If you\u2019re new to the world of freelancing, you\u2019re probably wondering what life as a self-employed gigster is really like. The funny thing about freelance work or freelancing is that everyone\u2019s experience is slightly different, making it hard to generalize.<\/p>\n
But because the reality of life as a freelancer is often different from people\u2019s expectations, we\u2019ve decided to set the record straight. Are you ready to find out what freelancing<\/a> is really like? Here we go.<\/p>\n Thanks to sensationalized media reports about the odd person who quit their office job and made X amount of money from freelancing<\/a> in 12 months, people think that joining the gig economy is their passport to incredible wealth. However, for the vast majority, the reality is markedly different.<\/p>\n According to\u00a0Zip Recruiter<\/a>, the average freelancer picks up $67,000 per year. But it typically takes months or even years to develop your client base sufficiently to reap the true rewards of your labour. While the earning potential for freelancers<\/a> is attractive, don\u2019t expect to become wealthy overnight.<\/p>\n In some respects, this expectation is legit. As a freelancer<\/a>, you don\u2019t have to work 9-5 if you don\u2019t want to. However, lazing in bed all morning and neglecting a standard work pattern is certainly not a smart move for your freelancing<\/a> career.<\/p>\n Whether you work from 9-5, 7-12, 2-9, it doesn\u2019t matter. The crucial thing is that you have a work pattern and stick to it. As a freelancer<\/a>, you need to establish office hours and manage your time appropriately. Failing to do so means you will struggle to meet deadlines, which in turn will lose you clients.<\/p>\n Again, this expectation is grounded in a partial truth. As a freelancer<\/a>, you don\u2019t have a boss. You can work your own hours, take on projects that you like, and charge your own rates. But don\u2019t get carried away with your independence, as you need to keep your clients happy.<\/p>\n In some respects, it\u2019s helpful for freelancers<\/a> to view their clients as their bosses. You will quickly learn that you need to go above and beyond to please your clients, and although you\u2019re not beholden to their every request, they still pay your wages! You need to be professional, polite and dedicated, or your clients will look elsewhere.<\/p>\n Another attractive aspect of the freelancer<\/a> life is that you can avoid workplace politics and all the associated BS. And swapping the office cubicle for a home office is truly liberating. But it\u2019s not necessarily always as perky as you might expect.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve never worked on your own before, you will be surprised at how different it is. There\u2019s nobody around to distract you, but there\u2019s also nobody there to motivate or inspire you. What\u2019s more, sitting in front of your computer screen every day can get super lonely, so if you\u2019re a natural extrovert, you might struggle to adapt to the solo aspect of life as a freelancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n Some freelancers<\/a> fall into the misapprehension of assuming that landing a few initial clients sets them up for life in their niche. Overconfidence can lead to complacency, which in turn results in a drop in your standards.<\/p>\n Yes, you should celebrate your early successes, but be aware that to succeed as a freelancer<\/a>, in the long run, you need to be open-minded, hardworking, and adaptable. The world \u2013 and your clients \u2013 are constantly changing. If you\u2019re not willing to adapt and meet these changes head-on, you will get left behind as a freelancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n At RadialHub, we truly believe that life as a freelancer is one of the best ways to earn<\/a> a living, regardless of your niche. But we also want to urge you to be measured with your expectations and be realistic about what to expect.<\/p>\nExpectation #1: I will be a millionaire in a year!\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Reality #1: It will take time to build a portfolio of clients and earn decent money.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Expectation #2: I don\u2019t need to work 9-5! Hello, breakfast in bed\u2026\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Reality #2: A dedicated work pattern is crucial to freelancing success.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Expectation #3: I\u2019m a free spirit; I don\u2019t answer to anyone!\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Reality #3: You answer to your clients.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Expectation #4: Working alone means no more workplace BS. I can\u2019t wait!\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Reality #4: Working alone can be, well, lonely!\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Expectation #5: Hold my beer; I\u2019m set for life as a freelancer!\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Reality #5: You need to work exceptionally hard to adapt, improve, and meet your client\u2019s ever-changing needs.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Final thoughts\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n