Some of the most common fields for freelancers include writing and editing, graphic design, web development, social media management, marketing and advertising, and accounting and finance. However, there are many other fields where freelancers can find work and build successful careers, such as video production, photography, event planning, and more. Despite these challenges, freelancing can be a lucrative and fulfilling What Is a Freelancer career choice for those who are committed to their craft and willing to put in the effort required to succeed. Depending on their skills and experience, freelancers can work in a variety of fields and industries, including writing, design, marketing, programming, consulting, and more. Taking gradual steps toward building a freelance career by starting out part-time can help you confirm whether or not it’s right for you.
Freelance web development offers individuals the flexibility to work on their own terms and schedule while earning a competitive income. With the increasing demand for skilled web developers, freelance web development is an ideal career choice for those interested in technology and innovation. According to a 2020 Statista survey, 71% of U.S. freelancers say that their leading reason for doing freelance work is to have more flexibility in their schedules. When you have the power to decide on the types of projects you want to work on, you also have the power to envision and enact the type of schedule you want to work around those projects. Only take calls in the morning to make space for heads-down work in the afternoons? But, ultimately, freelancing empowers you to create the schedule—and lifestyle—that you want for yourself.
As a freelancer, you need to be able to motivate yourself to get the work done and manage your available time effectively. Irregular income means strictly budgeting your money to cover long-term foreseen and unforeseen expenses. This includes staying fit to avoid downtime due to illness, since you do not get any sick pay.
With more businesses moving online, the demand for skilled web developers who can create attractive and functional websites has increased significantly. Freelance web developers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining websites that meet client requirements. From creative industries like writing and graphic design to more technical areas like web development and digital marketing, there are countless opportunities available for freelancers. Since freelancers are responsible for finding their own clients and managing their own finances, it can be difficult to establish a steady income stream. Freelancers must also stay up-to-date with the latest trends and skills in their industry to remain competitive and relevant. One of the big draws of freelance work is the ability to set your own pricing rates.
When you’re a traditional employee, getting a customer to pay their invoice typically falls on a different department. As a freelancer, you risk working with clients who refuse to pay after you’ve completed the work. Freelancers need clear contracts and payment structures to protect themselves from customers who don’t pay promptly or refuse to pay. Freelance jobs offer independence that many career professionals long for. Not only would you be free of traditional offices and schedules, but you also can work alone, and for the most part, where you are most comfortable doing so.
You are not going to have regular contact with people in an office setting or sit in meetings with any co-workers—a major disadvantage for extroverts. If you want to spend time with other freelancers, you will need to seek out alternatives like networking opportunities or online communities. Although setting your own rates means you have control over charging what your work is actually worth, working freelance does not include a consistent salary like you might be used to on other jobs. Instead of anticipating the same biweekly or weekly salary, freelance forces you to budget without a set salary, and advocate for yourself when clients are behind on payments.
Clients looking for freelancers have a wide variety of project types and lengths. You could work on one project for two weeks, another for two months, and another on an ongoing basis. Freelancers experience many feelings, but boredom typically isn’t one of them. If you decide you’re interested in starting a freelance career, I recommend using Upwork to get started. That’s how I got my first few clients as a marketing consultant, and I still feel it’s the best freelance website. A wealth of resources, from specialized online courses offering certifications to vibrant online and offline communities, are readily available, supporting freelancers in building prosperous futures.
Freelancers must bear the cost of these expenses on their own, so it’s crucial to budget accordingly and stay organized with paperwork and receipts. When you work for a larger company, there are usually career ladders and paths toward advancement. Freelancers need to be more intentional in seeking opportunities that help them advance in their careers. Also, moving back into a traditional role can be challenging if you don’t structure your career in a way that translates well to recruiters and hiring managers. Freelancing may offer the flexibility to work when you want, but this also means that no set schedule or structure is required to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
What you can charge will vary depending on your services, experience, and customers, but generally, freelancers can charge anywhere between $10 – $75 per hour, and at times, even more. Positive word of mouth and good reviews can often be your best way to generate new work. By cultivating relationships with excellent customer service, you can start to develop an ongoing list of clients that will form a strong foundation for your growing business.
Overall, I feel the pros of freelancing outweigh the cons, but there are some small disadvantages and minor hassles that pop up when you decide to work as a freelancer, especially in your first year. Another downside to freelancing is that you’re responsible for some business management aspects that full-time employees in a company never have to worry about. I mentioned earlier that freelancers can make more money, and while this is true, they can also make a lot less money! I know freelancers who struggle to make even $1,000 to $2,000 per month because they take low-paying jobs. So coming up, we’re going to look at the pros and cons of freelancing to decide if it’s worth it for you. But for some, working as a freelancer and striving to build a successful business could lead to a much more satisfying work life.
Instead of working for a traditional set salary with the potential for only an annual increase or promotion, you can earn your own rates from multiple clients on your own terms. As you hone your skills and develop your reputation, you’ll also be empowered to raise your rates over time—there’s no ceiling to your income as a freelancer. As you can see from the freelance job listings on FlexJobs, a variety of companies, organizations, and government agencies hire freelancers.
Embrace these resources to illuminate your path in the vibrant world of freelance careers. One of the most significant advantages of freelancing is the ability to work independently while pursuing a career you’re passionate about. Freelancers can enjoy greater flexibility in their schedules and the freedom to choose what projects they work on. This can be especially beneficial for those who want to pursue other passions or have family obligations. They may also work on longer-form content like book manuscripts, whitepapers, or technical documentation.
Essentially, a freelance job is one where a person works for themselves, rather than for a company. While freelancers do take on contract work for companies and organizations, they are ultimately self-employed. Armed with honed skills, a robust network, and unwavering ambition, the potential for achievement as a freelancer knows no bounds. As the future shines brightly ahead, it’s time to set your dreams in motion and turn them into reality.
