Want to become a freelancer? Join me and 70 million others who decided that joining the gig economy benefits them. Freelancing, whether full-time or part-time, provides flexibility in your work and uncapped income because you can do as little or as much as you like. Sounds sweet, right? It can be. When freelancers encourage others to do so, they highlight the positives, but some complexities of this line of work are off-putting and should be discussed more.
Patience Is Critical
Before embarking on my freelance journey, I harbored a misconception that my first clients would be my dream publications. Naively believed that after pitching to esteemed magazines like Essence and Teen Vogue, they would be captivated by my writing and eager to collaborate in the future. While optimism and confidence are valuable traits for freelancers, a dose of realism is equally essential to prepare for the inevitable rejections in this industry. It took me a year and a half of pitching before I was asked to be a contributing writer for Essence, and I have yet to write for Teen Vogue. Perseverance is needed to secure opportunities.
Contracts Won’t Just Fall In Your Lap
A foolproof strategy to land clients is to network. Connect with editors or those responsible for onboarding freelancers through platforms like LinkedIn or virtual and in-person media events. I landed a contributing writing gig by contacting an editor on Linkedin! Another option is following #pitchcalls on Twitter and Linkedin. Those can be a long shot due to the high competition, but it’s a valuable experience in crafting your pitch. Remember, networking is not just about getting work; it’s about building relationships that can open doors for you in the future.
Become A Master In Your Field
Enrolling in certificate courses is an effective way to achieve this; some certificates are also free. Almost every publication seeks someone who understands SEO, a certificate I wish I had gotten much earlier in my career. Since I ventured into writing without a journalism degree, I’m saving for a certificate in AP writing because that’s the style that publications use. Discover your weakest points and commit to enhancing them. You have to put in work before you even press send on a pitch. That’s the part people don’t discuss. You’re only compensated for the story you write, but there’s so much labor done on the backend leading up to doing so- and not for that much. It’s tough to freelance for a living, so do not be ashamed if you have to pick up supplemental income.
Freelancing Is A Mental And Emotional Marathon
Prioritize your health. I noticed a significant improvement in my work when I started taking care of my body, exercising regularly, and setting boundaries with myself. Along with therapy, these changes had a positive impact on my work. I noticed I had more time and focus to research, network, and engage in activities that would advance my freelancing career. Your health is your most valuable asset, and taking care of it will not only benefit your work but also your overall well-being.
Managing Your Finances
I can’t emphasize this enough: save 30% of your check. Uncle Sam will be coming to collect his check! Taxes are not taken from a freelancer’s pay, so it will be your responsibility to pay the government back during tax season. A safe amount experienced freelancers recommend is saving 20 – 30% of your income. I suggested hiring a tax professional and paying quarterly to avoid fees and mishaps since taxes are complex. If you’re freelancing full-time, health insurance is your responsibility, too (which is expensive in the United States), so you must stay on top of deadlines and payments. You operate as a business owner when you’re a freelancer, whether as a side hustle or full-time. Therefore, you have to adapt to that mindset. I have a Google folder for all invoices and contracts, and I use an Excel sheet from Etsy to track all received payments. Staying organized will do wonders.
There’s so much more to freelancing than just completing an assignment. Stay encouraged on this journey. Keep your head up, and your freelance dreams will come true in due time.