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.

freelance career represents a Man Working Alone

2. You must have adequate savings before you start freelancing because clients won’t immediately pour in.

freelance career represents a money on hand

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.

freelance career represents a man walking in the rain

4. Discipline and time-management are very important, especially since you won’t have much free time to be lax.

freelancing career represents a clock that symbolizes the importance of time

5. You’re not your own boss because you’ll have tons of them.

freelance career represents a red human figure being surrounded by many people

6. Project pricing and negotiation is an art you have to master in your freelancing career.

freelance career represents two people negotiating

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.

freelance career represents a qoute about being on time

8. Proper communication is one of the keys of success. Learn it and live it.

freelance career represents communication

9. You are always accountable and nobody will have your back when things go south.

freelance career represents an accountable man looking in the mirror

10. Your emotions have to take a backseat when dealing with clients, both good folks and irate ones.

freelance career represents an emotion at the backseat

11. You must always be on top of your game and on top of the latest trends in your industry.

freelance career represents "Be Updated" quote

12. It’s important that you learn about your clients’ businesses, their goals, and the language they speak.

freelance career represents "Hello" and "Hallo"

13. Your website and online presence must be spectacular, on point, and well-maintained.

freelance career represents a Maintained Website

14. There is no safety net in this field unlike when you’re a regular employee.

freelance career represents a Safety net

15. You won’t just be a freelancer because you’ll also be a Lawyer, Accountant, Manager, etc.

freelance career represents Different professions

16. You’re going to need your family and friends’ support because you will encounter tough obstacles.

freelance career represents a family support in shadows

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