1. Work where you want, when you want
A freelance career sounds tempting, but are you wondering if it’s the right decision for you? Many articles have been written on this topic, some offering good advice, others not so useful recommendations. One such article that you should definitely read is a post written by Tom May for creativeboom.com.
Tom has been a freelance writer and editor since 2016, living and remote-working in various countries, including Spain, The Netherlands, Australia, Israel and Guatemala. Picture this: working from a pristine beach, high up in the mountains, or even while sailing on the open sea.
Now, this freelancing lifestyle isn’t for everyone. Some people need routine, 9-5 office job, someone to motivate them or they just don’t have enough self-discipline.
So, to work as a freelancer you have to be self-disciplined, highly motivated and professional, you have to be good at time management and job management, sometimes you have to be flexible and know how to manage your finances. You can travel like Tom but working on the beach probably won’t be a regular option.
2. Choose the kind of projects you love
The beauty of freelancing doesn’t end there. You also have the power to pick the projects that genuinely excite you. No more answering to a demanding boss; you choose the work that aligns with your passions and skills. But, when you first start freelancing, you might be so eager for work that you accept anything that comes your way. But with time, as you build your reputation, clients will flock to you, and you can be more selective.
Try to really do what you love, not just what brings in the most money or the job that is currently in demand. Yes, money is important, but doing something you don’t like is not a long-term sustainable decision.
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3. Diverse opportunities
Diversity is another perk of the freelancing world. After years of working at the same job, some freelancers get a little fed up and want a change. The freelance lifestyle will give you the opportunity to work on various projects across different industries. Of course, if you specialize in an area that completely fulfills you, you don’t need to change the field of work. But it’s important to have options.
The underbelly: What you should be prepared for
Now, let’s talk about the underbelly of freelancing – the challenges you need to be prepared for.
1. You’ll never have a regular income again
First off, say goodbye to the regular monthly paycheck. In a traditional job, you can count on a steady income, regardless of your performance. But freelancers, well, our earnings tend to resemble a rollercoaster. Some months, you’re flush with cash; others, you’re tightening your belt just to make ends meet. To navigate this, you’ll need some savings in the bank and a diverse client base.
But if you know how to manage money, it won’t be a problem. When you earn more than you need, put the extra money in the bank and use it in those months when you have less work. What is important is that your annual income is such that it covers all your needs.
2. You may struggle with self-discipline
Another challenge is self-discipline. Without fixed hours, it’s easy to lose yourself in procrastination. But on the flip side, overworking is a real danger. Burnout is a genuine risk when you’re the boss and employee rolled into one. To avoid these pitfalls, establish a routine, set clear goals, and find your sweet spot for productivity. And don’t be afraid to embrace the flexibility of freelancing once you’re in the groove.
To prevent this, you need to recognize the signs of burnout, and how to stay motivated.
3. It can be incredibly isolating
Isolation can be a tough nut to crack too. Working from home has its perks, but it can be incredibly lonely, especially if you live alone. You might find yourself starved for meaningful human interaction. The solution? Make an effort to connect with others. Visit friends and family more often, join co-working spaces, or engage in online freelancer communities. Loneliness doesn’t have to be the price you pay for freedom.
Madhuleena Roy Chowdhury, certified psychiatric counselor and a freelancer in psychology and mental health, in her article “Overcoming loneliness as a freelancer who works from home” offered useful advice on this topic.
4. You have to handle all the admin yourself
And let’s not forget about admin duties. As a freelancer, you wear many hats – worker, marketer, accountant, project manager, and more. It can be exhilarating or overwhelming, depending on your personality. Invest in tools and resources to streamline these responsibilities, and consider outsourcing tasks when possible. Your time is precious; use it wisely.
What can make these obligations easier is the choice of adequate tools. Choose the software and app that will do part of the work for you.
5. You’ll have to handle a lot of rejections
Lastly, get ready for rejection – lots of it. Freelancing can boost your self-worth when you see your earnings grow. But it can also bruise your ego when clients turn you down, often with less tact than you’d encounter in a traditional workplace. Rejections are par for the course in freelancing. The key is to develop resilience and view each rejection as a stepping stone toward your next success.
Make peace with the fact that you will be the best choice for some clients and the last option for some. And if you know how, you can turn rejection into motivation.
In a nutshell, freelancing offers freedom, variety, and the chance to do what you love – but it comes with its fair share of challenges. So, if you’re considering taking the leap into the world of freelancing, be prepared for the ride of your life. It won’t always be easy, but the rewards can be truly extraordinary.
