30+ Things You Have to Know about being a Freelancer
Hilde Torbjornsen
Wanting to be a freelancer? – there are many things you need to be aware of. In this article I will list many things for you to think through and consider before jumping into the freelance business. I hope this list will be a valuable tool for you to evaluate the current situation and being prepared for possible challenges along the way.
It’s hard work
Picture by Zsuzsanna Kilian
If anyone tell you otherwise, they’re wrong. It’s that simple. So if you’re looking for an easy option to a normal day job, freelancing is not for you.
You won’t be rich in a day or two
You can be 100% sure that going over to freelancing wont make you rich overnight. There are possibilities of making a decent living, yes, but it will take hard work over time.
Most people can’t make a living from freelancing right away
If you start freelancing thinking that it will give you a good paycheck from week one, that’s very unlikely. Because of this, my tip is to consider combining it with either a part-time job to begin with, a loan of some kind or the best option – that you have savings you can live from for a while. If you are able to live from the first paycheck you get, then good for you – but it’s very rare.
Working harder than a regular employee to receive the same results
Picture by Eva Schuster
When you freelance you will have to consider many different aspects of everything you do. This means extra work and extra hours to output the same amount of work that you’d do at a normal job.
You have to be your own boss
As wonderful as it may sound to work alone, it means you will have to do the job your boss did before, and more. You will have to be a bit hard on yourself at times to make sure that things get done the right ways and to the right times.
No one will kick you out of bed in the mornings
Picture by Diego Jaimovich
As mentioned, you will have to be your own boss. This also means that no one will kick you out of bed in the morning. You will need discipline and still continue to get up early to start doing your daily tasks – just as you would have done when you had to go to your normal workplace. This is a point that quickly will show if you have the required backbone to deal with it. Many wannabe freelancer fall out of it already here.
You have to stay on top of every financial matter
Even if you haven’t had to deal with any financial stuff before, you will have to now. Obviously you could hire someone to help out with this, but that costs money. So at least in the beginning you should aim to do as much as possible of this yourself. Not only should you do this to save money, but also to keep on top of things. You want to know what everything costs to make good calculations of how much you have to earn to be able to pay your bills and also make a profit that you can live from.
It takes hard work to gain a reputation
Being a freelancer, and a new freelancer, your name won’t immediately have the same ring to it as a company name. This means that it’s not likely clients will come running to you. You will have to gain a good reputation through hard work in order for them to choose you in the future.
Every single client counts more
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For a multimillion dollar company, you could say that a single client doesn’t necessarily mean everything. For you as a freelancer though, every client counts. Remember this when you take on new projects and treat them thereafter. One client more or less can mean the difference between failure and success – every single month.
You have to save for rainy days
Picture by Jakub Krechowicz
To save for slow times means a lot. When you’re a regular employee you know that your paycheck comes at given dates and how much you will get paid. Being a freelancer is completely different. If you don’t have any money in the bank in month with few paid projects, this could mean the end of your freelancing career.
You won’t automatically be insured (for injuries, sickness and so on)
Depending on your region/country you will have to check out what kinds of insurance you can/should have. When you’re an employee, the company you work for have to have some sort of insurance that makes sure you get paid almost no matter what happens. Being a freelancer this responsibility falls on yourself. Different countries have different options, so make sure to check this out BEFORE you start-up.
You need somewhere to work from
Picture by Wilton Rodrigues
When you’re employed somewhere, you know where to go to work. You don’t have to pay for electricity, phone bills or furniture. Now though, you will have to consider these things. Before you start-up you need to think through where you will be working from to make sure you can actually afford it. A home office or some sort of office collaboration can many times be the cheaper solutions to begin with.
It can be hard to set the limit between work and hobby
If you’re going for working freelance, one of the reasons for doing this will quite likely be that you will be able to do what you love. This means that you sometimes will be doing work-related things very many hours of each day. This can mean many challenges, remember to try not to get burned out..
YOU have to pay for repairs
When something gets broken, you can’t go to your boss to get it fixed. You will have to do whatever it takes to get it fixed, and most importantly be able to pay for it.
YOU have to pay for new equipment
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Just like with repairs, you will also have to be able to pay for new equipment when it’s needed. In some cases insurances could cover things that can’t be properly repaired but don’t count on it.
The first 3-6 months will be REALLY hard
At least the 3-6 first months will be extra hard. Not only do you have to adjust to a completely new way of working and thinking – but you need to get a base of clients that have work for you to do. You have to be prepared, both mentally and financially.
At times you’ll be at work 24/7
Picture by Manu Mohan
When you are a freelancer YOU ar your business. This means that if something doesn’t get finished within the regular work hours you’ve set, YOU will be the one that needs to step in and get it done in time. Sometimes this could mean that you for days can be working almost 24/7.
