The word freelance is surrounded by a lot of misunderstanding.
There is a misconception that freelancers only engage in short-term gigs lasting a few days or weeks. Nevertheless, it is important to note that freelancers can also take on contractual roles where they work for a company or individual over an extended period of time and receive regular pay.
No matter if you understand the term “freelancer” or not, it is essential to understand how freelancers can manage their workload after leaving their salaried employment.
What it’s like to freelance
Freelancing can be an exciting and diverse way to earn a living, but it requires a strong disposition.
Control over your income
Many individuals opt for freelance work as it grants them greater authority over their earnings.
Not knowing where your next job is coming from can be stressful, especially when you have fluctuating incomes.
Control over your time
For those seeking greater control over their work life, freelancing provides abundant freedom and flexibility. Rather than being restricted to a single job, freelancers have the freedom to choose the projects they undertake and often have the ability to establish their own working hours.
Responsibility
However, along with this opportunity, there is also an increased responsibility. Freelancers have the full responsibility of finding clients and ensuring that projects are completed within an acceptable time frame.
It is not necessary to be organized and motivated in order to start freelancing, although being organized and motivated can make the process easier.
A freelancer is someone who makes money by completing individual jobs or tasks, often for a limited period of time as an independent contractor. Unlike an employee, a freelancer is not tied to a specific company and has the freedom to work on multiple projects for different individuals or firms, as long as there are no contractual obligations to work exclusively on a particular project until it is finished.
Where to find gigs, and how to make freelancing work for you
In order to transform freelancing into a career, it is important to have knowledge on how to begin. The initial step is to utilize freelance platforms, which will greatly simplify the process. While it is possible to search for freelance jobs online or on conventional job websites, it is more advantageous to use a platform that specifically presents freelance opportunities within your area of expertise, location, and offers the appropriate compensation for your services. After embarking on your freelancing journey, strive to please your clients through hard work, which will enable you to establish a word-of-mouth marketing strategy.
Once you have chosen the gig(s) you wish to work on, it is necessary to establish a schedule. The crucial aspect of freelancing is managing your time effectively in order to avoid exhaustion.
Balancing life and work
As a freelancer, it is common to prioritize work over other aspects of life, inadvertently neglecting them.
In order to maintain good health and productivity, it is important to find a balance between work and life engagements.
Find or create a designated working space
If your freelance gigs are done from home, it can be beneficial for night owls and early risers since you don’t have to wait for someone to let you in or out of the building. However, this can also mean that you might not have a proper working space to complete your assigned tasks if your home is your designated “office.”
While some individuals may find success by working from their beds in their pajamas using a lap desk, not everyone shares the same experience. Discover what works best for you and if you come to the realization that you may need to leave your house to find success, consider exploring coworking spaces available for a fee or local coffee shops/bakeries where you can sit and work after purchasing a coffee and pastry.
Set a schedule – and stick to it
Once you begin freelancing, it is essential to track your working time, productivity, and manage multiple gigs efficiently while also finding time for personal activities. A reliable approach is to invest in a robust calendar software platform rather than relying on a paper journal that may become unusable if damaged by spills. The choice is yours.
Calendar software programs are effective as they allow users to record their hours in a note using the mobile app or input time-tracking information online. These programs offer the benefits of speed, ease of access, and sharing capabilities with other individuals. Project management software aids in keeping projects on schedule by enabling the setting of due dates throughout the process.
Log off and stay offline when your day is done
Many individuals mistakenly assume that freelancers have ample free time without considering that their time spent at home is typically occupied with tasks, deadlines, and scheduling work for the entire month to fill their otherwise unoccupied schedule. However, this misconception can lead to difficulties as the client or company you are engaged with may expect your availability at any hour of the day, throughout the entire week.
It is neither possible nor advisable to be online all the time, and it is unreasonable for your client(s) to expect that of you. Being constantly available will result in burnout and eventually make you resent the freelance lifestyle. Set a specific hour to turn off email notifications, completely log off, and avoid answering phone calls after 5 pm (or any preferred time for you).
By establishing boundaries, your freelance business can gain more respect as opposed to being exploited due to the absence of legal regulations enforced on traditional employers.
How to deal with isolation or loneliness
By following the correct approach and having the right mindset, one can find easy methods to handle the feelings of isolation or lack of connectivity that often arise when working alone. Engaging in online socialization presents a great opportunity to stay connected with colleagues while also maintaining a safe physical distance.
Even by using digital methods, establishing personal connections can greatly help to alleviate the sensation of being alone.
Incorporating meaningful activities such as exercise, yoga, or meditation into your daily routine is equally important. Opt for activities that offer both physical and mental engagement, while also serving as a reminder that we are all interconnected in something greater.
When we feel isolated and disconnected, looking at our work from the perspective of helping others can assist in restoring meaning and purpose to our lives.
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