So you want to be a freelancer... ?
Surviving and thriving as a creative freelancer during the Great Resignation 🖥️
Right now, going freelance could be a smart and viable option for creatives. The pandemic and the Great Resignation have led to higher demand for freelancers – especially as companies struggle to find talent and fill open positions.
If you don’t know what the Great Resignation is all about, I recently wrote an article about it for YArooms! You can read it here.
Freelancing may give you more flexibility and get you out of the monotony of the office, but it still requires a lot of work. So how do you survive as a freelancer? With lots of (copy and) coffee, of course. And a few other tips...
Don’t spend money on (too many) useless things. You don’t need a co-working desk or office. There’s no reason to increase administrative costs if it isn’t necessary. The more you spend, the more you have to work – and accept jobs you wouldn’t otherwise. Think carefully before you increase your costs, even if WFH can sometimes be boring.
Separate your personal & business finances. If you’re a freelancer, you need to be clear about your income in relation to your expenses and taxes. Review your finances regularly (I know, not fun!) and see which areas have paid off the most... and pay more attention to them. Everything is trial and error, after all!
Don’t neglect marketing your business. Take time each day to improve your reputation. Whether you’re writing an article for your blog or a carousel for Instagram, treat the work you do for your brand the same way you treat the work you do for your clients. Share details about your current projects, so future clients can see your process and understand how you work.
Remember that time is money. You should treat freelance work like a business, because it is one. It's NOT a hobby, it's how you make a living. This change in mindset will give you the confidence to talk more openly about your business, and to stop lowering your prices. Always, always, always charge what you are worth.
Build on your strengths. We all have something unique that sets us apart from the competition, and we should use that to attract new clients. Often, it's not just your creative or technical skills, but your story and character that brings other people in. Why are you special? What makes you better than other freelancers?
Remember to take care of yourself. This might be a bit of a cliché, but it’s definitely worth mentioning. Burnout is a common term in the freelance community, and it’s no wonder (unfortunately). Make sure you take time off, not only to stay healthy and happy, but also to be more productive when you get back to work.
What are your best tips for looking after yourself as a freelancer? :)
Anca x