This is a question you undoubtedly thought about when toiling away at the office or job site. That idea of being your own boss, setting your own hours, and getting paid based on your merit and expertise.
You may also have thought about whether freelancing is hard to get into. Well, the answer is a little more complex than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ There’s a degree of subjectivity to the answer. There’s also a lot of introspection and self-reflection, especially when evaluating how freelance work might balance with your current job. Some freelancers choose to supplement their current jobs with part-time freelancing, while others aim to transition into full-time freelance careers.
The following are things you'll want to consider when pursuing independent work.
Freelancing is a career path that allows individuals to work on a project-by-project basis, often remotely, and choose their own clients and projects. As a freelancer, you have the freedom to be your own boss, set your own schedule, and work on projects that align with your interests and skills. This flexibility is one of the most appealing aspects of a freelancing career, offering a work-life balance that is hard to achieve in a traditional full-time job.
Freelancing offers numerous benefits, including the potential for higher earnings compared to a salaried position. With the rise of the gig economy, freelancing has become a popular career choice for many professionals, including freelance writers, graphic designers, developers, and consultants. The ability to work with a variety of clients and projects helps you build a diverse portfolio and expand your professional network.
Moreover, freelancing allows you to work from anywhere, at any time, as long as you have a stable internet connection. This especially benefits those who value work-life balance or have caregiving responsibilities. However, freelancing also comes with challenges, such as finding consistent work, managing finances, and dealing with isolation. To succeed as a freelancer, you have to have a strong support system, a solid business plan, and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt.
There isn’t a lot preventing you from becoming a freelance worker or starting a freelance business. However, that’s not to say there aren’t any barriers somewhere along the way. Your ability to adapt and overcome barriers will often be the factor in your success as a freelancer. New freelancers often face common hurdles, such as acquiring clients and building an online presence to establish credibility when starting their freelance careers.
The common internal barriers you'll run into are as follows:
There are quite a few mental blocks (or "mind prisons") that make becoming a freelancer difficult, such as:
Perhaps the biggest mental prison is one you put yourself in when it comes to skills. More specifically, a sense and feeling of being inadequate. That feeling as if you don't have enough experience and know-how. You don't pursue freelance goals because you're never good enough in your own mind.
Here's the thing: Everyone starts somewhere.
Landing your first client is a significant milestone in your freelancing career. It boosts your confidence and helps build your portfolio and credibility through referrals from satisfied clients.
The beauty of learning is that it happens all the time. Freelance skills develop as we take on more projects and challenges. We get to work with clients of all types who are flexible to our abilities (and are willing to give us a shot). As for competition, there are a lot of skilled people out there. However, work is so in demand that you need not worry if there are small gaps (you can fill those later).
Here's the other thing: Don't marry an idea.
Freelance work adapts and will change with every client, and so will your business goals. It's important to stay flexible so you're always learning new things, developing skills, and connecting with people. Set basic concepts and come up with a vision that guides you versus being "married" to something that limits opportunities and growth.
Our brain does this funny thing where it rewards itself when we make plans, to-dos, and daydream. It's the instant gratification we get because we took the first step in doing something. Unfortunately, our brain then doesn't want to follow through because it has already received a reward. This happens a lot with entrepreneurial prospects when getting into freelancing.
It's what many like to call the "shiny object" syndrome.
We bounce from idea to idea because it's fun to imagine if it panned out to something. We make early attempts at it but soon run into barriers when a real challenge happens. We then jump to the next idea or "shiny object" because there isn't resistance.
Have you ever abandoned a project because something else looked more fun? That's the shiny object syndrome.
Your ability to commit to an idea is a huge part of overcoming the hardships of contract work and freelancing. It's also a huge part of avoiding scope creep when you're finally working on freelance projects. If you can push past the learning curve and early difficulties, then you're more likely to stay committed.
Defining your service and offering is a crucial step in building a successful freelance career. It involves identifying your strengths, skills, and areas of expertise and determining how you can use them to provide value to potential clients. Start by asking yourself:
Once you have a clear understanding of your service, you can begin to develop a marketing strategy and create a portfolio that showcases your work. This will help you attract potential clients and establish yourself as a credible and reliable freelancer. Remember, the key to standing out in a crowded market is highlighting what makes you unique and how you can solve your client’s problems better than other freelancers.
Determining your area of expertise and target audience is essential for building a successful freelance career. It involves identifying the specific industries, sectors, or niches that you want to specialize in, and understanding the needs and pain points of your target audience.
To determine your area of expertise, consider the following:
To determine your target audience, consider the following:
By understanding your area of expertise and target audience, you can tailor your marketing strategy and service offerings to meet their specific needs. This will help you establish yourself as a trusted and reliable expert in your field, making it easier to attract and retain clients.
Setting realistic and measurable goals for your freelance business is essential for achieving success. It involves identifying what you want to achieve and creating a plan to get there. To set realistic and measurable goals, consider the following:
By setting realistic and measurable goals, you can create a roadmap for your freelance business and track your progress over time. This will help you stay focused, motivated, and on track to achieving your goals.
Some examples of realistic and measurable goals for a freelance business might include:
By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, you can create a clear plan for your freelance business and achieve success in your chosen field.
The journey to freelancing comes with its fair share of challenges, both internal and external, but the truth is, these hurdles are not as daunting as they might seem at first glance. Yes, you'll encounter moments of doubt, the temptation of "shiny objects," and maybe a few finance or management snags along the way. But with a clear vision, confidence in your abilities, and a willingness to adapt, these obstacles become stepping stones.
Remember, freelancing is a journey of self-discovery as much as it is about professional independence. So, if you're ready to embrace the freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment that freelancing can offer, we’re here to help you tackle every milestone. Ready to make freelancing work for you? Let’s get started on this exciting path to building the freelance life you’ve dreamed of!
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