More and more people are leaving the traditional workforce behind in favor of freelancing. In fact, more than 59 million Americans were freelancers in 2021. And it’s no wonder why! Being a freelancer comes with a ton of benefits. If you’re thinking about making the switch to freelancing, read on to learn more about the benefits of this career path, as well as how to set out on your own.
Benefits of Being a Freelancer
One of the biggest benefits of freelancing is that you’re your own boss. This means you get to set your own hours, choose which projects you work on, and take time off when you need it. Of course, being your own boss also means that you’re responsible for finding your own work and meeting deadlines. But for many people, the pros of being in charge outweigh the cons.
Another great benefit of freelancing is that you can often choose who you work with. Want to only take on projects from companies whose values align with your own? As a freelancer, you can do that! You’re also not limited to working with just one client at a time. In fact, most freelancers juggle multiple clients and projects at once. This can provide some much-needed variety in your work life and help you expand your skill set.
Finally, one of the biggest advantages of freelancing is that it offers more flexibility than traditional jobs. Need to pick up your kids from school or take them to soccer practice? No problem! You can even become a digital nomad—go on the road on your camper and work while on a trip, or you can fly to Bali and work from beside a beach or a pool. In fact, this is so popular that there were as many as 2.6 million Vanlifers (people who lived and worked from the back of a van while traveling) in 2021. As long as you get your work done and meet your deadlines, you can usually make your own schedule. This flexibility is one of the main reasons why people decide to become freelancers in the first place.
Drawbacks to Freelancing
Of course, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies in freelancing. It has a ton of benefits, but there are some drawbacks to freelancing as well.
The drawbacks to freelancing are many. For starters, it can be hard to stay motivated when you’re working on your own. This is especially true when you’re not used to working from home and don’t have a set routine. Additionally, freelancers often have to deal with a lot of independence, which can be both a good and bad thing. On the one hand, it’s great to be in charge of your own career and make your own decisions. On the other hand, it can be tough to stay disciplined and motivated when there’s no one else pushing you to meet deadlines.
Another downside to freelancing is that it can be difficult to maintain a work-life balance. When you’re working for yourself, it can be tough to draw the line between work and personal time. And since freelancers are often dealing with multiple clients at once, it can be hard to take a break without feeling guilty. This can lead to burnout and decreased productivity over time.
Finally, some people find that freelancing can be isolating. Since freelancers often work from home, they can sometimes feel like they’re not part of a larger community. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re used to working in an office setting.
Becoming a Freelancer
So you’ve read about the benefits of freelancing and you’re ready to take the plunge? Excellent! Here are a few tips on how to become a freelancer.
The first step is to assess your skills and decide which ones you want to offer as services. Do you have experience in copywriting, marketing, web development, or design? Are you an expert at social media marketing or SEO? Some roles and skills are more suited for freelance work, such as social media managers, marketers, writers, designers, and artists.
Once you know what services you can offer, it’s time to create a portfolio. This can be a website, blog, or even just a PDF that showcases the quality of your work and your range. Make sure to list your contact information and pricing on your portfolio so that potential clients can get in touch with you. The best thing you can do for your brand is to have a well-designed website. If you have no idea how to make a good website, you can hire website designers to do it for you. This way, you can impress prospective clients at first look.
Once you have your portfolio ready, it’s time to start pitching yourself to potential clients. Start by doing some research on companies or individuals who could use your services. Then, send them an email outlining why you’re a good fit for the job and include some examples of your work. You can also post ads on job boards or social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. This goes the other way around, too—you can look for companies hiring part-time or contractual workers.
It takes a lot of hard work and hustle to become a successful freelancer, but the benefits are well worth it! With a little effort, you can start building a client base and start enjoying the freelance lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
There are lots of great reasons to become a freelancer. From being your own boss and setting your own hours to choosing who you work with and having more flexibility, there are plenty of perks to this career path. Of course, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies—being a freelancer can be tough at times. But if you’re up for the challenge, it can be an incredibly rewarding way to live and work.
