Why Do People Switch to Freelancing?
During the pandemic, many employees transitioned to remote work and experienced both its advantages and challenges. There are many reasons why professionals choose freelancing, including:
- Family commitments. You may need to be at home during certain hours, which is incompatible with a traditional office job.
- Flexibility. The ability to set your own workload and schedule.
- Workplace stress. Perhaps you need a break from constant social interactions and want to work independently.
- Career change. Online education provides opportunities to learn new, in-demand skills, making a career shift more accessible.
- Avoiding commute time. Instead of spending hours traveling to and from work, you can use that time for family, relaxation, or self-development.
There are countless reasons for switching to freelancing, but one of its biggest advantages is the absence of a boss. As a freelancer, you find your own projects and decide how much work to take on.
First Steps in Freelancing
If you've never worked remotely or have only completed tasks assigned by an employer, starting as a freelancer may seem daunting. Here are some key steps to get started:
- Assess your skills. Identify areas where you have expertise. Perhaps you excel in writing advertising copy, handling accounting records, or translating languages. Even if you don't have specialized skills, your everyday abilities may still be valuable to potential clients.
- Inform your network. Let friends and acquaintances know what services you offer. Your first clients might come from your personal connections.
- Register on freelance platforms. Freelance marketplaces are crucial for gaining experience, building a reputation, and earning initial income. Before registering, consider the following factors:
- Is there a monthly fee to use the platform?
- What percentage commission does the platform charge freelancers?
- What is the average pay for tasks? Some platforms undervalue even complex work, forcing freelancers to accept low wages.
- Is the platform interface user-friendly?
- Does the platform offer a wide variety of projects and industries?
- Build your reputation and rating. Initially, you may need to take on low-paying projects. If you complete them diligently, clients will leave positive reviews, boosting your credibility for future employers. High-value projects are rarely awarded to freelancers without portfolios or ratings.
- Create a portfolio. Before showcasing completed work publicly, obtain permission from the client. Keep in mind that once a project is completed, the rights to the work usually belong to the employer.
Over time, as you establish a strong reputation, you can develop a base of repeat clients who offer well-paid and consistent work.
Which Freelance Platform Should You Start With?
In the beginning, it's a good idea to sign up on multiple freelance platforms and apply for all relevant projects. However, not all clients are willing to hire beginners. Here are some of the most popular and beginner-friendly platforms:
- work-zilla.com. A wide range of tasks in different fields. Requires a monthly subscription fee. Freelancer commission: 15% per project.
- etxt.ru. A platform focused on content writing. Beginner rates for copywriting and rewriting are quite low, and it takes time to build a strong rating.
- instado.com. A great option for both experienced and beginner freelancers. Offers diverse projects, low freelancer commission, and an easy-to-use interface for communicating with clients.
Freelancing, like any career, requires effort to build a reputation and prove your expertise. Once you've established yourself, you can secure long-term clients who value your work and offer exciting projects.
