Lifestyle Archives – Freelancelifemagazine

Examining the Opportunities and Challenges of Crypto Payments for Freelancers

Dragana Drobnjak — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 09:28:53 +0000

Before we start pointing out all the pros and cons of using crypto payments in the freelancing business, let’s create a short intro about what cryptocurrencies represent and what are the most common ones among online users.

Cryptocurrencies, or short-crypto, represent a digital/virtual sort of currency that is based on a blockchain system. Why would someone opt for cryptocurrencies instead of “real” money? The truth is that these decentralized systems work independently, or better said they are completely independent of any central authority.

Of course, when we talk about one of the most popular cryptocurrencies that are used, we believe that you’re surely familiar with the famous Bitcoin. An interesting fact about Bitcoin is that it was created by an anonymous person back in 2009. Of course, we believe that it may be created by a group of people, by who have used fake names, and pseudonyms, and calling themselves Satoshi and Nakamoto.

What Bitcoin is mostly famous for is peer-to-peer electronic cash system, which means that online users are able to send and receive payments without a third party, or in this case – banks.

Besides Bitcoin, there have been many other cryptocurrencies created, and all of them offer something different, and have their own pluses and minuses, and bring different features. This means that if you want to use a cryptocurrency, you’ll probably choose one that serves your purposes in the best manner.

For example, online workers who work mostly on small contracts like to opt for Ethereum because it’s the best crypto for it, while those who are concerned about privacy claim that Monero is the best one if you want to stay completely safe.

Financial privacy and decentralized nature are the reasons online workers love cryptocurrencies

Probably two main reasons why more and more online workers of all sorts use crypto – because of financial privacy and decentralized nature. Of course, there is also the third reason – privacy. Yet, we must remind you that no matter how popular cryptocurrencies have become, their acceptance as a mainstream source of payment can vary from country to country, or better said by the laws of a certain country.

Cryptocurrencies leverage cryptographic techniques to safeguard transactions, oversee the creation of new units, and validate asset transfers. By employing these methods, the integrity and security of the cryptocurrency network are upheld. Cryptography encompasses intricate mathematical algorithms and encryption methods, serving to shield data and regulate the generation of fresh units.

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Okay, now that we have talked a bit about crypto in general, let’s see why freelancers love to use it.

These are some of the most common reasons for using crypto in your online business:

1. Freelancing includes global Payment services. As a freelancer, or online and remote worker, you will receive various payments from clients from all parts of the globe. That’s exactly what cryptocurrencies can offer you. Or even better – you’ll receive all those payments without the need for traditional banking systems. And while brings you money quickly and securely, by bypassing lengthy international transfer processes and associated fees, be sure that you get familiar with the laws in your country related to cryptocurrencies.

2. Freelancers are searching for ways that can lower transaction costs. And again, crypto brings a solution. Freelancers and online workers love them because of the much lower fees. And yes, this is good, but probably only for freelancers who are working on small contracts and receiving smaller amounts of money.

3. Thinking about your freelance financial privacy. You don’t want to share your sensitive information with literally every client you meet online, right? Well, it’s true that cryptocurrencies can solve this issue too. It’s simple to use cryptocurrency addresses to receive payments. This can also protect you from online fraud.

4. Security. As we have mentioned at the beginning of this article, all cryptocurrencies utilize advanced cryptographic techniques, which makes transactions highly secure. Besides that, there’s also immutability and resistance to tampering.

5. Freelancers may not have access to some banking services. Let’s say that you don’t have access to traditional banking services, but you want to start your freelancing career. What would you do? Yes, you would search for which is the best crypto for your needs. If you live in a region with limited banking infrastructure, cryptocurrencies can be your key to participate in the global freelance marketplace.

6. Get a greater control over their funds. When you start using cryptocurrencies, you are no longer relying on banks or payment processors. Managing your transactions can become easier than ever. Freelancers usually point out that this also brings them independence.

Some of the main cons of using cryptocurrencies in the freelancing business would include:

1. Cryptocurrencies are known for their price volatility. This is probably one of the main issues with crypto, and that’s exactly why we have pointed out this problem in the first place. Cryptocurrency values are often experiencing significant fluctuations within short periods. Let’s say that you have earned $200. If the crypto goes through a lot of changes, you may end up earning a lot less than you have expected. That’s exactly why experienced online workers will tell you that using crypto may ne bot a great idea if you’re not familiar with blockchain in general. Get some knowledge before you start using them.

