Freelancing is an in-thing these days
The workforce today is slowly moving towards the gig economy, which is made up of innumerable freelance workers from different niches. Currently, freelancers represent one quarter of the global workforce.
However, this figure is expected to rise by up to 40% by 2025. In fact, 40% of CEOs intend to outsource certain roles and responsibilities to freelancers (Source).
There are many professionals out there who wish to break from the rut race that defines today’s corporate world. They wish for more freedom to express their ideas and look for a more fulfilling work-life balance. For them, the traditional 9-to-5 job has become a lifestyle for paying the bills, without getting the appreciation and satisfaction they deserve.
Freelancing has become the go-to option for these professionals who hail from different disciplines. These include copywriters, graphic designers, marketing and PR professionals, journalists, web developers, filmmakers, illustrators, editors and videographers.
However, just like any other full-time business, you should know that freelancing comes with its own set of challenges and risks. Freelance workers may knowingly or unknowingly be negligent while providing their services. As a result, their client or a member of the public may suffer some sort of injury or damage, something that makes a lawsuit inevitable.
When that happens, freelancers may have to pay hefty compensation to the plaintiffs and suffer a huge monetary loss as a result. This is when they need to have Public Liability Insurance for Sole Traders, which covers legal expenses and compensation costs.
How to work on freelancing gigs?
It’s true that freelancing gives the much-needed creative freedom and the flexibility to be your own master. But it does demand some degree of organisation skills to keep you on track. Below are some tips that you can follow to unleash your potential as a freelance professional:
1. Create a routine and stick to it
Just because you have the flexibility to work as and when you want does not mean that you get stuck with your freelance gig round the clock. There will be times when you have so many lucrative projects in your kitty that you don’t know how to manage your time while finishing them. This is when you need to create a routine to strike a balance between your work and personal lives.
By creating a routine, you will be able to space out your freelancing tasks and your personal commitments in a much more productive fashion. Your routine should optimise your focus and creativity so that you can give your 100% to both your work and leisure activities. For example, if you feel more productive and energetic in the morning, try finishing all your work during these hours. Doing so will not hamper the quality of the work you deliver to your clients.
2. Know your limitations
You may be an expert in your discipline be it writing, videography, graphic designing or any other career pursuit. However, that does not mean you should bite off more than you can chew. Most freelance workers tend to make the mistake of taking on work more than they can handle. This leads them to compromise heavily on the quality of their work and their personal life.
So, if you are freelancing, it’s imperative for you to know how much you can handle at a time. Money is important, especially if you make a living by freelancing but you also need to know your personal bandwidth. Taking on multiple projects at a time will only drain out energy and ultimately, affect your physical and mental well-being.
3. Invest in technology
There was a time when freelance workers had to keep track of all their projects manually but that has completely changed now thanks to the project management software available in the marketplace. These tools are great for those professionals who have many responsibilities and work on many freelancing gigs at a time.
You should invest in a project management tool that lets you keep track of your various tasks, project deadlines and related resources. The best part of these tools is that they enable you to collaborate with your clients, meaning you don’t need a separate conversation platform. These tools can help you save time, energy and keep your clients in the loop always.
4. Learn to relax
Lastly, you should know that freelancing can get hectic at times. Since you are pursuing your projects alone, it’s natural for you to feel tired. Creative block is something that most freelance professionals, especially writers and artists, struggle with regularly. Your routine may space out your work and personal tasks but you will also have to listen to your body.
The key to overcoming mental blocks lies in practising relaxation techniques. Many creative professionals tout yoga and mindfulness meditation. You should also consider slipping in these activities in your daily routine to keep your body and mind in proper shape. Surely, these activities can help you rejuvenate and regain your productivity.
The above are some of the many tips that you can follow to keep yourself on track while freelancing. If you remain committed to your gig and strike a balance between your work and professional lives, you are sure to get a rewarding experience.
