Truths about Full-time Freelancing Life
As I mentioned early on in this series,
a career as a freelancer is not right for everyone.
Last time, I told you 3 skills that would make you a better freelancer.
This time around, I've put together a few more details you should know about.
Think of these details as the "fine print" associated with a freelancing career.
Knowing the fine print doesn't mean the offer isn't great;
it just means there are conditions attached to the deal.
In no particular order you should know that:
1. Life as a freelancer is lonely.
Your typical work day will consist of turning on your computer,
deciding what you're going to work on that day,
and doing the necessary work.
That's not really any different than what you'd do if you worked for someone else.
But what is different is that there won't be anyone around to bounce ideas off,
or to talk about last night's game, or to cover for you if you're sick.
Some people don't care about being alone.
In fact, they prefer life that way. If you enjoy company then make sure you regularly
schedule time to get together with friends and family.
2. Freelance paycheck amounts will always vary.
Some weeks you're going to have a whopper but other weeks,
you might not make enough to fill your tank with gas.
Not knowing how much you have coming in can make it difficult to obtain credit or plan for large purchases like a new car or a new kitchen.
When you're a freelancer, you've got to save as much money as you can, when you can.
That way if you're short one week,
you won't worry whether or not you'll be able to make the mortgage payment.
3. There won't be paid time off or other company benefits.
When you decide to take the freelancing route you can say good-bye
to paid time off and other "company" benefits.
If you think 2 weeks of paid vacation is a paltry amount you should know that it's better than what you'll get as a freelancer which is ZERO!
You don't work, you don't get paid.
You'll also have to find your own health insurance.
IF you can find it, don't be shocked at how much it costs!
4. It's ALL up to you.
You and only you will make your cash register ring.
And that means every day you have to look for new work.
Of course, then you have to do the work to the best of your abilities.
You have to get paid too and unfortunately there may be times when you'll have to chase your clients like a bill collector.
You need to sign checks, answer phone calls and email,
clean your office, buy your own tools, and everything else your former coworkers did around the office.
5. Leaving work "at the office" will lose its meaning.
The line between "work" and "home"
definitely becomes blurred when you work at home as a freelancer!
If everything you've read so far hasn't scared you off,
then get ready for the next article because that's where I tell you about a pretty easy way to find a steady supply of freelance work! |