You have to always think ahead
When you’re a regular employee, someone else usually does the planning. Freelancing you have to make plans ahead all the time to make sure to get enough time for reaching deadlines.
You will have to do things you don’t like
Picture by Steve Ford Elliott
You probably choose your freelance career to be doing something you love. This doesn’t mean that you will always be doing only fun things. Every now and then you will have to do projects you find extra challenging, or sometimes even static and boring to make ends meet.
You will have to deal with difficult clients
We are all different. When you freelance you are always the one being in touch with every single client and they are also very different in personalities and in how they prefer to get things done. Not everyone will like you and vice versa, that’s just the way it is. Try to deal with that as smoothly as possible.
You have to think through what you say (and don’t)
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You are your own business’ face outwards. This means that you will more than ever before be having to think through things before you say them. Remember that a single sentence said without being thought of can possibly ruin contracts and have you lose valuable income.
Prepare to work longer hours for less pay…for a long time
Picture by Nick Colomb
When you work for yourself you will see that you many times get less paid for every actual hour worked. This is because clients pay for what you do for them and not for your own accounting and planning. Thankfully though, you will be able to adjust your rates to fit this over time. But in the beginning it will be hard. So don’t give up right away.
All markets have ups and downs
Depending on your niche/market you will experience some ups and downs due to changes in the market. This isn’t anything you can do much about other than actually being prepared as good as possible.
Not all people understand that freelancing actually is hard work
Don’t expect everyone to understand what it’s like to do your work. Many new freelancers experience communication problems with family and friends who think freelancing is easy money and little work. It can also many times be hard for them to understand when you’re working and not. Make sure to do all you can to be prepared for this.
There are many laws/rules you have to read up on
Picture by Kristian Risager Larsen
It’s rarely as easy as just deciding what you want to do with your business and starting to do it. In most countries there are rules and regulations on many aspects of various businesses. You have to figure out what will apply to you so that you can do things they way they’re supposed to be done.
Taxes and VAT can have special rules in your country, make sure you know them!
Just as with all other rules and regulations there are rules for how to pay taxes and more. If you don’t know these you could be in for a very expensive surprise. This could eventually cost you your business.
You always need to have a plan B
Picture by Flaviu Lupoian
What many times separates the best from the rest, is the ability to adapt to challenges. This means that you have to keep a plan B ready at all times. What will you spend time on when there are slow days? What will you do if the client changes his mind about something in the last-minute and how will you be able to catch up lost hours if you get sick?
Slow times don’t mean less work, it often means more
If you have a day or three without paid projects, this definitely doesn’t mean that you can just sit back and relax. These are the days when you should do various other tasks, – both in order to get new clients and to take care of your own business. If you take advantage of these days it can mean an ocean of difference when the new projects start coming in again.
There are always many competitors
Picture by Gabriella Fabbri
When you enter the freelance world, you will quickly see that your competitors are many. This means that you can’t slack and expect for clients to stick to you. You always have to do your best and then some to be able to compete with everyone else.
You have to be able to make adjustments fast
Clients can require last-minute changes, meetings sometimes have to be rescheduled, you or the client can get sick for a few days. The options are many and you have to be able to adjust fast to make it.
Being a freelancer can be very expensive
As you probably understand from all these points, Freelancing can be quite expensive at times.
You will make more each hour, but also have more expenses
Picture by Sephen Hyun
Its easy math, but not always easy to remember. The bill your clients pay will equal a higher price each hour compared to what you get paid as a regular employee. Remember though, that this is supposed to cover for all your expenses.
You will have to say NO to some business opportunities
The ability to say No can prove to be a very important thing for you, or you will work 24/7 still not being able to finish everything. This will affect the quality of your work, your physical and mental health and your clients.
You will have to say NO to personal projects at times
Picture by StillSearc
If something didn’t go according to plan and someone need to put in extra work last-minute to get something finished, that person would be you. This means that you will have to say No to many other things sometimes, that’s the hard reality of being a freelancer.
Conclusion
This article wasn’t meant to scare you off, but to have you realise that making it as a freelancer is no easy road to go. You have to make sure you have what it takes and think these things through properly beforehand. It can save you many sleepless nights. I hope these tips can help you get better prepared for what’s ahead, to help you get a succesful and fun career freelancing if you decide to try it out.
It can be very rewarding and also comes with many positive side effects once you succeed. When you’re good at planning your days, you will sometimes be able to take time off to be with your spouse or children when it’s important, plan holidays that fit the rest of the family’s plans and so much more. Just remember to be careful and you could very well be one of those who succeed! :)
Picture by Svilen Milev
We would love to hear your own tips in the comment sections! Good luck!
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Muhammad Ghazali
Posted 637 days ago 45Now I knew it, great post :)
.-= Muhammad Ghazali´s last blog ..Introduction to Google Web Toolkit – part 1 =-.
