
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go from having a full-time job and steady income to creating your own hours and living the freelance lifestyle? The freedom that comes with freelancing is unparalleled: no longer do you have to answer to your boss or be at work between 9 and 5.
Freelancers get to choose how much money they want to make and can structure their own schedules however they please – all while traveling the world and getting in some quality “me time.”
Everyone has an idea of what being a freelancer means, but there are still many misconceptions surrounding this new professional culture. For example, while most people think that freelancing means never having to work another day in your life, there are still downsides to working for yourself.
Most people think that freelancers get to work on their own time, but you still have to manage your own schedule and make sure you stay productive.
One thing is certain: no two people are exactly alike, so there isn’t always one right answer for being successful in your career. However,
Here Are 4 Tips That Should Serve As Guidance When Determining Whether Or Not Freelance Life Is Right For You
1. Self-Motivation Is Everything
While this may seem like common sense, self-motivation is the most important trait for any professional to have. Being your own boss means being responsible for the work you create and the hours you put in each day to ensure success. While you do have more flexibility with freelancing, it’s still important to be self-disciplined. You can’t just decide that today is your day off.
2. You Need Patience (And A Lot Of It!)
Many people assume that they will be making money right away once they become full-time freelancers, but most successful professionals will tell you that this is rarely the case. Instead, every year people begin their freelance career thinking that they will be making money in no time but are then forced to scramble when the opposite turns out to be true.
Remember, with freelancing, your tech, for example, your PC is the most important machine in your life as it is the only way how you can actually earn an income. Therefore, should your system start acting up and you wonder why is system using so much disk on your Mac, it is imperative to have your machine looked at and fixed asap!
Freelancing takes a long time before it becomes successful. The people who are able to stick with it for the long run are typically the ones who succeed.
3. You Always Need To Be Marketing Yourself
When you work for yourself, you have zero team members looking after your marketing needs. The best way to ensure success is by always being proactive about your marketing efforts.
This means creating an online presence on all social media platforms and maintaining an active website to showcase previous clientele. Whenever possible, providing free services (i.e., writing articles for other blogs like this one) is also a great way to give back to the freelance community.
4. Be Prepared To Work With Anyone
Since you are now your own boss, it is important to handle any situation that may come your way. This means being prepared for high-maintenance clients, last-minute changes in deadlines or projects, and managing the pressure that regular workplace employees are shielded from daily.
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
LinkedIn
RSS