Freelancing is one of the best ways to live your life. You set your own rates, work your own hours, and can complete your daily tasks from pretty much anywhere in the world, providing you have a decent internet connection. But if you’re just starting out on your freelancing journey, you’re likely to have a string of burning questions that you desperately want to be answered before diving in. So, here are twelve such questions that will help you learn more about life as a freelancer.
1. How much do freelancers get paid?
How much you get paid depends on your experience, clients, and workload. It also depends on what type of freelancing job you do. Freelance writers, for instance, can reasonably expect to get paid between $30 – $50 per hour, which presents an excellent earning opportunity.
2. Do I need any qualifications to become a freelancer?
The beauty of freelancing is that anyone can market their skills and look for clients. While a college degree isn’t necessarily a pre-requisite for successful gigsters, those with qualifications and credentials in their field are more likely to get work than those without. As such, if you’re serious about freelancing, consider investing in a professional qualification to boost your profile.
3. Can I work from any country in the world as a freelancer?
In theory, you can work as a freelancer from any country in the world. In reality, however, you need to consider entry requirements and visas. Some countries like Dubai, Portugal, and even Barbados, have introduced freelance visas in recent times, encouraging digital nomads to come and work away from home.
4. Who actually hires freelancers?
The market for freelancers is burgeoning. Freelancers are hired by small and medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, and even government agencies, depending on the type of work required. In short, there’s always a market for skilled freelancers to find paid work, so it’s a great time to enter the gig economy.
5. Do freelancers have to pay tax?
Yes! One of the downsides of working as a freelancer and becoming self-employed is submitting your own tax returns. Just because a company does not employ you, it doesn’t mean you can evade tax, so make sure you make a provision in your earnings for tax payments.
6. Can I set my own hours as a freelancer?
When deadlines are approaching, you will likely have to work hard to deliver your projects on time. But if you’re clever with your time management, you can set your own hours and work whenever you feel like it. Many freelancers stick to a traditional working pattern to make their lives easier, but it’s totally up to you how you set up your day!
7. Should I be a part- or full-time freelancer?
Some people begin their life as a freelancer by juggling their workload alongside a paid job. This is an excellent way of guaranteeing income while looking for clients and providing a safety net for budding freelancers. That being said, you might find that juggling two jobs at once is super tricky and time-consuming, so you might have to give up the daily grind to pursue your dream as a freelancer.
8. Is freelancing only a short-term job?
While it’s perfectly fine to work as a freelancer in the short term or while you’re between jobs, many people develop hugely successful careers for themselves as freelancers. The best way to start your life as a freelancer is to plan for the future, as it will help you win projects and secure long-term agreements with your clients.
9. Is it possible to travel while freelancing?
As we’ve alluded to, you can freelance from pretty much anywhere in the world. The digital nomad lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular, as people love the idea of working from remote beaches and tropical paradises. If you plan to travel while working, just make sure you have decent access to the internet and somewhere affordable to stay! The digital nomad lifestyle can quickly become expensive if you don’t plan it well.
10. How do I find clients as a freelancer?
The key to finding clients as a freelancer is ensuring your profile is optimized and professional. You need to convince your clients that you’re an expert in your field and are worth hiring. What’s more, as you complete your projects, be sure to develop your portfolio so you can share it with prospective clients. The more experienced you become, the easier it will be to find clients.
11. What’s the best way to set my prices as a freelancer?
When you’re new to the gig economy, one of the most challenging things is setting your prices. You don’t want to overprice yourself at first, as people won’t be willing to take a risk on you. Equally, you shouldn’t be too cheap, so your clients don’t take you seriously. The best thing to do is research your industry thoroughly, find out what other freelancers charge for their services, and mimic their offering. Of course, you can always adjust your prices as you progress to reflect your position in the market and the quality of your work.
12. Is working as a freelancer lonely?
In some respects, working as a freelancer can be lonely. You often have to spend hours every day in front of your computer screen, completing projects remotely for your clients. However, you can mix things up by working from shared workspaces and connecting with other freelancers on social media and other online platforms. Just because you work for yourself, it doesn’t mean you have to spend every day alone at home!
Final thoughts
We hope that these twelve freelancer FAQs have given you an excellent insight into the wonderful world of freelancing. While it’s not always plain sailing, there are more advantages to the life than disadvantages. The fact that you can work from pretty much anywhere in the world set your own prices and working hours, makes freelancing one of the most liberating ways in which to earn yourself a living.
