The freelance economy is growing rapidly, with more and more people choosing to work independently rather than opt for traditional employment. With the rise of digital platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com, freelancing has become much easier and accessible than ever before. But can you make a living out of freelancing? Can it be a full-time career?
While there are no guarantees that every freelancer will succeed in making enough money to support themselves full-time, the potential is certainly there. Below, I’ll explore this idea in more detail, drawing on my own experience as a full-time freelancer.
How To Make Freelancing Into A Full-Time Career
Evaluate Your Skillset
First, consider the skills and talents you have, and think about which ones could be monetized through freelancing. This can help you decide what type of work to pursue and narrow down your focus so that you can become an expert in that area, rather than starting from scratch with a completely new skill.
Price Your Services
Once you’ve established your skill set, it’s time to determine how much you should charge for each project. Research the going rates in your industry, factor in the value of your work, and create an attractive pricing model that will draw people to hire you.
Find Clients
One of the most important parts of any freelance business is finding clients who need your services. Look for job postings on digital platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, reach out to local businesses directly, or attend networking events in your industry.
Manage Your Time Wisely
As a freelancer, you’re responsible for managing all aspects of your business, from marketing to invoicing. Establishing a routine for completing projects and responding to client inquiries is key for staying on top of your workload and ensuring that you complete each job on time.
Promote Yourself
Don’t forget to promote your business and network with other freelancers. Having a strong online presence will help you build credibility, attract new clients, and increase your income potential. Consider making a website and getting active on social media.
Freelancing As A Part-Time Career
Freelancing can also be a great option for those looking to supplement their income or fill up their free time. Many gig-economy platforms allow freelancers to work on flexible schedules and choose jobs that fit with their lifestyle.
This makes it possible to pick up short-term projects when you have the time, without having to commit to long-term contracts or full-time employment. I started freelancing while at university and also working a part-time job!
Tips For Freelancing Alongside A Job
Make Sure You Have Enough Time
Before taking on any projects, make sure that you have enough time to dedicate to them and can complete the work in a timely manner. Otherwise, you run the risk of missing deadlines and damaging your professional reputation and relationships with clients. You can also stress yourself out, which is never a good thing.
Manage Your Finances Wisely
Don’t forget to set aside money for taxes and other expenses associated with freelancing. Consider setting up a separate savings account or investing in an accounting system so you can track your income and expenses more easily.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
While it can be tempting to take on as many freelance projects as possible, focus on delivering quality work rather than quantity. Doing a few jobs that you excel at will help you establish a strong reputation and attract more clients in the long run, rather than trying to take on as many low-quality projects as possible.
5 Tips For Making A Career Out Of Freelancing
1. Develop Your Skills
Invest in yourself and stay up to date on industry trends by attending workshops or classes related to your field. This will keep you competitive and ensure that your skills remain relevant in the job market.
2. Network With Others
Connecting with other professionals in your field can open up new opportunities for work and provide helpful feedback about how to improve as a freelancer. Look for local events, join online forums, or reach out directly to other experienced freelancers who may be able to offer advice or mentorship.
3. Set Clear Boundaries
Freelancing can be a great way to make extra money, but it’s important to establish boundaries with clients. Make sure that you get paid for the hours that you work, don’t accept jobs that are outside of your skillset, and communicate clearly about expectations and deadlines.
4. Market Your Services
Having a strong online presence is key for attracting new business. Create an attractive website or portfolio to showcase your work and use social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter (now X) to connect with potential clients.
5. Track Your Progress
Keep track of your successes by setting measurable goals and tracking your income over time. This will help you identify areas where you can improve and give you insight into which services are generating the most business. You’ll need to constantly adapt if you want to be successful as a freelancer.
Final Thoughts
With hard work and dedication, freelancing can become a full-time career. By developing your skills, networking with others in the industry, setting clear boundaries, and tracking your progress, you can create a successful and rewarding freelance career for yourself.
Chris is the creator of Freelance Ready. He originally started freelancing (on Fiverr) while at university, writing and editing website content. He created this website to share his freelancing experience and help others on their own self-employed journeys. He is now a freelance SEO consultant and content editor. You can learn more about Chris here.
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