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Whether you’re looking to change your career, looking for a new job in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, or you just want a side hustle for extra income, you’re not alone if you’re considering freelancing.
In fact, it’s estimated there are over 1 billion freelancers across the globe, and it’s not difficult to see why.
Freelancing has a huge list of benefits. You get to be your own boss, the work is flexible, and you can enjoy a better work-life balance.
But, whether you’re considering freelancing for the money or the freedom, there are a few crucial things you should know before you get started. Let’s look at a few of those factors so you can decide if this is really the right career path for you.
1. Success Won’t Happen Over Night
One of the biggest mistakes freelancers make is thinking they’re going to “get rich” overnight. You likely won’t be able to make a living on your freelance work right away, unless you get an incredibly lucky break.
As a freelancer, you’ll have to learn to manage your finances very early on. You will build up a client base over time, but clients will come and go. Knowing how to budget, how to continue growing yourself as a business and a brand, and going and a slow and steady pace is your best option.
It’s a good idea to have plenty of money in savings or start freelancing on a part-time basis while working another job when you get started. If you need more help with your money management, you might want to consider talking to a consultant like Bob J Bukowski.
2. Working From Home Isn’t Always Easy
Working from home (or anywhere you want) sounds like a dream, right? While there are plenty of perks to it, it’s not always easy for everyone.
When you work from home, it’s tempting to fall into unproductive habits. Maybe you stay up late, roll out of bed whenever you want in the morning, and end up working from your couch.
Unfortunately, that leads to a lack of motivation and productivity and could affect the quality of your work. You might end up not getting everything done.
Working from home requires discipline. It’s a good idea to develop a routine for yourself. That includes everything from going to bed at the same time each night to setting designated “work hours” for yourself during the day. You should also have a specific office space within your home that is strictly used for your job.
3. It Can Be Stressful
Remember, as a freelancer you are your own boss. That means you are in charge. While that has many benefits, it also can come with a lot of stress.
You’ll be working directly with clients, and some of them might be less than ideal. Some clients might not want to pay on time. Others will be difficult to handle. As a one-person show, you have to know how to work with everyone while “growing” your business.
You will also have to deal with everything from your own insurance to other typical “perks” you get from a full-time job.
Obviously, if over 1 billion people are freelancing, it’s a worthwhile career choice. But, make sure you know what you’re getting into from every angle before you get started. When you’re confident in your decision, you’ll feel better about moving forward.
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