A freelancer is a professional who earns money on a contract-by-contract basis, typically for short-term work, as an independent contractor. Freelancers typically work in the creative, skilled, or service industry (like writing, art, film, design, video editing and production, acting, consulting, marketing, travel, tourism, education, translation, photography, etc). Freelancing is often done from home or another non-traditional workspace, though it doesn’t always have to be.
Many people begin their careers as freelancers, either as a side hustle or a more permanent shift in career path. For most people, the choice to go freelance is a result of both financial need and a desire for more control over their career and working life.
Generally speaking, freelancer have a strong sense of autonomy and self-reliance that helps them succeed. They’re usually able to take on more than one project at once and can set their own rates, hours, and deadlines for each job. Additionally, freelancers have a direct link between their hard work and their bank balance, which is a nice incentive to keep working diligently!
That said, freelancing is not without its challenges. For one, it’s very common for freelancers to struggle with finding consistent work. That’s why it’s important for freelancers to network, stay active on social media platforms that help them connect with potential clients, and utilize top freelance platforms like Upwork or WriterAccess to ensure they’re never too far from a new gig. It’s also vital for freelancers to be able to negotiate well and handle tough conversations with their clients, such as requesting higher rates or turning down work for personal reasons.
While the decision to become a freelancer isn’t for everyone, those who are passionate about their work and have the drive to secure clients will find that it can be an incredibly fulfilling career path! It’s important to note that most successful freelancers will have laid the groundwork for their career for years before making the switch. They’ll have a portfolio of past work, a solid reputation in their field, and testimonials to prove their worth before they’re able to make the transition from full-time employee to independent contractor.
Hiring freelancers is a great way for brands to add some freshness to their teams, whether it’s in the form of a writer, designer, or video producer. Adding these talented individuals to your team can open up new solutions for problems, approaches to branding, and ways to connect with your customers – things every brand could use a little bit more of. Just be sure to choose the right freelancers for your needs, as it takes a special kind of person to thrive in this type of work!