What is freelancing?
Freelancing is one of the simplest, fastest, and low-cost ways to start out working for yourself. Multiple freelancing websites, like Upwork.com, Guru.com and freelancer.com provide an online marketplace where employers post work and freelancers bid on different projects, which is usually extremely competitive.
Who is a Freelancer?
A freelancer is one who does not work full-time for any one company but is hired by various companies for certain jobs. A freelancer works independently, with no expectation of a permanent or long-term relationship with a single employer. For example, a magazine or website will have a core team of editors who appoint independent writers to write articles, or a TV production team can appoint an independent cameraman to work on a series of programs.
Freelancers may work part-time or full-time. Because they are not considered employers, freelancers are given the freedom to work independently for other employers and are usually allowed to work in their own way, so long-term work is done according to the client’s specifications.
What are the Pros of freelancing?
- Freedom with your work time, hours and location. You can live anywhere, work from anywhere. You would have become a digital nomad. You can stay at your home and enjoy more time with your family and friends, or you can travel and stay in hotels.
- You learn to manage everything. You become a solopreneur. From customers marketing your services to sales to work on projects … Yes, you learn to manage every aspect of the business.
- You can be selective with which clients you want to work with. You can choose your own projects, so you can work on projects in which you specialise. This is completely your call. Being a freelancer means that you don’t have a boss who tells you what to do, so you won’t say ‘no’ to jobs you don’t want. You may also have to work at home for specific projects. By the time your work is delivered on deadline, most customers do not think about how you work.
- There is no limit to earning as a freelancer. As you are not obliged to work with any limited number of customers, so you can expand your earnings based on your work capacity. Freelancers can negotiate their own rates with the businesses that hire them. Companies are often willing to pay freelancers a better rate than their own employees because they are not required to buy things like vacation as part of the contract. The more experience you have gained, the more money you can ask for.
- You will have more time. You do not have to waste time commuting. The extra time can be used to update skills or to do more work or recreational activities.
- You stay away from petty office politics, so your performance automatically increases.
- You can work in pyjamas … yes! As a freelancer, you can wear casual work attire.
- You learn to multitask by dealing with a variety of projects and clients.
What Are The Cons Of Freelancing?
- This is a lonely life; Maybe, or maybe not. It depends. You may feel isolated because you don’t have the ability to talk like the people present in an office setting.
- You have to be constantly on the lookout for new clients and projects. You may be hustling 24/7 for new gigs.
- There may be times when you will have inconsistent work and cash flow. Therefore, you need to learn to manage your finances.
- You will have to juggle with several clients so that you do not pay full attention to a single project.
- You are not accountable to anyone like the office boss. But still, you are accountable to many customers.
- You do not have additional benefits like maternity / paternity leave, insurance, company-sponsored health benefits, etc.
- If you are sick or injured, you may not have anyone to backup you. Of course, your family will be there for you.
- You have to learn to multitask and multi-manage everything related to businesses, so you have to constantly learn new skills and aspects related to business. If you are someone who does not enjoy learning new things, it can be difficult for you to adjust to the freelancing world.
- You do not have career advancement because people have an office setting. You can feel scattered / unfocused and lacking structures, so you need to be clear about what you want from your life.
- To make you a successful freelancer, everything society has taught you related to work and money.
How do you find freelance work?
The answer depends partly on the type of freelance work you would like to try your hand at.
Here are some freelance job resources you might consider:
- Upwork (formerly oDesk): Well, what is Upwork? Upwork is an outsourcing phase – one of the biggest all-around. Experts (like you) join and create a profile that introduces the skills you bring to the table. Clients (entrepreneurs, startup individuals, business visionaries and hereafter) on Upwork after employment when they need assistance to work.
- Craigslist: Craigslist is like an Internet version of the classifieds section of a newspaper, organized by categories and locations. Craigslist is an American classified advertising website with sections dedicated to jobs, housing, individuals, for sale, items, wanted services, community, gigs, resumes, and discussion forums.
- Guru: Guru started in 2001 as a purposeful venture. The organisation is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and cooks more for American consultants. It is designed to attract a more expert base of clients and freelancers rather than blending in a ton of modest employment postings.
- Freelancer: Like Upwork, you can create a freelancer profile and start offering on businesses posted by customers. Freelancer.com flaunts over 29 million subscribers starting in 2019. Be that as it may, it may very well be difficult to track down the fascinating work there. This is a decent decision for those who want to work remotely.
- IWriter: If you have good writing skills and you can research and write your articles in less time, then yes – iWriter may be worth your time. Especially if you find a bunch of people who specifically request you to write. Then you get some extra time to write the article and a slightly higher salary.
- Witty Pain: WittyPen is a platform that uses technology to bridge the gap between companies and quality freelance content writers. Platform based on hands-on experience with content creation based on domain.
- Writers Next Door: On Writers Next Door, which started in 2019, you can write blogs, articles, book reviews, technical content, social media content, etc. and earn money as a freelancer.
- Truelancer: Truelancer is an online platform for employers to hire professionals to complete their jobs, and Freelancers and Professionals can earn search jobs and money by working with real clients around the world. Truelancer is an online marketplace that connects clients with freelancer workers around the world. Their platform is quick, secure, and you have the flexibility to present a single task or create ongoing work relationships with freelancers.
- Textbroker: Register for free and submit a writing sample. Based on your sample, they will review the quality of your content. Your author rating allows you to select a project from a selection of OpenOrders. Choose assignments and make money earning articles. Whether you are just getting started or are an experienced professional at Textbroker, you earn cash for writing each word. Choose from our selection of OpenOrders, work exclusively with clients through Direct orders, or join a team of writers to work on a large content project on your favorite topic.
- FlexJobs: Focusing on flexible job opportunities, before putting FlexJobs screen posting on your site. This means that jobs are almost guaranteed to be legitimate, which, unfortunately, is not always the case everywhere. Big and reputable companies like CNN and NBC use FlexJobs to hire talent.
Some freelance job sites are free – some charge a renewable fee to bid for jobs. In some cases, a contract job site may offer both free and paid memberships, but in cases where you will bid as a free member, they are usually very limited. Some freelancers join a union that will also provide job opportunities.
How to Get freelancing projects?
Becoming a freelancer is a great idea for anyone who loves to work for themselves. Initially, it will not be difficult for newcomers to get a freelancing project. So, here’s what you need to do to get a freelancing project:
- Create your own website / portfolio
- Develop your personal brand / sell yourself.
- Join Freelance Job Network / Group.
- Develop your expertise and market it well.
- Spread the word of your business online.
- Accept the opportunities.
- Partner with other freelancers from your niche.
- Get listed in directories and resource pages.
- Compete for crowdsourced projects.
- Optimise your LinkedIn presence.
Apply these simple, easy-to-follow steps to become a high-earning freelancer in your niche.
Shivam Pandey is a professional content & copywriter with 6+ years of experience. He specializes in writing on technology, business, digital marketing, lifestyle, travel, etc. He works closely with B2C and B2B businesses providing web content & copywriting services.