Freelancing is a term used to describe work performed by independent contractors who work for themselves instead of seeking employment at a company. While online freelancing is not limited to any particular kind of industry, it is especially popular among writers, editors, graphic designers, software developers, website builders, and others that work online.
Be Your Own Boss
Freelancing offers individuals the chance to be their own boss instead of having to work for someone else at a job they may not even enjoy. Most freelancers work at a job that they truly enjoy, doing something that is truly meaningful to them. Instead of having a steady paycheck, though, freelancers must find their own clients who are willing to pay them for their work. Before the Internet, this could take some time; however, Internet freelancers can often find work the same day they look for it.
Work from Home
One of the biggest perks freelancers enjoy is the ability to work from home. This is especially appealing to those who have young children at home to care for; working at home eliminates the need for daycare or babysitters, at least most of the time. Freelancers come from all walks of life, though. Those who are married, single, young, old, male, female, those with children, and those who do not have children all enjoy freelancing in one capacity or another. Some freelancers just want or need to earn a little extra money; others freelance on a full-time basis and make a living this way.
No Degree? No Problem!
Much of the time, freelancers can do the work they love regardless of the amount of prior experience or education. In order to be awarded most freelance assignments, individuals will have to present samples or even a portfolio to the potential clients. If the client likes what he sees and the price is right, the freelancer will have a good chance of getting the job. Do a good job the first time and you will soon have repeat business.
Conversely, in the brick and mortar world, there are often strict experience or educational requirements that can keep you from getting the job of your dreams regardless of how good your work is. Freelancing is one of the few jobs where workers are judged almost entirely on merit. Of course, in order to present an attractive portfolio and worthwhile samples, freelancers will have to know their craft quite well. Still, it is a relief to many freelancers to be judged solely on their own ability and talents.
Say No to Drudgery
Freelancing does offer a lot of perks and one of them is that you really don't have to do any of the jobs you don't want to. Imagine telling that to your present or former boss! Most likely, you would be out the door on your ear if you refused to do any of the tasks that just didn't appeal to you. The beauty of freelancing, though, is that you can take on only the jobs that you truly want to and either don't apply for or politely decline the rest.
Freelancers have perhaps the lowest start-up costs of any business enterprise known to man. After all, most freelancers don't have to worry about inventory and since most freelancers work from home, they don't have to rent or buy a business location. In addition, most freelancers already have some experience in their chosen occupation; some of them have already been doing their proposed freelance work, either as a hobby or to supplement their income. So what kind of start-up costs do most freelancers have to consider in order to hang out their own shingle?
Online Freelancing Requires a Computer
Technically, you could go to the public library, but let's get real. Public libraries have business hours that are not exactly conducive to freelancers and even then, the restrictions imposed won't help you get ahead either. Save the library's computer for emergencies and invest in one of your own if you don't already have one. Most likely, you're going to need specific programs, either now or in the future that you won't find on public computers so before you can even think seriously about freelancing, you'll need your own computer.
That's not to say that you're going to have to purchase expensive software, or hardware, for that matter, to do your job. In most cases, you won't need all the bells and whistles but you will need a computer with plenty of RAM and a good sized hard drive. Many of the programs you may use in your freelance business can be found free online, depending upon your area of expertise. However, the more specialized your services are, the more specialized your tools will need to be. For example, graphic designers will need tools that writers won't need and photographers will need software that other experts won't need.
Buy Only What You Really Need at First
While it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of being your own boss, it can take a while to generate freelancing income at first so don't go crazy getting set up in your new business. If you're considering becoming a freelance photographer, for instance, you probably already have a camera. If you don't, you may not have the experience required to freelance anyway so don't jump off the deep end and buy expensive camera equipment to start a business doing something you have no intimate knowledge about.
Don't go Crazy Buying Office Supplies
Freelancers who work online need minimal office supplies. Sure, you need a computer and a printer, pens, paper, and file folders, but keep it simple. Don't buy out the office supply store before you've made your first dime. Chances are, you probably already have most of what you need. Depending on your area of freelancing, you may need more specialized supplies but make sure you really need them before you lay out money you might need to spend for groceries.
Take it easy on the books too. Although books are my first love, well almost, they can be expensive. If you're freelancing as a writer, save that $50 dictionary purchase for when you can really afford it and in the meantime, use the free online dictionaries and other free resources.
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