Readers like you help support MUO. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More. Are you ready to start a full-time freelance career? Freelancing can be scary, especially if you’re used to a regular income and schedule. But freelancing is also one of the most fulfilling and lucrative jobs today. Consider these factors if you’re still on the fence about starting a freelance career. 1. You Know the Role You Want to Pursue Freelancing is a broad field. For instance, you might want to become a writer. But will you focus on SEO content, copywriting, ebooks, email, white papers, grant writing, or blogs? Let’s say you decide to become a blogger. You’ll still have to consider the best blogging niches for beginners . Knowing the role you want will help ensure a consistent flow of income as a freelancer . You can market yourself better and dedicate your time to professional growth in a specific industry. It will also be easier for clients to find you, since people usually search for particular services online. Don’t worry, as your chosen role is not set in stone. As you gain experience, it’s natural to go through career transitions. A news release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that changing careers is natural, with individuals holding an average of 12.4 jobs from ages 18 to 54. Next Steps: If you’re unsure of the niche or role to focus on, you won’t have to look far. What’s your job experience? Which tasks do you enjoy the most? Focus on the things you can do well, and you’re interested in doing. If you want to explore other roles, dip your toes into the ones you find most interesting. Browse the best places to find freelance work , like Upwork and Fiverr; join freelancing groups on Facebook; and go through a free online course. 2. You Have Both Hard Skills and Soft Skills Freelancing is very similar to running a business. You’ll have to do the heavy lifting yourself. Who will answer the client inquiries, do the bookkeeping, market on social media, and look for leads? You can outsource some of these. But if you’re starting, the most obvious answer is you. That said, you’d have to arm yourself with hard and soft skills. Excellent verbal and written communication, time management, customer service, creative thinking, project management, and digital marketing skills are must-haves if you want to succeed as a freelancer. Next Steps: Note the underrated soft skills you can practice online . Soft skills like active listening and presentation don’t get much attention since most focus on gaining hard skills. However, if you want to land and retain clients, you need both. 3. You Have a Dedicated Workspace and Equipment One of the best perks of being a freelancer is working from anywhere. However, make sure that your workplace helps you get your work done. An article on Forbes shows that office space […]