Armig Esfahani
Posted 640 days ago 44good to be aware of all these before i start full-time freelancing :)
Brad
Posted 641 days ago 43I think it’s great to point out many of these “negative” things about being a freelancer. People who are thinking about freelancing need to hear them. But, not all of them are true all the time.
I’ve been freelancing for almost 3 years now and _don’t_ work 24/7, never have. I work less hours for more money than any other job, and have less stress.
So, there can be huge benefits to freelancing as well, especially if you plan well (long-term and day-to-day) and work smart.
.-= Brad´s last blog ..Cover Designs of the 10 Best-Selling Books of All Time =-.
Hilde
Posted 630 days ago 48Thanks for your feedback Brad! Yeah I agree, these things have to be heard to make sure people make the best out of the situation and are prepared for what will most likely be the case.
Its also true that all these things dont necessarily have to happen to everyone. Its great to hear that you have such success freelancing as well! :D
Good luck in the future and thanks for commenting! :)
/Hilde
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..Artist of the week #2 – iuneWind =-.
Laura
Posted 642 days ago 40This is a really good article. Hits a lot of key points especially about competition and self motivation. I am just starting out as a freelancer and keep a part time job that pays majority of the bills. I hope any other freelancer out there does not give up hope so soon. It takes quite a bit of time to get noticed in the art world, (look back at the story of Pixar for example), so I just keep plugging away until I get that “big break,” I’m hoping for :]
Hilde
Posted 630 days ago 47Hey Laura!
Im very happy you enjoyed this article. It’s true what you say, it usually takes some time to get noticed out there. But if you have the passion and work hard, it usually pays off well in the end!
Wishing you the best of luck in freelancing! :)
/Hilde
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..Artist of the week #2 – iuneWind =-.
Katie Li
Posted 643 days ago 39Great article and only too true, especially the finance and getting yourself known. I’m a freelance and I also have a full time job this helps keep my business going and hard work gradually pays off. Everything comes with experience and I absolutely agree with the time-management statement/learn to say ‘no’. All great points.
Hilde
Posted 642 days ago 42Thanks for your positive feedback, very much appreciated. Happy to hear you enjoyed the read :)
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..Photoshop Manipulation – 15 Great Tutorials =-.
Suhela
Posted 643 days ago 38Nice article… As I am starting my freelancing, these are very good tips… :)
Hilde
Posted 642 days ago 41Great to hear that this will be helpful for you!
Wishing you the best of luck! :)
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..Photoshop Manipulation – 15 Great Tutorials =-.
Hilde
Posted 644 days ago 34Hi Mohammed!
Great to hear that you find this article useful :)
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
nikos lianeris
Posted 644 days ago 32you are very right!I agree with everything you wrote!As a freelancer web designer/developer wannabe I must admit that being a freelancer needs really REALLY hard work and be really patient!But if you are determined to “walk the path” there will be many and great rewards…
Hilde
Posted 644 days ago 37Thank you so much for the positive feedback, Nikos! :)
And yes, it’s important to remember that if you work hard and plan well you can have a great outcome too!
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
James
Posted 644 days ago 31A reality check I needed. Ughhh, what am I going to do.
Hilde
Posted 644 days ago 36Its good if this article can be useful for you :)
Wishing you the best of luck!
PS! Remember though, that if you are determined to work hard the rewards can be many :)
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
Lefty Argonaut
Posted 644 days ago 30Great article for the most part. Definitely worth a bookmark in my opinion for those considering making the freelance jump. Thanks!
.-= Lefty Argonaut´s last blog ..The logotype in the center was designed by our head graphic… =-.
Hilde
Posted 644 days ago 35Thank you so much for the kind words :)
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
Marina
Posted 645 days ago 29As a freelancer, I dont agree with most of them. ^_^
Jen Oliver
Posted 646 days ago 28Thanks for this article, it’s nice to have it all set out in one place, and I think a lot of your points were encouraging rather than scary. I totally agree that you’ll get out of it what you put in, and it’s nice to see and speak to other designers now and then for a bit of moral support. :)
Hilde
Posted 644 days ago 33Thanks Jen!
Your feedback is appreciated :)
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
Abdullah Al Mamun
Posted 646 days ago 23Nice article ! Lot of things to think twice…….Thanks.
.-= Abdullah Al Mamun´s last blog ..mamunabms: Build a Business, Not Just a Client List http://bit.ly/aDqvVE (via @the99percent) =-.
Hilde
Posted 646 days ago 27Thanks alot Abdullah :)
Very happy to hear that you enjoyed the article!
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
Rob T
Posted 646 days ago 21I think it is an important step for any freelance to make their own website for their services. Not only is this helpful for the obvious reasons, but will help get you into more serious ventures with your freelance efforts.
