Freelance workers are not committed to any particular agency or company. They offer their products and services to companies for a payment that has been agreed before in a bid or contract. A study by Freelancers Union and Elance-oDesk reports that freelancers account for 34% of the U.S. workforce.
Freelance is real work and comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. You should carefully examine yourself to know if self-employment is the right job for you. Also, freelancers must know how to make it a business. For that, one has to think like an entrepreneur or a manager.
Here are a few freelancing tips that can ensure your success as a freelancer:
Work on your Portfolio
A freelancer has to prepare for the ups and downs of contract work and this is possible by buffering against the loss or the gigs that are not doing too well with multiple streams of income. In case one or more income stream ends, a portfolio of active work could offer a measure of stability.
A large number of freelancers are writers and if you are one too, see that you have a portfolio of the companies you work/write for rather than placing all of your legs in one basket (contract). You could diversify your portfolio across industries.
Build a Solid Support Team
When you work from home, it can become a bit lonely times. See that you have a support team and also make time for your friends. This helps you in preventing burnout. Also, they should be able to give you insights regarding your work and help you as well.
If you are not good at something or have limited knowledge about, don’t waste time. You can outsource the task. Make a list of people you can call for help regarding work. Since the freelance income has its own ebbs and flows, it can feel confusing as well as isolating. So, connect with other freelancers and join a support network. You could think of co-working. Rent an office space for a small fee so that you can interact with other freelancers, brainstorm and share ideas, and work together.
Create Boundaries
When you are a freelancer, you are your own boss. When your home is also your office, you may work all day long and take phone calls and answer emails all hours of the day and night. But your constant availability for clients could impact your family and friendships.
You have to set boundaries and strictly follow them. Set limits for others and yourself. Make rules about how to spend your time during the week as well as the night and weekend hours. The first thing to bear in mind, do not to work hours you are not paid for. Bill for everything. After you have set limits for yourself regarding when you work or don’t, do not answer your email or phone at all times. Enforce no-call times. Setting firm hours for play and work ensure that you have a work-life balance.
Treat Yourself with Benefits
Have a plan for yourself regarding benefits you would otherwise get with other jobs. As a freelancer, you are not going to have access to life, health, or disability insurance. To deal with the fluctuating nature of the work, have three to six months’ worth of savings in your bank account. This could come in handy when there is not much work. Also, think about insurance and seek out medical as well as short-term and long-term disability plans. Don’t forget to plan for your future. Seek help from a financial advisor to help you with these decisions.
Wrapping Up
There are numerous challenges and risks with freelance. So, you must be sure that you are prepared to take the leap and enter this field. Planning, creativity, and having an independent personality could go a long way in making your career. Want to learn more? You can enroll for a course at DanKash and learn all about freelancing for the experts. Following these tips could help you significantly in your freelance career and set you on a path that could turn out to be quite successful in the future.
