Nearly every person with a 9 to 5 job would have considered exploring the possibilities of going freelance. However, a lot of fear is associated with quitting a steady job and the perks that come with it. If you have considered diving into freelance, your decision should be carefully weighed. Double-check your priorities and take your time before making a decision.
Over the past decade, and especially following the COVID-19 global pandemic, freelance opportunities have seen a steady rise. Since freelance is becoming a highly sought-after idea in the world of employment, let’s dig deeper into what it is and if it’s a smart career move.
What Is Freelancing?
There are many definitions of freelancing, but in a nutshell, it’s about making an income without being tied to a single employer. It also means you don’t have to work for fixed 40-hour schedules a week because you don’t work exclusively for a company. As a result, you will have complete control over when you work and who you want to work for. Often, a freelancer works for multiple clients simultaneously and earns income on a project basis or by charging per hour.
One aspect that makes freelancing particularly appealing is its flexibility and the fact that there is a job for everyone looking to translate their skills and passion into earnings.
Pros of Freelancing
- You get to be your own boss and have complete control over your job. You have the freedom to choose the work you want to take on, the clients you want to work with, and the time you’re ready to invest in a project.
- The flexibility of being able to work anywhere, anytime, and for however long you want to. Moreover, you get to save money and time in traveling, which you would have to do otherwise.
- You can control your workload and limit or decline projects based on your availability and other commitments.
- You can access a wide selection of projects, contributing to a more satisfying work experience.
- Every penny you get from your work is yours to keep because you don’t have to share it with your boss or a corporation.
- You can increase your income by negotiating your charges based on your experience and expertise. You can also take on more projects to expand your portfolio and make more money.
- Since freelancing allows you to explore different industries and challenges when you work on various projects, it allows you to discover new skills within yourself, too.
Cons of Freelancing
- Being your own boss also brings about the challenge of planning your work, setting deadlines, and guaranteeing the quality of work.
- You get no paid leave, so if you have to take time off for personal commitments or unexpected emergencies, you’re not paid for those days you’re not working.
- Just as there are good days, there are bad days for freelancers. You might find yourself struggling to find new assignments; if so, you could be caught in a bit of a financial fix until another project comes along.
- It can be tiring to deal with aspects such as promoting yourself, networking, looking for new clients, etc., all by yourself. This can be very time-consuming, too.
- You must file your taxes and keep track of and disclose your earnings as a freelancer to the government.
- Freelancing can get lonely due to a lack of social interaction. This can sometimes even lead to reduced productivity and demotivation.
- As a freelancer, you wouldn’t get employee benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, etc.
How To Get A Freelance Job?
You can land a suitable freelance job if you have a stable internet connection, a computer, and the passion to work independently! There are three ways you can find them:
Freelance Job Boards
These are online platforms that connect freelancers with clients who require their services. As a freelancer, you must create your profile and bid for jobs as they appear. It’s a great way to kickstart your earnings and build valuable experience along the way. Some of the most popular job boards are Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal, and Malt, to name a few.
Networking
One of the best job-hunting tools out there is networking. You’re getting your name out there when you make as many connections as possible – whether by joining freelance groups, attending meetups and events, or making connections on LinkedIn. People will want to work with you when you introduce yourself well with your experience, expertise, and what you can bring to the table.
Direct Pitching
Instead of waiting for a job to come to you, you start reaching out to companies by offering your services. It takes a lot of guts to do this, but when you personalize your pitch, research the company you want to approach and show them how you can add value, it immediately increases your chances of being hired by them if they require a freelancer.
The Most Lucrative Freelancing Gigs
Here are some of the most in-demand freelance jobs that are available:
Copywriter
Anyone who has a way with words to create unique and compelling content can work as a copywriter. There is a high demand for copywriters who can convert leads into sales with their fantastic storytelling talents.
UX Designer
UX designers can help to create simple and intuitive user experiences on apps and websites.
Web developer
Building and designing components for website interfaces are now more critical than ever before, making web developers much sought after by companies.
Social Media Marketer
This job involves creating engaging and on-trend campaigns and content for social media platforms.
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers use their eye for art and detail to create stunning ads, logos, website layouts, and so on that help amplify a brand’s message.
Bottom Line
There is no doubt that freelancing is a very attractive prospect. But that doesn’t change the fact that quitting your steady job to go freelance can be daunting. Thankfully, you don’t need much experience to kickstart your freelancing career, but you will have to invest time in building an excellent portfolio to start earning more money. It takes patience and time, but in the long run, it’s worth it.
If you’re someone who appreciates freedom and flexibility, then freelancing is undoubtedly an intelligent choice to make. We hope this article can help you in making the right decision!
