Debunk these myths to 10x your freelancing journey.
“Freelancing” seems to be the fancy word for those who are either stuck with a boring job or getting crushed under the thumb of a tyrannical boss.
However, freelancing is just a road with roses.
Unfortunately, like roses, freelance life has its thorny side and issues you’ll soon find.
I’m not an expert and still learning like a newbie.
But, In this blog, I have shared all lessons and things I’ve learned so far. And if you are aware of these myths and facts about freelancing, it can speed up your journey.
This blog helps you check the reality of freelancing so that you can decide whether it is for you or not.
I’ve also shared some harsh truths about freelancing, which can oppose some people.
But, as I said, what I’ve learned from my freelancing journey. However, I can assure this blog can do wonders in your freelancing career if you’ll take action.
Can you promise me that?
Yes?
Amazing!
Let’s get started.
Myths about freelancing
English doesn’t matter.
The biggest lie you can ever hear in freelancing is- you don’t need to be good at English.
However, What I believe, from written to spoken English, from a simple text message to speaking in meetings, you’ll be judged everywhere unless you’re not writing in the English language.
Therefore, ignore those who are selling lies and improve your English and skills.
You’re the boss
You’ve heard this many times that you’re your boss in freelancing.
But, this doesn’t mean you can do what you want.
The reality is that a freelancer is as much answerable to the client as an employee- to deliver expected quality work and stick to deadlines.
Yes, you can work from anywhere and anytime; this is all you’ve.
No job security
Basically, In this current economic climate, there is no job security.
You’re probably mistaken if you think a full-time job is more secure than freelancing.
Even if there is a downturn, it has a minor effect on freelancing as you only have to juggle to find clients from different industries and places.
Not enough pay to make a living
You’ll have no fixed salary at the end of every month while freelancing.
But, as long as you’re putting your efforts into grabbing new skills, networking, marketing, and pitching enough clients consistently, there is no chance money will be an issue.
However, it doesn’t mean that you’ll start earning enough from the very beginning.
So, if you’re planning to quit your 9–5 job and start freelancing, make sure you’ve enough money for the next 3–6 months.
Finding a client/work is stressful.
Most people believe that networking is the first step to getting clients.
However, the truth is there are so many online working portals and social media platforms like fiver, Upwork, Linkedin, Twitter, and Facebook, through which you can find work easily.
All you need to worry about is having a skill for which you can pay. Hence, start building skills from the day first and be consistent.
Work isn’t challenging.
One of the biggest misconceptions people have is that freelancing is easy.
However, it’s no less serious work than what you do full-time.
It requires to have skills, networking, building a portfolio, and finding clients.
And, it isn’t easy to understand the client’s requirements, adhere to their guidelines and deliver the expected results.
The fact you must know about freelancing.
Achieving a work-life balance can be tricky.
Freelancing is also known as Solopreneurship; hence, it’s no less challenging than entrepreneurship.
You can’t expect a work-life balance, especially in the initial stage of freelancing.
Juggling multiple tasks and clients can be difficult.
You’ll need to put in the extra effort to get your business up and running; hence, be ready to compromise balancing work-life.
It’s all dreamy
Another fact people unaware of is working from home while sitting on a comfortable couch and earning money are all seems to be a dream.
However, this will be pretty challenging as it can make you feel lazy, and sometimes having no superior leads to demotivated and difficulty pushing yourself in certain situations.
Networking can be optional.
I personally believe that connecting with the right people can pave your freelancing career.
Taking guidance from pro-freelancers is like taking help from Google Maps. It not only helps to know the step-by-step process but also avoids pitfalls.
You can start building personal branding and networking with people on platforms like Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Showcase on these platforms will help you to get outbound leads. So, use these platforms to show your expertise and tell people you’re available to do “X” service.
It can be stressful
Freelancing is less stressful than a full-time job.
If you have this thought behind, start freelancing. Then my friend,
Let me stop you right here.
Like any other job, freelancing has roadblocks like late night work, delayed payments, urgent deadlines, and difficult clients.
To lower the complications or stress, sign a contract with the client about the task requirements and ask for 50–100% advance before starting work for the client.
Resource: I’ll suggest you use refrens to make invoices.
Self-discipline can be challenging.
You can imagine,
How challenging it’d be if there are no CEO, Directors, and managers in the company over the employees.
Where employees have all freedom to do anything at any time. You got it. The company will no longer be run if it can do so.
Similarly, It is as challenging when there is no head above you. Maintaining discipline and hard work is required to keep forward in freelancing.
You can be accountable for your schedule with your parents, friends, or partner to resolve this problem.
Rejections are aplenty
It is hard to come out from rejections, but it’s a part of freelancing.
It’s important to understand that every business has different requirements and budgets, and you can’t be the best fit for every client and vice versa.
However, you may have them less often once you have been a thorough professional at the outset.
Hence, I’d say ignore rejections like trees shed dry leaves and grow new green leaves.
Personal branding is a must.
Don’t believe in myths like personal branding can be ignorable.
But, before starting, let’s understand why it is needed.
Think what if popular brands don’t advertise or market themselves? They are neither known to you, nor you can buy their products and services online.
Similar way, how can people get to know about your service if you don’t market yourself?
Thus, I’d recommend falling in love with the “publish” button, and money will follow you.
Landing clients can be tricky.
Many people sell their course by saying, “Get your first client.”
Freelancing doesn’t smooth after you get your first client. Apparently, it’s challenging to keep getting clients.
But once you get some experience and procedure to find clients, it may ease the process.
You can get clients on freelancing sites like Upwork and fiver. And pitch directly on social media platforms like Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.
Portfolios are everything
Portfolios are the mock samples you need to show your clients to get them ideas about your skills.
Don’t miss the opportunity to woo your potential clients with a fantastic collection of work samples and top-notch reviews.
Examples: Start publishing your content on Medium if you’re a writer.
You can use Canva to showcase your skills if you’re a graphic designer.
Basically, you must have something to showcase your skills to your client.
Conclusion
I hope debunking these myths will help you in your freelancing career.
I’d say that don’t rush to get quick results.
Instead, give yourself 1–2 years to build the brand, have some good projects, network and retain those clients, and slowly start getting a regular flow of income.
