Freelancing: how to start working for yourself

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Freelance: how do I start working for myself?

People leave the office for freelancing to not depend on management, to plan their own work schedule, and to earn a good income. The global pandemic of recent years has also increased the excitement about freelance work. According to statistics, the share of freelancers in the labor market rose to 36 percent in 2020. By comparison, in 2014, there were only 17% of freelancers.

Regardless of what guides you, before you start working for yourself, it's worth figuring out how to work on freelancing so successfully that you never want to return to the office.

What is freelance?

For anyone who is even slightly familiar with the English language, the word "freelance" is instantly associated with the concept of freedom. And this is not without reason because the literal translation of the English word freelance is "free spear" – as freelance warriors were called in the Middle Ages. As a rule, they were hired to perform short-term tasks, such as participating in a conquest or siege of a city.

Now this concept has been adapted to the modern realities of employment, although its essence remains unchanged. Nowadays, freelancing is a job that does not involve the official registration of an employee with the company. They can work from home on several projects simultaneously and adjust their earnings depending on the desired workload.

Who is suitable for freelancing?

At first glance, it may seem that freelance work is the limit of every sane person's dreams. After all, what could be better than a free schedule, lack of attachment to a noisy office, and unlimited income in addition? But not everything is clear: earnings on freelance will not suit everyone. Who, after all, can work independently?

A person who loves to be alone. Work in a team is not for them, they prefer to make their own decisions and be personally responsible for them.
Introvert. A person focused on their inner world, which does not need constant outside communication.
Independent active person. These qualities allow the freelancer to perform several functions: search for customers, negotiate with them, complete tasks, and manage financial matters.
A person who knows how to sell themselves. It is important for a freelancer not only to be a professional but also to be able to present themselves to the client so that they choose them.
Self-confident, self-sufficient person. The path of a freelancer is a challenging one. In the beginning, you will have to work in the sweat of your brow to create a portfolio, and then you may come across dishonest customers. And only confidence in your unconditional victory will help you become truly successful in the field of freelance services.

If you are not sure that all of the above is about you, it is better to give preference to the classic model of recruitment or the recently widespread outsourcing.

Freelance professions

Before we talk about the types of freelancing, we want to note that you should only do what you really like. After all, if you with all your soul hate, for example, graphic design, it will be very difficult to force yourself to take new orders every day, qualitatively perform them and pass them on time.

What freelance jobs are popular in 2022?

Freelancing is primarily associated with work on the Internet, although theoretically, you can work for yourself in any field. But in today's world, freelancers enjoy the following popular professions:

Software developers. Everyone, even small start-ups, needs their own software in the global era of digitization. But not all companies can afford to hire developers on staff or spend significant sums on outsourcing services. It is in such situations that freelancers enter the arena.
Graphic designers. This is the common name for all professions that involve working on images in one way or another. You can go into advertising graphics, design user interfaces, work with layouts in publicity, or design cool packaging. Whatever you choose, it's a great field for freelancing online.
Copywriter. There is a misconception that anyone can work with texts; the main thing is to have access to the Internet and typing skills. But what do freelance copywriters actually do? They must be able to write texts in different formats and know the basics of search engine optimization, analytics, and marketing. In a word, solve any client's problem with the word.
Text Editor. If total literacy is one of your undeniable advantages, and if you also have significant experience with various texts, you are on your way to the editorial department. This work may include not only proofreading and correcting finished texts but also their compliance with the terms of reference and checking the facts stated for accuracy.
SMM specialist. Promoting a company, product, or service on social media is very relevant nowadays because users spend 2.5 hours a day on social networks, and this figure is constantly growing. Social media marketing is waiting for you if you are attracted by non-stop communication with subscribers, filling your profile, and publishing posts.
SEO. If you know the basics of Internet marketing and can bring the customer's site to the first positions in search results (or want to learn how to do it), you can try your hand at SEO. Such specialists are also often hired for remote work, and with the accumulation of experience, there is an opportunity to conduct several projects to increase payment.

Choosing one of these professions for remote work or freelancing, you can count on the demand of modern employers and, accordingly, a gradual increase in income.

Pros and cons of freelancing

Deciding to try your hand at free hiring, don't be in a hurry to quit your main job right away; take a few trial orders. This type of employment may not suit you, because along with the obvious advantages, it has disadvantages that you cannot ignore.

Advantages of freelancing

No connection to the workplace. As a freelancer, you can work wherever you are. This means saving the time and money it takes to get to an office.
Ability to adjust the load. You can devote all your time to work this week, but next week you plan to take a mini-vacation and work only two days? That's not a problem in freelancing. Take a few orders now so you can rest later.
Chance for self-fulfillment. Many professions popular in freelancing do not require specialized higher education. Therefore, having a degree in education, you can retrain as a copywriter and realize your dream of a creative profession, which you can do from home.
Personal responsibility. You will no longer be responsible for the mistakes of the whole team: now, you are responsible only for your own mistakes. But this is only partly an advantage because every such defect in your work will mean a financial loss, and a remark from your boss is no longer an option.