2. Cryptocurrencies are still not widely accepted as traditional payment methods. Yes, more and more people are getting familiar with crypto and starting to use it, but the truth is that these are still not as widely accepted as you may think. Let’s say that you meet new clients who are not familiar with cryptocurrency payments. You’ll still need to use traditional ways to receive your money. So, maybe crypto can be your plan B, but definitely still not one and only plan for receiving hard-earned freelancing money.

3. Think about exchange and conversion challenges. For those who don’t know, when you want to convert cryptocurrencies into traditional fiat currencies, the entire process may involve additional steps and fees. It’s no secret that a lot of freelancers still need to rely on some third party with a purpose to transfer crypto into usable currency. This will not only end up in conversion challenges but can produce delays in payments as well.

4. Tax reporting. We believe that this is a real nightmare for every freelancer – tax reporting. Cryptocurrencies can cause regulatory uncertainty. A lot of freelancers claim that they not only had issues with tax reporting, but also with compliance, and legal obligations. We have said it already and we will remind you again – be sure that you get useful and important information related to proper usage of cryptocurrencies in your location.

5. Are there some security risks? Previously, in our pros section on using cryptocurrencies, we talked about how secure they are. Yet, you have to be familiar with practices that include some knowledge related to protecting your cryptocurrency wallets and private keys from hacking, theft, or loss. You must understand that all security here is left on you, or any other individual that is using cryptocurrencies.

6. Using crypto requires at least a bit technical knowledge. We have also pointed out that cryptocurrencies should not be the first choice for beginner freelancers and those who don’t have at least some technical and blockchain knowledge due to technical complexity. Still interested in using crypto, but don’t know what topics you must cover? Learn more about digital wallets, blockchain transactions, and managing private keys. This will definitely help you to prevent some serious financial losses.

7. Reversible transactions. It’s different than using traditional banking systems – let’s say that you have become a victim of online fraud and lost your money. How will you get it back? Well, we don’t want to disappoint you, but it may be almost impossible to recover your wallet. This means, as said already above, that all responsibility is on the individual – you.

Check out the new issue of freelance life magazine

Read new interviews, check the latest freelance news from the internet, find current app reviews, useful career tips and news from freelance platforms, see the latest freelance nomads destinations and much more!

Conclusion

After all this being said, we believe that cryptocurrencies may be the best option for freelancers who are working part-time, or just working on small contracts. Crypto will help you to escape high fees and get your finances in order – quickly. Of course, don’t forget to check all those laws and regulations in your country that are related to using crypto. And don’t immediately choose Bitcoin, but rather search a bit more – maybe some other crypto payment service can suit your needs better.

Get more amazing advice about getting your freelance finances in order in this article.

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Maximizing Your Vacation: A Freelancer’s Step-by-Step Preparation Plan

Dragana Drobnjak — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:39:24 +0000

All successful freelancers that are into online business for years or even decades know that preparing for a vacation requires some planning and organization ahead. No, you cannot just disappear and set your online availability to absent. You must ensure that your work does not suffer while you are away.

Before we start explaining what freelancers must do before going on that well-deserved vacation, let’s remind ourselves what happens if you never take a vacation as a freelancer.

As you’ve probably heard already, people who work on weekends, and who constantly multitask, which freelancers do all the time, are more prone to experiencing burnout syndrome. Of course, you don’t want to be that person, so collect some of the best tips for getting ready to go on a vacation as a freelancer.

Your vacation must be planned in advance.

In one of our previous articles, we have already shared some of the best advice when it comes to becoming successful in the freelance world. Of course, everything requires planning ahead. As a freelancer, you already own the freedom to plan your own life, but when it comes to vacation, be sure that you plan it at least two months ahead, so you have enough time to complete everything needed – both professional and personal. Here we come to the next tip you must follow.

Inform your clients on time, so your project and gigs don’t suffer.

