How To Start Freelancing Without Leaving Day Job

Freelancing seems fascinating, but it's not. Students or non-workers often think for extra income so that they can meet regular expenses quickly. There are many ways to earn online, but Freelance is something that you can start with zero investment at home. A freelance is a perfect place for content writers, Graphic designers, and programmers that allows flexibility, creativity, and fair return.

Earlier it was tough to find work and job, but with the expansion of digitalization, it's easy to find work. There are plenty of Freelancing platforms that offer various tasks and make it easier for a fresher to see what they are searching for. Those platforms are:

• Upwork
• Fiverr
• Freelancer
• People per hour

The above platforms offer various projects and act as a medium between freelancers and clients. Now coming to the main point of how to start freelancing without leaving your permanent job, so let's dive in.

1)Build Your Portfolio

If I am looking to hire an expert graphic designer, I will go through the profile only. Make your portfolio to showcase the client about your ability, in which software you are expert, deadlines, and many more things. The better is the profile, and the more likely one may get better clients. The abilities you possess as a freelancer should all reflect in the pattern, and the achievements so far should also appear in there.

For Example, I want an iOS application for my startup, and I will search for the iphone app development company that can fulfill clients' expectations and have a strong knowledge of different programming languages.

Another important fact about the profile is that the ratings and reviews are also a part of it, primarily when operating through one of the Freelancing mentioned above platforms. If your profile had positive reviews, chances would be high to hire you.

2) List Down Your Skills

I am not saying you should be an expert, but having a decent knowledge of your skill helps you to find better work. For instance, you are a programmer then try to make a list of languages you know and which are in demand in the market (for example these days CSS/HTML/Swift/jQuery/JavaScript/Node.JS/Python is a contemporary and in-demand skill set, etc..)

Also, don't forget to create an online profile on various platforms so that people can learn more about you and are confident giving you jobs. Create an excellent professional profile on LinkedIn.

Create a good website for yourself and showcase your previous and ongoing projects and expertise and keep them updated as you gain more experience.

Make an online presence. Have your webspace, where you list your projects, experiences, and interests. You can also mention what kind of work you have done and also specify what kind of work you are interested in etc. You can also upload your work summary document(Resume) over there, potential clients will surely consider it.

3)Work Hard For The First Client

You have to put some effort into all your clients but work hard for the first client, offer the best service, and ask him to give a review. This will boost your profile. Ask at less price and provide whatever they want. But explain to them that your skills are getting undervalued. You are settling at fewer prices just to get started.

4)Time Management

It's tough to juggle between two jobs, so time management is necessary. Being a Part-time Freelancer, it is always hectic to get free time to manage between day job and freelancing work. We can not leave day job but have to be punctual and serious to start freelance work and manage it properly. Receiving work and letting go is part of work, but after following a tight schedule, you will enjoy it.

You need to define the standard timings and sometimes change schedule acc to workload. After that, you can be your boss and can start a full-time freelancing service. You can work, connect and join with maximum people, stay in touch, and build a good relationship under the same umbrella.

5) Reasonable Charge

It is important. If you want the client only sticks to you for any of their upcoming projects. Then charges fairly. That does not mean you undervalue your skills. You can set your charges Hourly or Project wise. It is advisable to charge Project Wise. Generally, clients bargain too much and willing to charge on an hour base but it would be fair enough to charge project-wise as you never know the hours and stipulated timing to accomplish the project. Some types of work need extra skills and research work before starting the actual work.

If you are a beginner or have zero experience, then you should not charge a high rate. You have to keep your demand at a common level. Firstly your primary focus should be built up a strong client base and maximum positive reviews. Make a cordial relationship with your client. You must follow a budget because, as a freelancer, your income would not be fixed.. You should maintain a record of work, income, and future revenue.

Summery

Maybe you are good at everything, but to work full-time, it needs passion and the same amount of effort. Not only programing but freelance platforms offer diffrent types of work like web designing, content writing, graphic design, video editing, software testing, and many more. You can choose anything which is suitable to your skillset, and you should be specific about it. As said earlier, a freelancing career is challenging and quite competitive; you should have strong knowledge and strong communication skill to complete the given tasks.

Online freelancing sites are a preferable option but they are very challenging and sometimes discouraging for new people trying to find work. So try and find out offline within your contacts like relatives or colleagues for work.

Even if you are getting a small task that's better than the promise of good work on those sites. Before Digitalisation, when freelancing was not acceptable and not preferred in India, but thanks to technology and digital advancement, freelancing is a booming market and only a place to earn where you can start earning without investment.