Ever felt the burnout of the 9 to 5 grind and yearned for the freedom of freelancing? 🕔 Many of us have. But before you dive in headfirst, it’s crucial to understand that freelancing isn’t all about endless flexibility, especially in that first year.
Let’s face the music today. When it comes to freelancing, your optimism can benefit from a grain of realism. I don’t mean to sound discouraging. But I think we need to balance the risks and benefits of freelancing so the freshers are aware of what they are getting into and prepare themselves accordingly.
Let’s talk about the 5 key concerns that often lurk behind the enticing pros of the freelance world. 💼
- Work Hours vs. Growth: It’s tempting to think freelancers choose their working hours and can take off whenever they choose to. The truth is that most freelancers work more than 8 hours in their first year. Working long hours is not a must, but if you are working part-time to set up your business, be prepared that it might take a while to see results. During my first year, I held a 4-hour work schedule (including weekends) because I had a newborn to take care of. But those hours were strategically designed for steady growth. Even though I clocked in fewer hours, I kept my inbox and LinkedIn messages on a leash, ready to pounce on opportunities with a speedy response. Efficiency and steadiness can be more impactful than sheer speed. 🏃
- Networking, An Introvert’s Challenge: Building a client base demands continuous meetings, pitching, and follow-ups. If you’re an introvert, this can be energy-draining. Personally, I used to need almost a half-hour break to recover from a one-hour meeting (sweating emoji). Back-to-back meetings were not my thing. Balancing time and energy in every facet of your business is key to making strides without burning out. ⏳
- Embracing Uncertainty: Brace yourself for an inconsistent workload and pay, especially at the outset. Before starting freelancing, when I quit my full-time work as a scientist, I made sure that I had enough savings to pay my bills for the next year. This saved me from panicking when I did not have any project to work on. I could focus on building the business model instead of worrying about the pennies. I could take on projects that would not pay much. In the first year, it’s probably better not to be too selective. Say yes to projects that come your way; they bring experience, recommendations, and referrals. 🌪️
- Self-Discipline: Freelancing liberates you from the 9 to 5 grind. You are free to do groceries on Monday mornings and work hard on Sunday nights as long as you deliver with quality on time. With no one bossing you around on progress and deadlines, you need strong self-discipline. Setting routines and boundaries becomes vital to prevent over or underworking. Your willpower got you here; now, it’ll guide you forward. 🗓️
- Not Total Freedom: Freelancing doesn’t always mean escaping the boss dynamic. You’ll have many “bosses” – your clients. Embrace this accountability; it toughens you up. While it might not be the escape from authority you envisioned, it’s a path of continuous growth and learning. After a few years in the field, you’ll likely have a wealth of clients and connections, free to choose with whom you work. 🤩 So, while working with many bosses, you’ll evolve into a boss yourself. 🕊️
Feel free to drop your questions in the comments. I’d love to share experiences and insights!
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