Becoming a Freelancer.

Freelancer or Freelance worker are terms commonly used for a person who is self-employed and is not necessarily committed to a particular employer long-term.

Working from home

Becoming a Freelancer is not as easy as most people would think.

I don't have the experience for this.

I don't have the skills to become a freelancer. I don't have the system required for this kind of work. I don't have a laptop/desktop.

are just some of the things you would typically hear or read from persons who is thinking of going for this kind of change in their career.

But what do we really know about becoming a Freelancer and how do we make that change from the corporate career to just staying at home and still earning for a living?

Well, I, for one, think that in this day and age, especially here in the Philippines where I live where heavy traffic is a daily occurrence, becoming a Freelancer is an affordable opportunity to start earning an income by offering your services for a fee.

It is a form of self-employment where you can enjoy the benefits of earning in the comfort of your own home.

So first off, why would you want to freelance? There are several pros and cons in this transition and it's up to you to decide what works for you. Here are a few reasons why it will work for you or otherwise.

The pros:

You can do this on the side, even if you have a full-time job so you can earn something extra for savings or pay off debts.

It's affordable if you already have the equipment or skills to do the job.

You get to be with your family (if you have kids)

You don't have to travel long distances and pay for travel to get to your office.

You don't need to dress in office attire during work hours.

Greater independence

Freedom to choose jobs with a flexible schedule or a schedule that will fit you and your client's needs.

Unlimited earning potential

The cons:

No company-sponsored benefits (depends on the Client you will be working for)

Inconsistent work and cash flow

Hustling for new gigs

Juggling between multiple clients

No one to back you up when you get sick

No retirement fund

Should I stay or should I go?

Now for those who still want to shift careers after weighing their options, The next question you would ask yourself is how do you get started?

To be a Freelancer, you need to have a skill you can offer to potential clients. It can be from previous employment experience but think of ways on how that specific skill can be applied in a virtual setup.

Set up your workstation. Make sure you invest in a laptop or desktop that can accommodate the software or app that the Client would require to ensure that the apps runs smoothly. Nowadays, clients require a system check to see if the equipment will be the right fit for their job post.

Update your Resume and Cover Letter.

You can also make a website where you can showcase your skills, talents, and services that you can offer to potential clients. Include portfolios of your work and testimonials.

If all else fails, UPSKILL! If you've covered the basics but can't seem to land a client. The next best thing to do is to enroll yourself in online classes to learn more about what kind of skills are needed for you to land a position in the virtual world.

So how do you find work?

There are many freelance sites to find work including UPWORK, Onlinejobsph.

Always remember that patience is a virtue and success doesn't come overnight. So hang in there and don't stop learning!

SHOW ME THE MONEY!

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