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Thinking About Freelancing? Here's What I've Learned Along the Way

My journey has had its ups and downs, and my advice might be a little different from what you normally hear and read. But hey, that's the thing about freelancing – everyone's path is unique. So, here's my honest take on what it takes to make it work.
Last edited 4 days ago by Pinoy Stuttering VA

1. Why Freelancing? Figure Out What Matters to You

Before you dive into the world of freelancing, take some time to really think about why you want to do it. Seriously, this is important. I learned this the hard way! Ask yourself:
Is it about the money? Do you want to earn extra income?
Are you craving flexibility? Tired of commuting and the whole office routine?
Do you want more time with family? This was a big one for me. Being present for my family while still building a career was a huge motivator.
Or are you just curious? There's nothing wrong with exploring freelancing to see what it's all about. You might discover a hidden passion or talent along the way!
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Knowing your "why" will keep you going when things get tough (and trust me, they will sometimes). It's like having a compass to guide you when you're feeling lost or discouraged.

2. The Freelancing World: No Sugarcoating Here

Once you know your "why," it's time to get real about the freelancing world. It's not always sunshine and rainbows, and there are some things you need to be prepared for:
Stability? What stability? Freelancing income can be unpredictable, and you won't have the same benefits as a 9-to-5 job. Say goodbye to paid time off, government mandated benefits and company health insurance/HMO. It's a trade-off – you gain freedom and flexibility, but you also take on more financial responsibility.
Clients come and go. Be prepared to market yourself and find new projects constantly. Networking and building relationships are essential for long-term success.
You're calling the shots (which can be scary). You're responsible for your own success, which is exciting but also means more pressure. There's no one to blame but yourself if things go wrong, but you also get all the credit when they go right!
Finding clients takes work. Even with experience, competition is fierce. Be patient and persistent! It takes time to build a reputation and attract a steady stream of clients.
Working from home isn't always easy (I mean it). It can get lonely, and distractions are everywhere! It takes serious self-discipline to stay focused and productive when you're working in your pajamas.
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I just wanted to share these realities because I wish someone had been upfront with me about them. It's easy to get caught up in the hype, but it's important to go in with your eyes wide open.

3. Find Your Sweet Spot: It Makes All the Difference

You've probably heard and read this a million times, but finding your niche is important. It helps you stand out, attract the right clients, and charge what you're worth. But how do you actually do it?
Think about your passions, skills, and experiences. What are you naturally good at? What do you enjoy doing even when no one is watching? What have you done well in the past? Look for clues in your work history, hobbies, and interests 😉😊.
Don't overthink it! Start with what you know. For me, I leveraged my customer service experience from my BPO job, even though it wasn't my dream niche. It gave me a starting point and helped me build confidence. It's okay if you feel confused or still don't know your exact niche after this exercise – I've been there too! It's not unusual at all😁.
You might surprise yourself. It took me a while, but through freelancing, I discovered a passion for writing that I never knew I had! Who would've thought? Me, a writer? Seriously? 😁 Honestly, grammar wasn't my strong suit, and I never imagined myself in a role that focused on writing. But freelancing opened up these doors. Be open to exploring new possibilities and trying different things. You never know what hidden talents you might uncover or what exciting paths might open up for you—paths you might not have even considered in a traditional job😉.

4. Don't Quit Your Day Job Just Yet – Dip Your Toes In First

Unless you absolutely have to, don't quit your day job until you've had a chance to experience freelancing firsthand. Here's why:
It's a reality check. You'll quickly realize if freelancing is a good fit for your personality and lifestyle. It's very different from a traditional job, and honestly, it's not for everyone 😉.
Build your skills and portfolio. Gain experience and confidence before going all-in. Clients are more likely to hire you if you can showcase your abilities and previous work 🙌.
Create a safety net (Trust Me!). Having a steady income while you build your freelance business can take a lot of pressure off. It allows you to be more selective with your projects and avoid taking on low-paying gigs out of desperation.
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I started with part-time freelancing, and it gave me the time and space to learn the ropes without the financial stress. It also helped me gradually transition into a full-time freelance career when I was ready.

5. Essential Freelancing Skills: It's Not Just About the Work

Freelancing requires a unique set of skills that go beyond what you do in a traditional job:
Independence: Be ready to work independently and manage your own time. You're your own boss, which is awesome but also means you're responsible for staying motivated and meeting deadlines.
Resourcefulness: You're responsible for finding solutions and getting things done, often without much guidance. This means being comfortable with research, problem-solving, and figuring things out on your own.
Time Management: Juggling multiple projects and deadlines is key, especially when you're also working full-time. Mastering your schedule is crucial to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Adaptability: Be ready to switch gears, learn new things, and handle unexpected challenges. The freelancing world is constantly changing, so being flexible and adaptable is essential for staying ahead of the game.
Saying "No" and Setting Boundaries: This is a big one, especially for us Filipinos. We're natural people-pleasers, but learning to set limits is crucial for protecting your time, energy, and sanity. Not all clients are created equal, and it's okay to be selective.

6. Setting Boundaries: Protect Your Time and Energy

This took me a while to learn, but setting boundaries is crucial for freelancing success (and sanity!). It's easy to fall into the trap of being a people-pleaser, but remember:
You have the right to say "no." Don't be afraid to decline projects or end contracts that aren't a good fit. Your time and energy are valuable, so don't waste them on clients who don't respect your worth.
Be upfront about your limits. Let clients know your working hours, availability, and what you will and won't do. This helps set clear expectations from the beginning and prevents misunderstandings down the road.
Don't be afraid to negotiate. If something doesn't work for you, speak up! Whether it's the budget, deadlines, or scope of work, remember that you have a voice and deserve to be heard.
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I hope this helps! This is just a glimpse into my freelancing journey. Remember, everyone's path is different, and what matters most is finding what works for you. Good luck!

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