Freelancing As a Career Option?
Freelancing has certainly become a word that we hear more and more in modern society. More and more people are choosing to freelance to earn some extra cash, and some people are thinking about taking it to the next step. They want to become full-time freelancers. But is freelancing really a smart option on which you should base your career?
More importantly, was it a good idea for me, the one who is writing this article. Is freelancing a smart choice on which I should base my future professional career? What I’ve learned by now from working over two years as a freelancer is that it can be a serious career option. Especially if you are a passionate, hardworking, honest, and moral person. With those qualities, you can really go far, further than you could ever imagine. I have written hundreds and hundreds of articles through those two years. The number is now probably closer to a thousand.
Well, how does it feel to work from home, to be independent, to be a freelancer? It is exciting, full of opportunities, joy and sometimes a little bit of fear. So, should you give it a try? I will tell you from the first hand in this article. So let us begin.
How can I start to work as a freelancer?
This is the first step, and probably the hardest one. The first, and most important thing is that you have a skill that you can monetize, and you should be pretty good at it. There are hundreds and hundreds of professions from which you can choose from. You will probably find one in which you are already good at.
Next thing that you need to know is how to advertise your skills to a potential employer. Nobody will employ you by just seeing your name and what kind of service you are offering. You need to write a well thought out introduction, what you do exactly and how good are you at that skillset.
Where should I look for freelance jobs?
This is probably the easiest part when you are starting your freelancing career. Finding the platform on which you can offer your services and get in contact with potential employers. You should write “Freelancing site” or something similar in Google search engine and viola, you will find numerous freelancing websites. The one that I gladly recommend is Upwork, they are offering the best and fairest service.
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Accept every job and be ready to do a sample project
When you are just starting as a freelancer you should accept every single job. I know that with first jobs you will only earn enough money to buy yourself a cup of coffee in the bar. But with those first jobs, you are building your portfolio, showing your skill to the employers, and building some future business relationships. Also, many employers will ask you to provide them with a sample of your work or to write the sample so they can see what kind of skill you have. As a new freelancer you probably don’t have examples of your previous work, so you should accept the sample projects for the first few freelancing gigs.
Accept jobs only from confirmed employers on the site
I got scammed more than once, probably at least 10 times at the start of mine freelancing career. Be wary of people who are offering jobs that sound too good to be true. Sure, they might be legit, but if the employer is not confirmed as a reputable employer and they don’t have any reviews, then they are probably just a scammer. They will only eat out your nerves and waste your time. Believe me, I’ve been there…
Don’t give up
At times it might seem that your freelancing career is going nowhere, but one smart thing I can say is don’t give up. With time it will become better, believe me. Maybe at first, you didn’t find a niche that is suited for you, then try another one. Maybe you are not making the amount of money that you thought you would. Look for offers that offer bigger payments, but you should be ready to work more or to provide content of exceptional quality for that amount of money. In freelancing business sphere quitting is not an option because if you establish yourself as a hard-working, reputable, and skillful freelancer your career can only improve. And then you will reach the place where you saw yourself all those years ago.
Is this what you expect what would be like to start a freelancing career? Do you maybe have more questions? If so, write them in the comment section below so we can continue this conversation. Until the next time.
