What is Freelancing? (Alyan)
Definition of Freelancer:
Let’s take a look at the definition of a freelancer.
A self-employed person who offers services to multiple clients while operating as his own boss. A freelancer sets his own service menu, prices, and targets the client’s market. It’s just a myth that a freelancer refers to people who work for free. In many cases, freelancers earn more than their office counterparts.
When it comes to flexibility, freelancers are free to set their own hours. They can choose on working full-time or part-time on the projects of their choice. Freelancers work similarly to independent contractors.
For freelancers, the continuity of work might be different. Some freelancers might work with the same clients over a number of years and some may higher freelancers just for one project. In the world of freelancing, it is easy to build a community that is far more than a professional network. It is where the freelancers can share their knowledge, resources, and encouragement with other freelancers.
No doubt freelancing is a profession that is on the rise, but like everything, it has some advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Freelancing:
Let’s quickly skim through the advantages of freelancing.
It is fast to get started with. If you are aware of your skill to offer, getting hands on the first client is actually the beginning of your career.
Freelancing can be started at any time as it’s very easy to start. You can use your network to find a client for work.
There is a huge demand for freelancers in the market. In the competitive market, the demand for reliable and quality freelancers is growing for online freelance jobs. Also, many businesses prefer to have freelancers as their workforce instead of hiring typical employees.
Freelancing offers flexibility in choosing one’s own working hours and place of work.
In the beginning, you may have to work for any client who chooses you. But as you grow, it’s your own choice to pick the clients you want to work for.
While you are required to deliver the work in the way the client asks, but as a freelancer, it’s your choice how you complete the project.
Disadvantages of Freelancing:
Freelancing has its disadvantages as well. Let’s take a look at some of the main downsides of being an independent contractor.
Setting a freelancing business takes time. Getting enough clients that can make it a business to support you and your family is not just a matter of few days.
Freelancing is not like traditional office jobs. There can be an irregularity in the workflow of freelancers. Sometimes there will be plenty of projects to work on whereas some days will pass without even a single project.
It can be pretty challenging for freelancers to manage multiple clients and projects. It is not easy for many people to keep track of deadlines and deliver good quality work on time.
You may be paid low when starting freelancing. Beginning with lower rewards may be needed by freelancers but it’s essential to charge your worth as early as possible.
How to start a Freelance Business?
Are you thinking about starting a freelance business? More and more people are switching the 9-5 to start their own freelance hustles, and doing so can bring many benefits. Plus technology has made it easier than ever for people with a range of skills to become self-employed. There are several reasons to start a freelance business, including being in control of your own profession, greater work-life balance, and unlimited earning potential, but this is also a challenging way of working and one which many people struggle with. Here are a few pieces of advice which should help you to enjoy the benefits of being a freelancer.
Be Strict With Yourself
If you are to succeed as a freelancer, then you need to be strict with yourself and have an excellent work ethic. Ultimately, you are your own boss, and you will not be earning when you are not working, which means that you need to be willing to put the work in each day. It is helpful to keep a routine so that you get used to working at the same time each day. By following a routine, it is also easy to stay in touch with clients.
Have An Efficient Accounting System In Place
One of the biggest challenges, when you become a freelance worker, is that you need to handle all aspects of the business, including accounting. You need to have an efficient system in place from the very start which would accept payments QuickBooks online so that you can keep your records current and accurate at all times. It will help with the daily running of the business while also ensuring that it is easier to file your tax return each year.
Network Constantly
In order to find success, you must develop an extensive network of professional contacts. This can be challenging, particularly at the start, but you can use the internet to connect with people from your industry and attend industry events to get your name out there. Additionally, you need to make sure that you have a professionally designed website that clearly outlines your background, skillset, and experience to promote your services.
Avoid Burnout
As previously mentioned, you need a strong work ethic because you are not earning when you are not working. At the same time, however, you must also make sure that you do not overdo it as this can lead to burnout. Make sure that you have time scheduled where you are not working throughout the week and take regular breaks to avoid burnout because this could ultimately cost you a lot more.
Separate Personal & Professional Life
One of the biggest challenges that freelancers have is separating their personal and professional life. In addition to creating separate bank accounts and forming an entity for your business, this also means not being distracted by your personal life when you are working and vice versa. You can create a clear separation with a strict routine where you start and finish at roughly the same time each day.
Starting a freelance business can be both exciting and daunting, but these tips should help you to find some success and enjoy the benefits that this way of working can bring.