Successful freelancers who know how to keep amazing relationships with their long-term clients are always well aware of their huge importance in clients’ projects. Be sure that you inform all your clients about being absent. Ask if there is something you can do for them ahead. So far, you’ve probably got familiar with the dates when they need you. They’ll be happy to hear that you care about their project and are willing to complete everything before you go on your freelance vacation.

Prioritize completing important tasks and bigger projects.

We don’t say that you have to work 24/7 before going on that well-deserved vacation, but what we say is that you should definitely forget about procrastinating. Prioritize completing all those challenging tasks that are waiting for you. Focus on important projects.

What to do if someone has to replace you for a while?

Sometimes, there’s no chance to stop working on some of your projects. If that is your case, you can start searching for a reliable person that will be capable to complete simple and repetitive tasks while you’re away. Be sure that it’s a person of trust and someone who has at least some knowledge in the field of the tasks you do. Teaming up with other experienced freelancers is a great idea, but know that you will probably have to give them something in advance, or maybe you’ll be the one who will replace them when they go on vacation.

Working in a freelance team.

Maybe you’re now working in a freelance team. A month before you’re away, be sure that you’ve clearly told everyone about your expectations. This is especially important if you’re the one who is leading a remote team. Repeat the same advice we gave you at the beginning of this article – plan ahead, and try your best to create a clear plan everyone can follow.

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Think about automating things and tasks.

Maybe you can set up some automated systems to continue working on the things that matter to you or cannot be stopped when you’re away. We think about setting automated email replies or some other automated scheduling tools, for example for social media posts and digital marketing. This will keep not only your clients informed while you’re away, but also your fans and users updated.

*Once you’ve prepared everything for your freelance leave, be sure that you complete all those tasks related to housing and personal life too. If you have some uncompleted obligations, focus on completing them before you go on vacation, so you won’t worry about it the entire time. This way, your old obligations won’t wait for you when you come back. You’ll higher your chances of getting a true rest.

Forget about notifications.

Once you’re on your vacation, please stay away from all those notifications so you can finally take that well-deserved rest. Some freelancers say that they still work on vacations from their phones, but we definitely don’t recommend that. You’re offline now, it’s time to recharge your batteries. Enjoy nature, focuses on physical activity, and get some new and amazing memories. You’ll be surprised how much this will inspire you to work better once you come home. People who regularly take breaks and go on vacations have have higher creativitiy levels and 100% better focus. Besides that, once you’re away, far from your home office, you may get some new and amazing ideas you wouldn’t get otherwise.

Focus on yourself.

It’s time to focus on yourself and truly rest from all those multitasking freelance obligations. When we talk about successful freelancers, we always talk about those who have learned how to manage their business and personal life. You cannot be a successful online worker if you’re not good at balancing free and work time. Be sure that your boundaries are always set strong. Learn how to rest, stay away from the work, and enjoy yourself. It’s time to spend your vacation with beloved people and get those eyes well rest. Trust us, your body and mind will be very thankful to you.

Conclusion

Preparing for a freelance vacation definitely requires planning in advance. After you’ve made a plan of finishing all those tasks that are waiting, then you switch to the part where you inform your clients and your team about being absent. Prioritize completing all important tasks and big projects, and don’t forget to find a substitution for your tasks if your job cannot be stopped.

Once you’ve reached your freelance vacation destination, be sure that you really recharge your batteries – keep your phone, tablet, and laptop away and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.

Want more information related to going on a vacation as a freelancer? Be sure that you read this article as well.

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The Essential Guide to Landing a Good Home Loan as a Freelancer

Cherie Mclaughlin — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 13:24:44 +0000

You dream of owning a home but feel overwhelmed by the idea of getting a mortgage. After all, you’re a freelancer!

True, it can be challenging to navigate the world of home loans without a steady paycheck or traditional employment history. But it’s also entirely possible to secure a good home loan as a freelancer. It just takes a bit of knowledge and preparation. Freelance Life Magazine shares our top tips and insights on preparing for and successfully landing a mortgage that meets your needs when you’re self-employed:

Why Do Lenders View Freelancers Differently?

There’s one primary reason it’s harder to get a mortgage as a self-employed individual: Lenders look at you differently than they do 9-to-5 employees.