.-= Rob T´s last blog ..Advertise Locally Online with Google AdWords =-.
Hilde
Posted 646 days ago 26Hi Rob!
Thanks for your feedback, and yes I agree with you. Getting an own website is definitely important in many ways! :)
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
Eng.Ahmed Al-Saiaad
Posted 646 days ago 20it’s really true
i had pass this steps one by one
good article
Hilde
Posted 646 days ago 25Thank you so much for the positive feedback! :)
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
DRX-DEsign
Posted 646 days ago 18Great Article..
I need to note this points.
Thanks you So much..
.-= DRX-DEsign´s last blog ..1,000 pageviews =-.
Hilde
Posted 646 days ago 24Thank you!
Happy to hear you enjoyed the article :)
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
weberica
Posted 646 days ago 9very good article, but it all depends where and when you live. Around me people are loosing their jobs, or work for minimal wages 6-7 days a week, or don’t get payed for their work without any protection from union or the low. Being freelancer in such country in such times is the best choice you can make :)) Greetings from Croatia
Hilde
Posted 646 days ago 19Thanks a lot for your input! :)
Yes, I see that it can all depend on where you live and which opportunities you have to begin with. Its about seeing possibilities and there can sure be a lot of them in freelancing for those who work hard! :) Good point!
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
Jovan
Posted 646 days ago 22It’s similar for me in Serbia!
There is practically no competition and everyone is looking for something to be done. People are easily blown away when I suggest a modern design. The only problem is that people aren’t used to paying hundreds of euros/dollars for something like a logotype or thousands for a website design. Also, most of the times, they expect to get a functioning website and not just the design so I often find myself writing websites in my average HTML knowledge which isn’t what I like doing…
Pozdrav kolega! :)
James
Posted 646 days ago 8Thanks for the article. I am thinking of going freelance and I know I have a lot to consider!
Hilde
Posted 646 days ago 17Thanks James! Happy you enjoyed the article.
Wishing you the best of luck if you decide to go ahead into freelancing! :)
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
Lee
Posted 646 days ago 7So true, finding the work has to be the hardest!
Hilde
Posted 646 days ago 16Hi Lee!
Yeah, finding work can be hard. Its really important to embrace every oppurtunity and have an open mind :)
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
Cosmin Negoita
Posted 646 days ago 6That’s a very well written article Hilde. Thanks for sharing! I’ll retouch this when I will start freelancing :)
.-= Cosmin Negoita´s last blog ..cssfactory: @hybridsoul5 awesome! Stay tuned for the second part and thank you :) =-.
Hilde
Posted 646 days ago 15Thank you so much for the kind words, Cosmin! :)
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
Ram
Posted 646 days ago 5This is everyday experience of a freelancer , an article instead. Yes these are almost negative points but in the same title we can see the positive result, if you plan correctly. Freelancers should die for money for the first 1 year. If it continues in coming days he/she is not a good freelancer that’s not the right profession for him/her. But I can say most of the stunning designs came from freelancers not from any corporates.
Hilde
Posted 646 days ago 14Thanks a lot for your feedback Ram!
:)
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
Daniel Miguel
Posted 646 days ago 4Thanks for the tips, I was really needing of something like this to get all my stuff moving on.
I’m a freelancer since January 18, and it’s being really hard the first 3-6 months!
It’s really all good tips.
Greetings from Brazil!
Hilde
Posted 646 days ago 13Hi Daniel!
Thank you so much. Yes, its hard work, especially for the first months.
But hang in there, there are many good and helpful articles and people out there. The best of luck to you!
Greetings from Norway ;)
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
Hastimal Shah
Posted 646 days ago 3Great Article..
Even am a freelancer for part time. i need to note this points.
Thanks
.-= Hastimal Shah´s last blog ..How to Build your own search Engine =-.
Hilde
Posted 646 days ago 12Hi! :) Thanks you so much!
Yes, many of these points apply to both full-time and part-time freelancers.
Good luck!
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
Daniel Amezcua
Posted 646 days ago 2Great article! I would have to say that you can get out of it what you put into it. As a photographer, I also have to find ways to build on relationships to grow my opportunities with every client that I work with. For example, senior portraits soon turn into wedding opportunities, commercial clients turn into family portraits opportunities and so on. If there is a way to create an opportunity, do it!
Hilde
Posted 646 days ago 11Thanks Daniel! :)
And yeah I agree with you, one opportunity can quickly turn into another as long as you look for them with an open mind. Great point!
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.
Jeff Boshers
Posted 647 days ago 1First!!! Hilde, this is an awesome article!
.-= Jeff Boshers´s last blog ..Weekly Design #7: Los Gemelos =-.
Hilde
Posted 646 days ago 10Thanks a lot, Jeff! :D
.-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.