As you transition from a full-time role into life as a freelancer, you will undoubtedly have a heap of unanswered questions, some of which you’re too embarrassed to ask! So, to save you from some awkward conversations and to ensure you have the information you need to get started, we answer eight frequently asked questions about the freelancing life that you probably didn’t want to ask us!
How do I get started as a freelancer?
Let’s start at the beginning. When you’re entering the freelance lifestyle for the first time, it can be difficult to know where to start. But the truth is that you can find clients armed with a PC and internet connection, providing you know where to look! As soon as you’ve decided on the service that you’re going to offer your clients, launch your profile on RadialHub and start marketing yourself. You will be amazed at how quickly you will find clients.
Do I need to work for free at the start?
This is a tough one to answer, but we don’t encourage working for free. It’s better to price yourself a little on the cheap side and to at least be remunerated for the time you spend on your projects. Working for free for clients that you don’t know is exploitative and something you should avoid. While doing the odd job for family and friends at the start is okay, be confident in your ability and charge what you think is fair for your time.
Should I quit my job?
This one is entirely up to you. Some freelancers start their careers as a side hustle, while others jump into the deep end and cut all ties with their current jobs to work on their freelancing endeavours full time. You really have to make this decision depending on your circumstances. If you have enough money in the bank and won’t put yourself under financial pressure by quitting your job, then go for it! But if you need the financial security of a salaried role while you look for new clients, it’s best to start freelancing in your spare time.
Will I find enough clients to support my livelihood?
New freelancers are often anxious about finding clients, which is understandable. After all, when you enter an industry for the first time, it’s daunting and difficult to know where your work will come from. But as you win your first few clients and deliver exceptional work, you will find that a snowball effect occurs. The more you deliver great work and receive positive feedback, the more clients will come your way.
Can I really set my own hours?
Yes! One of the most liberating things about being a freelancer is the fact that you can work whenever you like. But we always urge caution when you’re deciding when and how often to work. Just because you can work whenever you like, it doesn’t mean you necessarily should. Failing to set office hours and thinking that you can work at any time of the day or night will lead you to work too much and will cause you to burn out. Make sure you consider how much you want to work and set your office hours accordingly.
How much does the average freelancer earn?
Although there are so many things to take into account, the average earnings for freelancers in North America currently sit around the $20 per hour mark. But you can reasonably expect to increase your earnings as you become more experienced and boost your skills. One of the most attractive things about freelancing is that the sky is very much the limit, and you can build your business beyond your wildest dreams!
How do I find help to run my freelance business?
There’s a common misconception that working as a freelancer means you’re totally alone. But in reality, help is only a click away! As you will soon discover, you will be responsible for your accounts, finances, marketing, and administration. And as your client base grows, so do the demands on your time. Consider searching on RadialHub for accountants and personal assistants who can support you to work more efficiently and ultimately help you run your freelancing business.
I want to travel while freelancing – Is it possible?
It might not have escaped your attention that the digital nomad lifestyle is taking the world by storm right now! Providing you have a stable internet connection and a laptop, you can work from pretty much anywhere in the world. But if you plan to work as a freelancer while you’re on the road, just be sure to lay your plans well in advance to ensure that you’re able to work and deliver your projects ahead of the agreed deadlines.
Final Thoughts
We hope that we’ve answered some of your questions about freelancing and that you’re now in a position to dive in and get started! The world is very much your oyster as a freelancer, so get started today and enjoy the liberation of being your own boss and setting your own working schedule!
