Do You Have What It Takes to be a Freelancer?

A freelancer is a person who is self-employed, not bound to any company or organization, and has no constraint over where, when, and how they work. They don’t have any fixed salary, no special benefits provided by an organization, and are in charge of finding their own projects.

People choose to work as freelancers for various reasons. But one of the most common reasons is the flexibility it offers. They can meet clients with whom they wish to work with and choose their projects.

And did you know that freelancing is on the rise right now? According to The Hindu Business Line, India witnessed a whopping 46% rise in freelance workers from Q1 to Q2 in 2020.

Is Freelancing Your Cup of Tea?

Setting up a freelancing career is not for everyone. They require a lot of boxes that need to be ticked in order to be successful in this field. Anyone can choose to freelance but it takes one of a kind to thrive and become successful.

There are a few basic things required which will help anyone kick-start their career as a freelancer.

Have an entrepreneurial mindset

People working as freelancers must never forget this golden rule, think like an entrepreneur. This is because they are in charge of finding new projects, making sure that the finances are in order, taxes are paid without fail, and spending more time thinking about how to take their freelancing business to the next level.

On-point time management

This is vital for people in the freelancing business. Nothing satisfies a client more than a project submitted before the deadline. This will in turn earn the trust of the said client and is more likely to attract more referrals in the future.

Familiar with various networks

Most freelancers often opt to work remotely. This is where network skills come into play. These freelancers will be asked to get in touch with the clients through various channels such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Having a good network of knowledge will also help spread their name and attract more clients.

The Dos of Freelancing

Diligent of one’s duty

To earn a reputation as a freelance one must be unwavering in one’s commitment to do the best and finish the project before the deadline. Keeping a good track record by being hardworking and going the extra mile for clients will take you places in the freelancing world.

Asking for fair pay

This is one of the basic things that most freelancers go wrong. They must assess how much their work is worth and charge accordingly. The payment requested should not be over the top and also must not be too low, learn to strike a balance. Assertiveness for freelancers is a must to be able to demand the payment that you deserve. But you don’t want to be perceived as someone who thinks too highly of yourself. Still, you shouldn’t accept anything that’s below the standard rates.

Get a contract

Putting the heart and soul into one project and completing it before the deadline only not to get paid by the client is a slap right in the face. This can be avoided by agreeing to a contract which implies if work is done flawlessly the payment should be made.

The Don'ts of Freelancing

Work for free

If a client fails to understand the value of time and talent of a person working as a freelancer, then simply say “No”. There is a lot of fish in the sea, tons of opportunities to be explored, and endless waves of projects waiting. So simply walk away from clients who are reluctant to pay.

Forget about your life

When a freelancer is submerged in the ocean of projects, they must learn to have fun and allocate some time to be spent with family and friends. This reduces the chances of burnout and increases productivity.

Be overwhelmed by your clients

The main virtue a freelancer must possess is how to be more assertive in nature. Just remember, freelance workers are the boss, and the offer from the client should align with their ideals and principles. Freelancers can be flexible but there is a limit. They must not allow the clients to push them around.

The Pitfalls of Freelancing

But being a freelancer is not all bells and whistles. They boast a lot of advantages when you think about it. But it is not always sunshine and sandy beaches in the land of freelancers. They have their fair share of cons.

Lack of cash inflow

If a person decides to work as a freelancer, they are generally fighting their battles on their own. On the bright side, freelancers can set their own terms and conditions when it comes to fees but the onus is on them to find opportunities. So one other scary thing about being a freelancer is maintaining a steady cash flow. Other freelancers got it the worst. Even though they ticked all the boxes set forth by their clients within the due day, their clients refused to pay. This is a waste of time, energy, and resources.

Taxes

This is one of the main things a freelancer must bear in mind before setting terms with a potential client, taxes. Most people who are associated with a company are exempted from selected taxes but freelancers are not one of them and are forced to do a lot more taxes than others.

Solitude

For some, this is a dream come true, working in isolation away from people. But more often than not it is bound to hit hard on people more than they think. Working on a hectic schedule with no one nearby to grab a coffee with can make them feel down and affect their ability to stay productive which is vital for a freelancer.

The Highlights of Freelancing

Being the king of our own country is the dream, and freelancing falls pretty close to that. The freedom to work from anywhere, anytime, anything, and given the freedom to set your terms, own clients, the list goes on. There are many reasons why freelancing is highly sought after.

Being your own boss

Freelance workers get the comfort of sitting on their front lawn while they work their office hours, they don’t have to worry about meetings, getting yelled at by their manager, being late for work. They can choose which time they want to work and which project they feel comfortable with.

Workload control

Freelance workers if they feel like they are spent and need some break they can always turn down a client which is highly unlikely if they are working for a company. They can choose just the projects they feel like they can put their heart into and deliver it to the clients and satisfying them in the process.

Staying in the know

When working as a freelancer the person is in touch with many companies. This opens up avenues for exploring various new things which is not a possibility when working with a company. This makes life less dull and more interesting as new things are uncovered every day.

Winding-up

To reiterate, freelancing is not for everyone. People who embrace this should learn how to be assertive without coming off as aggressive. It may seem attractive because of the flexibility and freedom but bear in mind that it comes with a lot of baggage.

Possibilities are endless, opportunities are limitless, and willpower should be boundless to make it to the top. A person thinking about entering into the world of freelancing should be prepared to act like a shark, strike fast, strike with determination when opportunities head their way.