Are you ready to start a full-time freelance career?
Freelancing can be scary, especially if youre used to a regular income and schedule.
But freelancing is also one of the most fulfilling and lucrative jobs today.
Consider these factors if youre still on the fence about starting a freelance career.
You Know the Role You Want to Pursue
Freelancing is a broad field.
For instance, you might want to become a writer.
Lets say you decide to become a blogger.
Youll still have to consider thebest blogging niches for beginners.
Knowing the role you want will helpensure a consistent flow of income as a freelancer.
you’re free to market yourself better and dedicate your time to professional growth in a specific industry.
It will also be easier for clients to find you, since people usually search for particular services online.
Dont worry, as your chosen role is not set in stone.
As you gain experience, its natural to go through career transitions.
Whats your job experience?
Which tasks do you enjoy the most?
Focus on the things you’re free to do well, and you’re interested in doing.
If you want to explore other roles, dip your toes into the ones you find most interesting.
You Have Both Hard Skills and Soft Skills
Freelancing is very similar to running a business.
Youll have to do the heavy lifting yourself.
it’s possible for you to outsource some of these.
But if youre starting, the most obvious answer is you.
That said, youd have to arm yourself with hard and soft skills.
Note theunderrated soft skills you’re able to practice online.
Soft skills like active listening and presentation dont get much attention since most focus on gaining hard skills.
However, if you want to land and retain clients, you need both.
However, check that that your workplace helps you get your work done.
An article onForbesshows that office space significantly affects employee well-being.
A well-lit, well-ventilated, and comfortable workspace does wonders for productivity.
Being a freelancer means that youll have to invest in equipment.
Ergonomic equipment, while more expensive, is also the healthier choice.
If you plan to work outside your home,consider these factors when choosing a coworking space.
You dont have to buy all the best equipment at once.
Instead, invest in the most important and non-negotiable first.
Usually, freelancers only need a laptop, chair, and table.
Depending on the role, you might also want to prioritize buying software and a good set of headphones.
Or maybe youve saved enough to last six months or more?
Start getting testimonials from your clients.
If theyre happy with your work, they can become a source of future referrals.
Freelancing can be a side gig, a way to earn extra money on top of your corporate salary.
Tracking your finances helps you understand if freelancing is a sustainable option.
Use an expense and invoice app like Bookipi to manage your finances better.
The online tool lets you easily track your income, request payment, and organize your financial documents.
If you cant sustain yourself with freelancing, hold off resigning from your corporate job.
Eventually, you might even learnhow to go from freelancer to entrepreneur.
However, being your own boss means youre solely responsible for your financial and professional growth.
For some, the prospect is appealing.
Others may only feel a sense of foreboding.
Its normal to feel stressed by the added responsibility.
But if the benefits of running your own show seem worthwhile, you may be ready to go freelance.
Use a project management tool likeHectic, which is specifically tailored for freelancers.
The software helps you manage all your projects, timesheets, accounting, and agreements.
Organizing all your tasks with one easy-to-use tool will help you feel less overwhelmed.
Your Family Is on Board
Skip this point if youre living alone and are responsible only for yourself.
But if youre supporting a family, theyre one of your biggest considerations.
Freelancing means that you wont have the same income every month.
Your schedule may change, and youll need to set up aproductive work from home office.
Family members unfamiliar with freelancing might be skeptical, so its important to involve them in decision-making.
Comments on Quorashow that some family members react negatively to freelancing.
One of their main concerns is that freelancing doesnt seem like a real job that can pay the bills.
Its one thing to be ready to become a full-time freelancer.
But another thing to excel in the online space.
Yes, its possible to have all of those.
But they come from hard work, skills, and creativity, not just pipe dreams.
However, if youve decided that freelancing is the best career option, its time to land those gigs.
Learn more about what clients are looking for when they hire freelancers.
