Top 5 Things to Know Before You Start Freelancing
According to the statistics revealed by Fiverr, freelancers contributed more than $135 billion to the United States economy between 2011 and 2016. This number is forecasted to increase, as the way work is done continues to become more digital. If you want to be among the millions who get freelance writing jobs online , you need to have a clear understanding of what to expect before you quit your job and start freelancing full time.
5 Things You Must Know Before You Start Freelancing
1. You’ll Enjoy Enough Flexibility
One of the critical benefits of freelancing is flexibility. Unlike your regular nine to five job, you will have the option of deciding – how many hours you want to work daily, where you want to work, and the tasks you wish to accept. You can take a vacation anytime you want, and you can decide to work while you're on vacation. With a regular full-time job, you have to follow the corporate schedule, work on assigned jobs, and attend to every client that comes your way.
2. There Is No Need To Get A Business Loan
One of the best parts of being a freelancer is that you don't need to take out a business loan. Unlike the situation when you want to start selling goods, there is no need for a loan to start selling your services. That is especially true when you want to become a freelance writer. As a writer, all you need is a good knowledge of the language you're offering your services in, writing skills, a computer, and internet access. You may need to build a website or run digital marketing campaigns, but these things cost money that you can afford without taking a loan.
3. There Is A High Chance Of Gaining Weight
Since you'll be working from home most times, the limited physical activity may give you a few extra inches around your waist. The good thing is that you will be able to add a workout routine to your schedule. Also, you'll have the time you need to cook healthy meals rather than processed junk food. If you can't work out regularly and eat healthily, the chances of adding weight will increase significantly.
4. You Will Make A Lot Of Money And Little Money
Freelancing is lucrative. When you're good at what you do, and you've built a reputation in your niche, you'll have a steady flow of clients who are willing to pay anything you ask. Depending on how much time you devote to working, you can make more money than you would have made with the regular nine to five job. It's going to take time and consistency, but you can live the life you've always dreamed of from what you earn freelancing. Also, there will be times when your earnings will reduce because you don't have many clients or your clients have not renewed their contracts.
5. You'll Meet A Lot Of Difficult Clients
Gig markets like Upwork and Fiverr don't just provide protection for clients; they also protect freelancers. That is because there are many difficult and fraudulent clients. So, don't be discouraged when you meet a client that is difficult to satisfy or a client that defrauds you. Pick up where you left off and keep doing your best.
Conclusion
Being a freelancer is interesting, but you must be a self-motivated person if you want to succeed as a freelancer. How successful you are as a freelancer depends a great deal on how internally motivated you are as a person.