Freelancing as a new way of life

These days, freelancing is becoming a more and more common practice because of the simple fact people get to ditch the routinely 9 to 17 schedule. In many studies, the freelancer market has shown rapid growth.

A freelancer is self-employed person offering services, usually to businesses and often to multiple clients at a time. The type of work freelancers do vary. Nearly every type of service a business would need could be provided by a freelancer including social media marketing, copywriting, writing articles and blog posts, web programming and design, creative works such as graphic design and bookkeeping.

There are 53 million people doing freelance work in the USA and that is 34% of the national workforce. Around 14,3 million are people who have full-time jobs but also perform freelancer tasks when time allows it (moonlighters) and another 9,3 million people who do freelancing in combination with part-time jobs.

80% of non-freelancers say they would be willing to do work outside their primary job to make more money. Earning extra money and schedule flexibility are the top drivers of freelancing. 69% of freelancers said technology has made it easier to find freelance work. 77% of freelancers say the best days are yet ahead for freelancing. 65% said freelancing as a career path is more respected today than it was three years ago. 36% of moonlighters who have a primary job have thought about quitting working completely independently.

By 2020 it is estimated that over 40% of the workforce available in America will be pursuing independent work.

There are a lot advantages of freelancing. Everyone can start even today. As long as person already knows the skill which plan to offer, getting started is simply a matter of finding the first client. This job is easy to start. It is possible right now, using network to find a client.

Also, it is affordable because everyone has the ability to provide the service with equipment or software they already has. Eventually there are possibilities to invest in business building tools, such as a website, but using LinkedIn (which is free) is a great online resume that can help for promoting service.

There is a high demand for help. While the marketplace of freelancers is competitive, the need for quality, reliable freelancers is growing. These days many businesses do not have employees and instead have a team of freelancers.

The good thing is choosing your own schedule. Work when and where you want and choose clients is absolutely great. While in the beginning freelancer may take any client that will hire them, as person grows they can choose not to take on difficult clients.

There are some disadvantages to freelancing too, including effort to build a steady clientele and getting enough clients to make freelancing something that supports freelancer. Also, work sometimes can be irregular, plus you need to plan for lean times and be ready to work hard to deliver work on-time when work is plentiful. Managing multiple clients and projects can be a challenge and pay may be low to start out because many people expect to pay less for work from a new freelancer. Breaking in with lower costs may be needed, but as quickly as possible seek to charge what you're worth and find clients willing to pay for quality.

Getting started as a freelancer is pretty easy. You just need to visit one of the freelance sites to find work, and networking with your current sphere of influence to find your first client.

Firstly, you should decide what you will offer, including writing, web design, graphic design, photography, marketing, social media management, bookkeeping and more. Then you need to determine your target market. Decide if you are specialized within a specific niche of your service or within a specific market. Create an online portfolio. Start at LinkedIn, a social network all about career networking. Build a profile that promotes the benefits you have to offer. Consider setting up a website too. You should set your prices. Make sure you charge enough to cover your overhead, time to do the work, as well as to earn a living.

Start reaching out to find clients. Consider using a freelance site such as freelancer.com or up work to find work. While they pay less than you want, it can be a great way to get experience and referrals.

Freelancing is a fast and affordable way to get started working as your own boss from home. With that said success comes from those who plan their business and deliver high quality work.