People often ask me about getting into freelancing or becoming a virtual assistant, and I tend to give vague answers. Then, I get follow-up questions about how much is the salary and whether it’s full-time or part-time only. For those curious, I’d like to answer those questions on this post because freelancing isn’t a typical job so I would recommend knowing what exactly is in store when you start in this industry.
Starting a career in freelancing is like stepping into a world of endless possibilities for sure. Imagine having the freedom to work on your own terms, choosing projects that truly inspire you, and designing your schedule just the way you like it. It’s all possible in the world of freelancing!
But, before you dive in headfirst, there are a few things to consider. Freelancing is a different ball game compared to traditional employment as it requires a unique set of skills and attributes to succeed. So let’s take a closer look at what you need to know before taking the leap:
Firstly, freelancing means working independently for various clients, rather than being tied to one company. This means you can explore a wide range of industries and roles, from writing and graphic design to programming and consulting. The possibilities are endless!
Now, let’s talk about the key factors you need to consider before jumping into freelancing:
1. Financial Stability:
When you’re starting out in freelancing, one thing to keep in mind is that the income can be a bit unpredictable, especially at the beginning. So, it’s a good idea to have some savings set aside to cover your expenses during those slower periods. Having a financial cushion can really help reduce stress and give you the freedom to focus on building your freelancing career without worrying too much about money.
2. Skills and Expertise:
When you’re thinking about freelancing, it’s important to identify your skills and see if they match up with the services you want to offer. If there are areas where you feel a bit rusty or unsure, it might be worth considering getting some extra training or experience to fill those gaps. This could mean taking a course, doing some volunteer work, or even just practicing on your own until you feel more confident. There are tons of courses out there, some free and some you have to pay for, that can really help you out. Another option is to intern with a freelancer who needs some help with their work. It’s a great way to get some experience under your belt and learn the ropes from someone who’s already been there.
3. Market Demand:
Regardless of what services you’re planning to offer, it’s always a good idea to do some research on the demand for your them. Take a look at what other freelancers are offering and see if there’s a gap in the market that you can fill. It’s also important to identify your target audience and understand what they’re looking for. This will help you tailor your services to meet their needs and stand out from the competition. If you’re starting out with no experience, just start as a generalist. This means trying out different skills and services to see what you enjoy and what has good demand. Once you’ve found your niche, you can focus on developing those skills further and building your expertise in that area.
4. Time Management:
When you’re freelancing, managing your time well is super important. You’ll often have several projects on the go at once, so being able to juggle them all, meet deadlines, and keep on top of your workload is key. It can be a bit challenging at times, but with good time management skills, you’ll be able to stay on track and deliver great results for your clients.
5. Self-Discipline:
When you’re working for yourself, you need to be really self-disciplined. It’s all about staying motivated, setting goals, and creating a workspace that helps you stay focused. Without a boss looking over your shoulder, it can be easy to get distracted, so having that self-discipline is key. Get yourself on the path to success by staying motivated, being disciplined, and setting clear goals.
6. Networking Skills:
Networking is a big deal when you’re freelancing. It’s all about building connections that can help you find clients and grow your business. You can do this by attending industry events, joining online communities, and connecting with other freelancers. The more people you know, the more opportunities you’ll have to find work and expand your freelancing career.
7. Legal and Tax Obligations:
When you’re freelancing, it’s important to know the legal and tax stuff that applies to you in your area. This might sound boring, but trust me, it’s super important! You don’t want to get into trouble with the taxman or end up on the wrong side of the law. So, take some time to understand what you need to do to stay compliant. And if you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to chat with a pro who knows their stuff. They can help you navigate the ins and outs of freelancing regulations and keep you out of trouble. As a freelancer in the Philippines, consider checking out these resources or joining these groups:
Freelancers BIR Tax Compliance Support Group
8. Healthcare and Benefits:
When you’re freelancing, you’re in charge of your own healthcare and benefits. This means you’ll need to find insurance, think about retirement savings, and consider any other benefits you might need. It can be a bit daunting, but there are plenty of options out there. Look into what’s available in your area and choose the ones that work best for you. Taking care of these things now will give you peace of mind and help you plan for the future. If you’re looking for the most affordable healthcare provider, I recommend Medicard. I won’t go into much details about this in this post but you can check out their plan packages here.
9. Work-Life Balance:
Balancing work and life can be tricky when you’re freelancing. Since you’re in charge of your own schedule, it’s easy to let work take over. But it’s important to set boundaries, take care of yourself, and make time for things outside of work. This might mean setting specific work hours and sticking to them, making time for hobbies or exercise, or just taking breaks throughout the day. Finding that balance is key to avoiding burnout and enjoying the freedom that freelancing offers.
10. Mindset:
When you’re freelancing, you’re essentially running your own business. This means you need to think like an entrepreneur. You’ll need to be willing to take risks, learn from your mistakes, and be ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way because no boss is going to tell you what to do. It’s all about being adaptable and open to new ideas. Freelancing can be a rollercoaster, but with the right mindset, you’ll be able to ride the waves and come out on top.
Starting a career in freelancing requires careful planning, perseverance, and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt. By developing these personal qualities and skills, pretty sure eventually you can set yourself up for success in the world of freelancing. The question is, are you up for a challenge? If you are, then read on for more of my posts.
Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash
