Are you ready to start a full time freelance career? Freelancing can be scary, especially if you’re used to a regular income and schedule. But freelancing is also one of the most fulfilling and lucrative jobs today. Consider these factors if you’re still thinking about starting a freelance career.
1. You know the role you want to pursue
Freelancing is a broad field. For example, you may want to become a writer. But will you focus on SEO content, copywriting, eBooks, emails, white papers, grant writing or blogs? Let’s say you decide to become a blogger. You still need to consider the best blogging niches for beginners.
Knowing the role you want will help ensure a steady flow of income as a freelancer. You can better market yourself and dedicate your time to professional development in a specific industry. It will also be easier for customers to find you, as people typically search for specific services online.
Don’t worry, because your chosen role is not set in stone. As you gain experience, it is natural to go through career changes. A news release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that changing careers is common, with individuals between the ages of 18 and 54 holding an average of 12.4 jobs.
Next steps:
If you are unsure of the niche or role to focus on, you need not look far. What is your job experience? Which work do you like the most? Focus on the things that you can be good at and that you are interested in doing.
If you want to explore other roles, dip your toes into the roles that you find most interesting. Browse the best places to find freelance work like Upwork and Fiverr; Join freelance groups on Facebook; And go through a free online course.
2. You have both hard skills and soft skills
Freelancing is very similar to running a business. You have to do the heavy lifting yourself. Who will answer client inquiries, do bookkeeping, market on social media, and seek leads? You can outsource some of this. But if you’re starting out, the most obvious answer is you.
That said, you need to equip yourself with hard and soft skills. Excellent oral and written communication, time management, customer service, creative thinking, project management and digital marketing skills are essential if you want to be successful as a freelancer.
Next steps:
Focus on underrated soft skills you can practice online. Soft skills like active listening and presentation are not given much attention as most of the focus is on acquiring hard skills. However, you’ll need both if you want to keep and retain customers.
3. You have a dedicated workspace and equipment
The best advantage of being a freelancer is working from anywhere. However, make sure that your workplace helps you get your work done. An article by Forbes suggests that office space significantly affects the well-being of employees. A well-lit, well-ventilated and comfortable workspace does wonders for productivity.
Being a freelancer means you have to invest in equipment. Ergonomic equipment, while more expensive, is also a healthier option. If you plan to work outside your home, consider these factors when choosing a coworking space.
Next steps:
You don’t have to buy all the best equipment at once. Instead, invest in the most important and non-negotiable first. Usually freelancers only need a laptop, chair and table. Depending on the role, you might also want to prioritize buying a good set of software and headphones.
4. Your Freelance Gigs Are Financially Viable
Can freelancing pay your bills, fund your emergency fund, and equal or exceed the benefits you get from your corporate job? Or maybe you have saved enough to last six months or more?
A good gauge that you’re ready to go freelance is that people recognize your skills and are willing to pay for it. Start getting testimonials from your customers. If they are happy with your work, they can be a source of future referrals.
Freelancing can be a side gig, a way to earn extra money on top of your corporate salary. However, if opportunities are presenting themselves, and you’re earning more from your freelance side hustle, then maybe it’s time to consider going full-time.
Tracking your finances helps you understand whether freelancing is a sustainable option. Use an expense and invoicing app like Bookipi to better manage your finances. Online tools allow you to easily track your earnings, request payments, and organize your financial documents.
If you cannot sustain yourself independently, hold off on resigning from your corporate job.