Freelancers often have fluctuating income, and some lenders may be nervous about your ability to make consistent mortgage payments.
Without a traditional employment history, lenders may perceive you as a higher-risk borrower.
Unlike traditional employees, who can provide W-2s or pay stubs, you might struggle to prove your income and financial stability.
You may also experience periods of no work or low-income months, leading lenders to question your ability to maintain a mortgage payment schedule.

What Do You Need for a Down Payment?

There’s no question that the more money you can pay down on a home, the better your chances of landing a loan and getting favorable terms.

To avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), aim for a 20% down payment on your home.
You can use your savings to contribute toward the down payment. Start saving as early as possible to accumulate the necessary funds.
Lenders might consider liquid assets, such as stocks or bonds, as a source of down payment. Be prepared to provide documentation to prove ownership and value.
Consider asking family members or friends for a gift or loan toward the down payment. Just ensure your lenders are aware of any gifts or loans and that they meet their requirements for acceptable sources of down payment funds.

How Can You Save for a Better Situation?

Getting a mortgage for your dream home is a major accomplishment. You just want to make sure you don’t put yourself in a precarious financial situation.

Create a realistic budget and stick to it. Doing so will help you keep track of your spending and identify areas where you can cut costs.
Try to minimize debt as much as you can before purchasing a home. You’ll be able to divert more funds toward your down payment and mortgage payments.
Consider taking on additional freelance work or side hustles to boost your income. The extra cash can go toward your down payment, emergency fund, and other savings goals.
Establish an LLC to protect yourself from potential legal and financial problems.
Look for ways to reduce expenses, such as shopping around for better insurance rates or negotiating bills with service providers. Every little bit counts toward your savings goal!

Securing a good home loan takes time and effort, but it will prove to be worth it in the end — when you finally have your own place to call home. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mortgage broker or financial advisor for additional support. You can achieve your dream of homeownership with the proper preparation and mindset. So, go out there and make it happen!

Check out the new issue of freelance life magazine

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Three signs you’re experiencing freelancer burnout (and how to fix it before it’s too late)

Emma Sloan — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 15:11:15 +0000

Whether you’ve been a freelancer for seven years or 17 years, one universal truth rings true: even the most productive will face burnout at least once in their careers.

With over 89% of workers in America alone reporting high levels of burnout (especially post-pandemic!), the best treatment is prevention–namely, knowing the warning signs before it’s too late.

Here are three signs you’re experiencing freelancer burnout (and how to nip it in the bud before it hinders your career.)

Firstly, What is Burnout?

Burnout is characterized by the following symptoms:

Disengagement or disconnection from projects you used to be passionate about
Chronic fatigue
A lack of focus
Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
Depression

Although burnout is the direct result of long-term stress, it’s not the same as being stressed– which is often associated with feeling anxious, hyperactive, and as though you are over-engaging with your work. If stress is the candle burning too brightly, burnout is the smoke that lingers in the air after that flame’s been snuffed out… which, at worst, can lead to severe under-performing in your job.

So how do you spot the signs of burnout before it’s too late? We’re glad you asked.

Sign #1: Consistent Mental or Physical Fatigue

Do you catch yourself feeling drained, no matter how much sleep you got the night before?

If so, you may be entering the phase of early onset burnout.

Because work-related burnout often creeps in due to feeling like you have little control over the quality of your work, a consistent lack of recognition, demanding job expectations, and/or working in a high-pressure environment, these feelings of fatigue may creep in over time… until you find yourself plagued by a lack of motivation or focus.

The Fix: Have you heard the saying that, when everything is a priority, that means nothing is?

This is especially applicable when facing the early signs of burnout. Since burnout is a bright red flag signaling that something in your current routine is detrimental to your quality of life, asking yourself the following questions may help you narrow down what you need to prioritize in order to feel refreshed:

What boundaries are you setting in your work life? How often are you allowing yourself to turn down work?
How many hours a day are you working? Do you feel that you’re overworking yourself?
Are you giving yourself any “you” time? If so, what does that look like?
How much sleep and exercise are you getting per week? Have you been neglecting either one?

Sign #2: An Inability to Stay On-Task

Your usual focus has been replaced by chronic procrastination. What gives?

Burnout, of course!

With 40% of procrastination being chalked up to a feeling of overwhelm, it’s in every freelancer’s best interest to learn how to manage their procrastination if–and when–it flares up.

