9 to 5 jobs.
However, freelancing career isn’t as easy as most people make it out to be. So before you quit your day job that guarantees a paycheck by the end of the month, read this list to know what you should anticipate if you plan on marketing your services in the future.
Tips to Remember Before Starting Your Freelancing Career
1. You will be working all by your lonesome, and you won’t be attending company events/parties because… well, you’re alone.
2. You must have adequate savings before you start freelancing because clients won’t immediately pour in.
3. Money won’t always be steady so you have to save for rainy days. Some clients also have a bad habit of not paying on time so be prepared for that.
4. Discipline and time-management are very important, especially since you won’t have much free time to be lax.
5. You’re not your own boss because you’ll have tons of them.
6. Project pricing and negotiation is an art you have to master in your freelancing career.
7. You have to always be on time for everything; video/audio calls with clients, starting your project on the dot, and submitting your finished work.
8. Proper communication is one of the keys of success. Learn it and live it.
9. You are always accountable and nobody will have your back when things go south.
10. Your emotions have to take a backseat when dealing with clients, both good folks and irate ones.
11. You must always be on top of your game and on top of the latest trends in your industry.
12. It’s important that you learn about your clients’ businesses, their goals, and the language they speak.
13. Your website and online presence must be spectacular, on point, and well-maintained.
14. There is no safety net in this field unlike when you’re a regular employee.
15. You won’t just be a freelancer because you’ll also be a Lawyer, Accountant, Manager, etc.
16. You’re going to need your family and friends’ support because you will encounter tough obstacles.
Final Tip for a Successful Freelancing Career
Freelancing career is an amazing professional achievement. You get to run your own business, do what you love, and face new challenges every day. But it takes a lot of work and taking risks is part of the process. So if you don’t think you’re ready to freelance just yet, have a professional resume ready to get into a formidable company and boost your experience value.
Source: Lifehack, Hongkiat, One Month
