Freelance is flourishing now. Among freelancers, there are many representatives of the creative professions, IT sphere, advertising, writers, or as they are called otherwise by writers. Recently, engineers, teachers, managers, consultants have become freelancers. Moreover, many are engaged in things that are completely unusual for themselves, for example, write reviews or articles about slots Nigeria offers.
Let’s dive into this interesting opportunity to make money at home together.
Pros and Cons of Working as a Freelancer
Pros of working as a freelancer:
- Free schedule. This is important if you have babies to look after or if you find it difficult to get up for work at 6 in the morning. There are freelancers who get up “for work” at 12-13 pm and work until late at night.
- Saves time and money. No need to spend a couple of hours commuting to and from work. No need to spend money on travel or a car, office clothes, etc.
- Potentially high earnings. Freelance work brings on average 1.5 times more than an official salary. There are cities where there is simply no work in the specialty or it is very difficult to find a job – the Internet comes to the rescue.
- Great stability with a large number of regular customers. When you work in an office, you have only one “client” – an employer. If something happens to the company, you will lose the only source of income. You can have dozens of clients on freelancing, and the loss of one is not critical.
Cons of freelancing:
- Everything is at your expense! Buying a new computer, software, organizing a workplace, improving qualifications – you will have to pay for everything out of pocket.
- The need to sell your services. Not everyone loves sales, but freelancing will have to participate in tenders for orders, fight competitors, communicate with customers … If you don’t like sales at all, try to find a manager who will supply you with projects.
- Lack of social support. Sick – no one will pay the sick leave. Nobody will pay for the vacation. These office delights will be a thing of the past.
If you have been thinking about becoming a freelancer for a long time, you might want to know a little more about what awaits you.
1. Plan on about three months’ salary before you start
We recommend that you save enough money to survive for three months before you start freelancing full time. Even if you already have a few clients, you will find that freelance work has its costs (marketing, business meals, work space, etc.).
2. Sign a few one-time clients
Get a few secure freelance contracts before you leave your full-time job.
3. Define your personal brand
Personal marketing is based on the same sales principles and aims to convey a targeted, original and consistent image. See our article How to define your personal brand in 9 steps.
4. Choose your company legal form
You have two choices: sole proprietorship or corporation (company). The first is less expensive and simpler, but still has drawbacks. To work on a freelance basis, you must be well informed, legally speaking. Find out more!
5. Prepare marketing tools
This step is essential. You must create your website, prepare business cards, create your professional accounts on social networks… You must position yourself as an expert in the field. Freelance work requires that you make yourself known… it’s the only way to get contracts!
6. Surround yourself with mentors
Never hesitate to ask for advice from experienced people around you. You will benefit from working with these people who will know how to guide you and from whom you can learn.
7. Set up your transaction procedures
Set your prices. Will you charge by the hour, by the project, by the page? Create your invoice templates and determine your billing method. Remember to set aside enough money to pay your taxes the following year.
8. Consult freelance job ads on Espresso-Jobs
Many employers advertise temporary positions or freelance contracts. Check the site regularly to see what’s new or subscribe to personalized job alerts.
9. Set up a workspace
If you don’t want to cause yourself back problems in the short term, create a comfortable workspace. You can turn a room in your home into an office or rent a workspace.
10. Attend networking events
Expand your network to win new contracts. Word-of-mouth is often the best way to breakthrough.
Are you a freelancer or do you dream of becoming one? Share your tips for a successful transition to self-employment.