The Fix: Forgiveness, experts say, is the first step towards regaining your focus in the workplace.

After that? Well, there are three tried-and-true methods to course correct pesky procrastination:

The 1-2-3 Method: If you find yourself procrastinating, count to three and start doing what you have to do. By doing this, professionals say that your brain is conditioned to eliminate procrastination every time you do this countdown
The 1 Minute Method: If you are procrastinating on a task, force yourself to work on it for one minute. Typically, this acts as the start that one needs and makes finishing the work way easier. Experts recommend setting a timer on your phone or computer when attempting this method

The Bracelet Technique: This anti-procrastination method trains your behavior to match your goals by snapping an elastic bracelet around your wrist when you catch yourself procrastinating. Once you finish your work, it’s advised that you reward yourself in order to retrain your mind to associate procrastination with pain and completing work with pleasure.

Sign #3: Not Finding Value in Your Work

Last but certainly not least, no longer finding value in the work you’re doing is a big sign that your burnout has progressed to dangerous levels.

Whether it be feelings of empathy, discontent, or even condescension towards either the type or projects you’re taking on or the industries you’re working with can lower your creative output and risk your relationship with clients.

The Fix: If possible, take time off. As freelancers, we aren’t automatically granted a set number of vacation or sick days per year–which means that we have to carve out that time ourselves.

Rather than risking your reputation as a freelancer by consistently churning out sub-par or late work, preemptively setting up time off can give you the time you need to start the burnout recovery process.

Have You Experienced Freelancer Burnout?

Now that you know the signs and symptoms, have you experienced freelancer burnout? Let us know in the comments below!

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The Best Locations Across the Globe to be a Freelancer in 2023

Freelance Team — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 17:17:02 +0000

New research by Craft Documents has revealed the top locations to work and live as a freelancer around the world in 2023.

With the rise of freelancing, workers now have the option to work from home, in a co-working space or anywhere with good internet connectivity.

As 84 per cent of businesses believe freelancers can add positive value to their business, there is a lot of opportunity to freelance across a variety of industries, while working remotely.

In order to determine the best places to live and work remotely, researchers conducted an analysis of various metrics from locations around the world to determine the top spots.

This new data examined the average price of a co-working hot desk, the average rental cost of a 1-bedroom property in the city’s centre, the average Airbnb nightly cost, internet speed, food costs, transport costs, and the number of co-working space – based on the most popular cities for digital nomads.

A spokesperson for Craft comments: “The rise of freelancing and remote working has been a global phenomenon over the past few years. Many jobs that were once traditional 9-5 positions are now being replaced by freelance and remote working opportunities, offering increased flexibility, autonomy and freedom for workers.

“With this, many individuals have been able to pursue their passion, work from different locations around the world, and take advantage of technology to collaborate with people from anywhere with internet access.

“This has allowed for more freedom – meaning you can choose to work from destinations across the globe – from Ho Chi Minh to Buenos Aires. All while exploring new cultures, delving into unfamiliar working environments, and earning an income!”

Most Freelance-Friendly Locations:

Penang (Malaysia), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), and Bangalore (India) were amongst the top locations to live and work as a freelancer – topping the leaderboard for having the best access to co-working spaces, a reasonable cost of living, and good internet speeds.

Penang in Malaysia took the top spot due to its affordability and high standard of living, offering the lowest costs for hot desking and rental prices.

Closely following these destinations were Chiang Mai in Thailand and Buenos Aires in Argentina, also offering affordable transportation, food, and accommodation.

For more information, check out Craft Documents blog post here: https://www.craft.do/blog/best-locations-to-live-and-work-as-freelancers

Sources https://www.peopleperhour.com/discover/news/business-survey-2022-infographic/

About Craft: Craft Docs is building the future of documents. Simple, yet powerful, Craft is a significant evolution in the way we capture, write and share information and ideas. Craft won a Mac App of the Year Award in 2021 and is available for iOS, Mac, Windows and Web. Craft offers real-time syncing from any device, an exceptionally beautiful UX, and unique deep-linking functionality. Founded by Balint Orosz, a product design expert and UX specialist, Craft is headquartered in Budapest, Hungary, with hubs in the UK

Home: https://www.craft.do

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Self-employed workers are crazy about this financial app

Freelance Team — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 17:21:30 +0000

Freelancing often requires a lot of planning, managing, and keeping everything in control – by yourself. Just because you don’t have someone else to help you, it doesn’t mean that you should do everything the hard way.

