When you first start out working as a freelancer, there is a few things that may scare you being in a new space. While, on one hand, there is a limitless path stretching out in front of you, there is also a lot of questions to be answered: How does billing work? What makes a good contract? What about saving and retirement? Where do I get the jobs?
For some, many of the answers to these questions are learned the hard way. That’s why there are many logistical things you should know before you start working as a freelancer both numerable and innumerable.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all secret to being a good freelancer; it depends heavily on your industry, level of experience, and countless other personal traits. But, one thing is for certain: You'll be in a much better position if you take the time to hear from those who've been at it for a while.
It Takes Time;
Don’t expect money to show up as soon as you jump into freelancing. Even those who are pretty good in their creative field will have to acquire additional skills to become successful. Learning how to balance your new roles will take time so keep your goals realistic and plan ahead based on the notion that being a great freelancer takes time.
How Do You Charge?
Are you aiming towards doing loads of projects to build up your portfolio or are you trying to establish a more exclusive personal brand which only takes on 1 – 2 projects every few months or so? Answering this question will help you determine what your quote should look like.
Look Around You and Imitate
There are many freelancers that have walked in your shoes and paved a way. Take a look at the best in your field and learn as much as you can. Success leaves clues. Look for them and integrate the findings into your own workflow.
Don’t Quit Your Job That Fast
If you can, try to juggle between your regular job and freelancing. As you do this, figure out if you can make it fulltime and handle the demands of self-employment. Once you get a better sense of what freelancing is all about and you feel you’re more than up to it, then go ahead and make the deciding step.
Money Management
Find out how much money you need to spend every month, then figure out how many projects you need to complete in order to make that happen. In the process, factor in things like: unpaid or delayed invoices, lack of clients, hardware malfunctions, family emergencies etc.
If the flexible, self-paced, and boss-free life that a freelance career path offers sounds appealing to you, take it one step at a time and you’ll be able to reach clients, develop a schedule , establishing systems, growing your services, personal skills, and profit!