Disadvantages of freelancing

Lack of stability. Even freelancers with years of experience cannot boast of regular wages. This month you may have a large-scale, high-paying job, and next month you may have nothing. We recommend that you don't quit your main job until you have a portfolio and regular clients.
Additional financial expenses. Yes, you can probably save money on transport. But what about expensive hardware and software, which companies provide to the employer, and freelancers have to buy on their own?
Irregular working hours. Only at first, it seems that a freelancer can regulate their own schedule. Many have to communicate with clients 24/7, especially if there is a time difference. And also to finish projects on weekends in order to meet deadlines and not damage their reputation.
Too many temptations. Sleeping in until noon, taking four days off a week, and walking to the fridge for the tenth time may seem ridiculous, but these are the problems most people who work from home face. So it's worth preparing yourself for the fact that freelance is, first and foremost, about iron self-discipline.

How to become a freelancer?

Are you sure you can perfectly organize your workday at home? Are you ready to settle for a low income at first? Then it's time to ask yourself another question: How do I start freelancing? The JOBITT team has prepared a few recommendations for freelance beginners.

Do self-study. You can attract customers with an extensive portfolio or with skills proven by courses, master classes, webinars, and intensives. In addition, to work remotely, you will need specific services, which you will also have to learn. We are talking about online editors, web services for hosting and developing IT projects, and other resources, depending on the direction of your activity.
Make the right connections. Attend themed events, get involved in online communities, and be active in forums. In short, make yourself known because every such contact can eventually become an order.
Choose a work format. Of course, if you are planning a one-time part-time job, there is no point in leaving the employing company. But if freelancing is to become the source of your main income, it is worth thinking about registering private entrepreneurship. Firstly, it is the law, and secondly, it will be more convenient for customers to pay you for your services.

Listening to these tips will greatly increase your chances of success as a freelancer and allow you to realize your dream of a life free of schedules, management orders, and cramped offices.

Where to look for clients?

Finding orders is one of the problems that beginner freelancers face. The main difficulty is that every freelancer is a versatile soldier who has to take care of their own employment, perform tasks and worry about payment. So, where do you look for freelance clients, and how to get started?

Freelancing exchanges. These are special sites where people publish offers of remote work. Their advantage is the steady flow of orders, and the work can be found for both experienced and novice specialists. Another advantage is relative safety. Such resources insure customers and performers for a small commission - the freelancer receives money only after successfully completing the order. True, this channel for finding clients has a drawback – the low level of payment. But for gaining experience, it is the best option.
Social networks and Telegram channels. In any social network, there are specialized communities where direct offers from customers are published. The rates here are considerably higher, and the orders are more serious. You can choose a long-term project or a one-time job.
Word-of-mouth marketing. This concept means voluntarily spreading the word about a product or service you like. After successfully completing several dozen projects, you can be sure that some of the satisfied customers will recommend you to their friends or colleagues. At the initial stage, you can independently search for orders through acquaintances.

Our main advice is not to give up if the orders have not flowed to you with a river from the first month of freelance hiring. Freelance is not easy, but persistence will pay off sooner or later.

How much do freelancers earn?

A freelancer's income depends on many factors: profession, experience, knowledge and skills, tools used, and even location of residence. Using data from popular platforms that specialize in freelance collaboration, we compared the average earnings of freelancers of the three most popular professions in Ukraine and the US.

Software Developer. In Ukraine, a specialist with experience earns up to $2,600 a month. American freelance programmers ask much more for their services – about $60 per hour, which is about $10,000 per month.
Graphic Designer. In the U.S., the cost of a designer's work per month is estimated at $6,400. In Ukraine, this figure is much lower – $1,000.
Copywriter. In the United States, an experienced copywriter can expect to earn about $4,800 per month. Ukrainian specialists for writing freelance texts earn an average of $1,000.

A high level of English language skills increases the chances of each freelancer earning a good salary. This allows freelancers to enter the international market and receive decent pay for their work.

How do freelancers file returns and pay taxes?

Earlier, we mentioned that if you plan to make freelancing your main source of income, you will have to register as a sole trader.

After officially registering their activities, freelancers will have to keep accounting records. You can do it independently, or you can enlist the help of a specialist. True, this will entail additional costs, which a novice worker cannot always afford.

Alternatively, you can use specialized accounting software. "Smart" software will monitor your income, calculate the necessary taxes, and even remind you when they need to be paid. But remember that such software also costs money, and you will have to learn how to use it.

To summarize

Everyone decides whether to work in a company or choose the path of freelancing. If you prefer freelance work - have patience, and luck is sure to smile on your face. If, after reading this material, you have concluded that freelancing is not for you, check out the list of jobs on our site. There is an offer for everyone!