Pymnts.com shows that self-employed workers are crazy about a financial super app called Revolut Pro. This is what every freelancer should know about it:

Online workers know that a flexible world needs flexible multipurpose apps

Revolut has launched a Revolut Pro financial super app that helps freelancers worldwide track and manage their income, expenses, as well as payment management account. Having everything in one place helps remote workers grow and gain financial stability.

One in six working adults in the UK work in the gig economy

The statistics claim that one in six working adults work in this economy for at least per week. Therefore, they are searching for new ways to manage their finances in an easier manner. An amazing thing about Revolut Pro is that it allows multi-currency payments, with both physical and virtual cards. It’s free, and it definitely represents a better option, instead of having a fully-fledged business account.

Freelancers are now instantly accepting payments

Have everything right at your fingertips – accepting payments online with QR codes, invoices, or payment links is easier than ever. If you are a successful freelancer already, then you probably know how these small things help you run your online business. Managing finances all alone and without any help can be truly challenging.

The UK believes that freelancing can help them save the economy. Now, when inflation is on the rise and doesn’t seem that it will stop in the near future, having more and more people freelancing can be a solution. Of course, it’s important that self-employed workers are paid on time and overall protected.

If you are searching for a financial app that has especially been created for freelancers and self-employed workers, be sure to check out Revolut Pro and make managing your online business finances easier and always in order.

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Retirees improve their income with these top-paying freelancing jobs

Freelance Team — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 16:01:10 +0000

Freelancing doesn’t know about the age limit. Retirees all around the world are improving their budgets with these best and top-paying freelancing opportunities. Retirees always search for jobs that allow them to work when they want, as much as they want or need, don’t need special tech gear to do it, and are legal.

Sabina Lohr, a lifelong freelancer, and now entrepreneur, explains to us what retirees do in the freelance business in her article published on worldoffreelancers.com.

Scoping is among the most popular freelancing jobs for retirees

Scoping freelancers, once when trained, can earn from $30,000 to even $50,000 a year. That’s a great amount of money, especially for retirees. What do they do? It’s not something you can do from talent, but definitely need a little bit of training. Transforming spoken sworn legal testimony into written words is what brings money to retirees. The most interesting thing is that you can do this job while traveling the world as well.

Retiree online workers love to earn money by proofreading

Any type of content can be your task – whether we are talking about articles, blogs, e-books, or even legal, and medical documents. This is definitely one of the best freelancing jobs for retirees. If you are naturally good with writing and words, and know grammar well, but don’t want to write – choose this freelance position. Numerous clients in the online business are searching for proofreaders who need to check all that content before publishing. So, this is a neverending task or better said – business.

Transcription is also one of the favorite freelancing jobs for retirees

Amazing this is that this field is constantly growing – the freelancing market needs more and more professional transcriptions each and every day. Here’s an opportunity for all retirees that want to start their freelancing careers – if you’re a good typer, but also have knowledge related to punctuation, formatting, and time coding, this position is perfect. Freelance retirees claim to earn from $45,000 to $60,000 per year by doing this online job.

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Long holidays may create these problems for freelancers and online workers

Freelance Team — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 21:01:27 +0000

Remote workers and digital nomads are well aware of the fact that their off days and holidays are longer than ever. Yet, every freelance professional has also thought about how good that may be for their career, as well as for their personal life.

Don’t lose the compass while being on a freelance vacation

The biggest problem probably is the fact that we easily lose a compass when our vacation days last longer. Freelancers also know that if they don’t do something about their free time, no one will. It’s crucial that you spend your free time wisely.

Of course, you’ll take that well-deserved break, but it’s also great to think about spending that free time in a smart manner. For example, you can think about gaining new skills that will pay you off and improve your freelancing career. Many love to start learning a new foreign language when free as well.

Take some time to introspect your personal life and everyday organization as well. What can be done better? In which fields of life would you like to see some improvements? Focus on improving not only your freelance career, skills, and knowledge, but also your everyday functioning because there’s no doubt that it’s all connected.

