“Freelancing is tough. It may be very hard, in reality. It May wear people down, making them lose sight of whatever they utilized to love simply because they need to just do everything else to get by.” – Mason Hipp, The Unlimited Freelancer
Recently, a friend of mine switched to become a freelancer that is full-time. Although I’ve been hearing horror tales about the occupation, he had been on the list of fortunate people whom received a great gig simply a couple of weeks after stopping the day job that is usual. However, he also now has to take care of his benefits, manage his pay that is own go after clients who don’t meet their end of the bargain.
It seems like lots of frustration, however for numerous freelancers on the market, it is merely another at work day. Being the boss has its perks – the biggest of which is being able to own your time. Unlike people with jobs from 9 to 5, you decide who to work with and for how long. After that, you can either go on vacation OR take on another project.
As a tribute to all freelancers that are diligent there – including my friends – I compiled the very best issues they face within their selected career, along side easy methods to fight them.
#1. Bad Time Management
One of this simplest traps to belong to as soon as you become a freelancer is convinced that work-life balance will simply come obviously. In the end, you’re the employer now.
As No one is had by you to answer to but yourself, it can be tempting to take on one job after another. That you’re back where you started: slumped at your desk at 2AM in the morning, writing reports or picking web fonts until you realize. Whatever took place to work-life balance that is healthy? Shouldn’t that be easier now that you work alone?
Solution: A freelancer once said “work anywhere – except at home”. He could be right. It’s easy to drag your job anywhere you shouldn’t with you, even when. In the event that you enjoy work at home, remember to setup a place that is special’s similar to an office scenario. This should prep your brain into full focus.
Then when it’s time to logout, leave the space simply and make a move else. It may need a bit to have accustomed, however, if you would like that balance that is work-life badly, you’ll manage to break bad habits.
#2. Work Overload
Many freelancers choose their predisposition because they want absolute freedom in pursuing their passion.
Whether it’s writing, web design, or consulting, they can often work for hours while forgetting to eat. You out although it’s alright on occasion (after all, who doesn’t enjoy being busy at times), taking on too much tasks will eventually wear. Not just would you produce a high-stress environment you go back to problem number one.
It’s for yourself true that you won’t be earning much during your first weeks that are few a freelancer. But that doesn’t suggest you need to overbook your self in order to spend the lease.
Solution: Time-management is not the thing that is only need to master as a freelancer – but also budgeting skills. Take note of your expenses so you’ll know how much work you need to pay off bills (and have some for little pleasures, too). Choose from among the numerous mobile money management apps to easily keep track of your cash. If it gets too complicated, ask a friend for help.
#3. Late Payments from Clients
Almost – if not all freelancers that are this at least one time inside their professions. While alternative party platforms like Elance provide protection, you may still find some apples that are bad there. Aside from the hassle you get, now you need to take on more duties to cover for lost income.
Solution: Know how you can protect yourself early on. If you decide to work alone, prepare contract templates so all ongoing events have actually a written contract. Purchase expert advice that is legal you have to. Some freelancers advice on splitting payments based on the project’s progress (i.e. payment during startup, another one after mockups are delivered, and the final sum upon completion).
If a client still refuses to pay – and it’s too expensive it serve as a lesson for you to take legal action – let. It is possible to alert other freelancers about any of it specific client like the plague.
#4 so they can avoid him. Isolation
One of the greatest myths about freelancing is that, as you have more time on your hands, your calendar would be full of social events.
Definitely NOT true. You’re lucky if your friends are freelancers as well – but what are the odds? Most likely, your circle consists of average office employees who work when you don’t. While you can certainly spend all that free time scrolling through your Twitter Feed, in the run that is long that’s maybe not healthier for the eyes or your social life. Therefore irrespective of your animals, who can you communicate with about this exciting gig that is new landed?
Solution: Work hard but play hard. Remember that work-life balance you’re so eager to get? You can’t achieve that without healthy relationships. If your friends are all busy during weekdays, ask them to grab lunch or dinner with you instead.
Block certain holidays in the so you and your friends could all hang out together year. Take to solutions like Meetup.com to make the journey to understand people that are new your area. Visit your parents. Go to freelancing forums.
Once you become a freelancer, being productive while staying at home is going to be one of the challenges that are first have to over come. Anything you do, don’t restrict your self compared to that course involving the restaurant along with your apartment. You’re a freelancer now! The planet is the oyster.