Financial stability is usually one of the main worries for many freelancers

Okay, great, the holidays have become longer, and you have more free days. That’s great, but not if you’re still struggling with your financial stability. Newbie freelancers are especially vulnerable to this problem because they have still not figured out how to manage their own finances.

With time, you’ll learn how to manage your earnings, but also how to save for those free days. As a freelancer, you never know how much you’ll earn that month, and how much you’ll be free the next month, so savings are a must. Besides that, who loves to be on holiday with no money, right? Be sure that you set aside approximately 15 – 20% of your earnings each month so you don’t have to think about money when free days and holidays arrive. We all know that we not only earn less or nothing these days, but we also tend to spend more.

Read the entire article at nytimes.com.

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10 Top Gadgets For Freelancers

Freelance Team — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 18:32:08 +0000

The productivity of each freelancer mainly depends on knowledge and experience, but equipment can also help us achieve more. We present gadgets that can help you have a more pleasant and efficient working day. The selection of gadgets was taken from the first issue of Freelance Life Magazine.

HP Pavilion 17.3” FHD IPS Laptop 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7, 2.4 GHz base frequency, up to 4.2 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, Experience power and responsive performance.

Anker PowerCore III High-Speed Charging and a Huge Cell Capacity. Thanks to the 45W USB-C port, you can fully charge an iPhone 11, Galaxy S20, or iPad Pro 11” (2020) in less than 2 hours.

Cup Warmer for Coffee with Automatic Sensor Built-in gravity induction system will automatically heat up and shut off when the cup is in place or is removed.

ASUS WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX3000) Next-gen WiFi 6 technology, providing up to 2. 7x faster speed than the previous WiFi generation.

Yootech Wireless Charger Comes with two wireless charging pads in the package. You can use one to charge your AirPods and the other one to charge your phone, or use one at home and one at office.

WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive HDD, USB 3.0 WD Elements portable hard drives with USB 3.0 offer reliable, high-capacity storage to go, fast data transfer rates, universal connectivity and massive capacity.

OneOdio A70 Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones Professional headphones with a soft ear pads and comfortable headband.

NOBLEWELL Office Chair The ergonomic office chair back mimics the shape of the human spine, providing perfect support for your back and neck.

BenQ PD3205U 32 inch 4K UHD IPS Monitor The PD3205U Professional 31.5” 16:9 4K HDR IPS Monitor from BenQ features a 31.5” IPS panel with a native resolution of 3840 x 2160, DisplayPort 1.4, and HDMI 2.0 ports.

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Implement these tips to get new clients while networking

Freelance Team — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 16:40:50 +0000

Freelancers have realized that these tips work best for gaining more clients and projects while networking. It’s no secret that networking is one of the crucial ways to connect with other professionals in your field of freelancing, but it’s also an amazing way to get more work.

Abigale Lim in her article published in makeusof.com explains how to do it:

Career vision goal together with organizing your network brings outstanding results

If you don’t know what your freelance career goals really are, it’s a good idea to create a career vision goal board. After that, you’re ready to organize your network in a way that’ll help you to connect with clients that may need your services.

Think about what you want to achieve through freelancing, and then create a step-by-step how to do it. Connect with expert coaches and mentors, professional organizers, industry leaders, and past co-workers as well to grow your remote career in an easier manner.

International communication is crucial for freelancers

Don’t just focus on your local connections, but rather expand everything on the worldwide level. Remember that you don’t have any geographical boundaries. One of the best ways to connect with others is definitely through social media. Create your strong digital self that represents your skills and online services in the best possible manner.

Don’t forget about networking events and volunteering

There are always some interesting networking events that happen online, and most of them are completely free. If you’re working on some freelancing platform, you’ve probably realized that you usually get invited to such events. Don’t miss a chance to meet other professionals like yourself, as well as to connect with potential clients.

When you attend such events, others see you as a professional. Try volunteering as well. It is highly recommended for the fields you enjoy working in but provides you a chance to grow, gain new skills, and of course, meet potential new clients.

For the best results, you can also think about scheduling consistent networking activities. Don’t miss a chance to grow your freelance career in literally any place you can imagine.

The post Implement these tips to get new clients while networking appeared first on Freelancelifemagazine.