In today’s economy, the trend of hiring freelancers to support a business is getting common. Big names and big corporations are now turning towards freelancers to save costs and time. Just think, they don’t need to pay a monthly salary, let alone work-related insurance. They don’t have to make space in the office for you and don’t even need to purchase hardware like a laptop for you to do your work.
Some of you might already aware that I am a freelancer on top of writing for MiddleMe. Being so used to work, live and breathe the corporate world, freelancing get some time to get used to but it has been and still is an exhilarating and eye-opening ride. Definitely no regrets.
Today, I’ll like to share my side of being a freelancer. A role that is pretty new to me and the vast differences as well as similarities from working in a business world.
As I like to delve into the articles and to make it easy reading, this is the first part of the freelancer 3 series.
Job
There are plenty of different kinds of freelance job offers. From online work to physical work. For me, I’m an advertorial writer, a ghost writer, researcher, customer service, virtual assistant, consultant, translator and social media management. Since my previous work experience allows me to have vast dabble in these areas, I don’t mind having to wear many hats to cast my net wider and drawn in more fishes in the ocean.
You need to know what is your unique selling point. Being a freelancer, you have to go out as a salesman and sell yourself. Be able to differentiate yourself from the thousands who advertise having the same ability as you. What can you bring to the table that others can’t? Why does a client want to pay a higher price for you when he can get someone else much cheaper?
Be prepared to do menial work because that is what you are hired for. Most companies won’t hire a thinker or a manager they couldn’t see on a day to day basis but they are willing to hire people to do the work that no one does like copying and pasting large data off the internet and onto an excel sheet.
So what does this mean for me:
I actually learn more even when I’m doing menial work. I learn about the different industries that I work with and at times, I work alongside small start-up entrepreneurs which give me a lot of inspiration and insight into their minds.
The Other Side:
Some work can be repetitive and bored you out of your wits.
Money
It’s all about the money, money and Money. Right? Not quite true. Unless you are a world famous programmer that charges thousands by the hour or you are an expert bond trader, you don’t earn much as a freelancer. Well, not as much as a full-time job.
The thing is that companies are looking to cut their costs and some of the recruiters out there, just search for the lowest costing manpower. With people who charges USD1 per 1000 words, it’s almost nearly impossible to compete for their price versus your value. However, as you grew your reputation and your reliability, your income will naturally flow in. Once you build a steady repertoire, you can charge higher as your value is being recognized and appreciated.
Well, you would think that you’ll have an abundance of time. Not exactly true. If you are organized and planned your time well, you might have some time for yourself but as a freelancer, your time belongs your clients. With business equates to money, won’t you want to schedule them in, even it is a project out of your planning?
So what does this mean for me:
Time in exchange for a little amount of money. Sometimes, you do question yourself on whether it is worth your time over such little money. Income is not a regularity and dependable on market demands.
The Other Side:
You actually save a lot of money. There is almost cost free and full profit from freelancing with the exception of your laptop, your time and perhaps a conducive working space. But I don’t have to spend a dime on clothes and transportation. Eating at home also means I save some cash.
If you like what you are reading or you are thinking of being a freelancer, please do watch out for part two of this freelancer series.
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Interesting. I’m not a freelancer and at my age (late 40s), I think I’d fear the lack of insurance and so on. If I were a bit younger, though, I think might be attracted to the greater freedom it offers.
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I wasn’t actually opting in to do freelancing but I decided that since I have the time, why not challenge myself and see how far I’ll go. 🙂
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I see. Well, it does have certain advantages in some areas. Good luck with it, Kally. 🙂
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Thank you!! I’m enjoying it actually.
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I signed up for upwork and frelancer.com and they have seemingly possible jobs but they tell you to bid high and I tried for a few weeks and will start again on upwork as I preferred their site.
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Even i found upwork better than other sites till now.
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Was it that you found somewhere better or that their jobs do not seem like jobs? That is what I figured. Plus the whole 60 credits and it was explained that it is 1 credit free for each month and I routinely lost 2 and applied for over a month.
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Long term jobs, I’ll go for upwork. Fiverr.com gives better one off work, higher returnsz
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I’m on both sites as well. 🙂
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Which one is better? It seems freelancer is a pay site and upwork is a tease at being free but they tease you to pay for work. IDK if I am wrong about that or not. How often do you bid and how often do you get work? Is there another site that helps also?
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Both are pretty alright to me. I don’t usually bid a lot since out of 5 jobs I bid, I get 3 offers for interviews within the same week. I often have clients approached me directly for work through both platforms. Hence, I only bid when I have free time to work. I never used up my free connects. I’m also on Fiverr.com which is great for one off jobs.
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OK as far as the free credits they are for each month? When you say have them directly contact you directly you mean go around the company and with a bid put in your contact information indirectly, to cut out the middleman I figure?
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Nope, they still contact me using the platform but I don’t need to bid for the job and sometimes I don’t even need to interview for the job. The free credits are for each month. I guess I may have to write a post about this. Hahaha!!
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OH how do you get away without bidding I thought that they do not allow you to get past that part?
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When the seller approaches you directly, you don’t need to bid.
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That’s what I figured. But in that instance they are coming to you without approaching them. I am bad at taking tests, being out of school a while and see more than one way to answer things, which hurts me. So, they approach you based on your profile?
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Through my profile and word of mouth. 🙂
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OH OK. I have to build mine up more anyway.:)
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I’m working on coming out articles to help people who wants to freelance like yourself. Not an expert here but so far, I’ve been doing it for 6 months now. Keep a lookout for it.
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OK I will, I check pretty much every follower daily but I always see yours
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Awww.. You’re sweet!! Big hugs!!
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Thanks:)
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I just love your posts because you truly think outside of the box and share a great perspective because you are doing it as well. I learn so much reading your blog! 🙂
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Jessica!!
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You’re welcome!
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Nice one, Kally!
Apart from freelancing, companies are also more focusing on contract based jobs. I can give example of my company where this concept was introduced few years ago. And it seemed to click. We give new employees about 3 months time and if they are what we need, then they also become permanent.
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I guess it is in company’s interest now not to commit especially in economical downturn.
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Yes, it is the case
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Interesting post! I really like this topic. I’m not a freelancer, (I’m a teacher), but, I have a dream to be a freelancer. I dunno what should I offer to the companies. 😀 Would you like to share some trusted sites those offering about online job?! 🙂 Thank you!
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There are a lot of freelancing websites out there. I usually use fiverr.com, upwork.com and freelancer.com.
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Thanks, Kally. You are sooo helpful. I will save those three sites. I can work hard and have accumulated good skill sets (10 years teaching college English, 10 years technical writing), but feel clueless about the “go out and sell yourself” part (which I suppose is a sticking point for many). Gary
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Hey, Gary!! Good to know, i probably need to work on an article on that topic now.
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🙂
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Thank’s so much for the information!
Have fun in your works!
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Thank you!!
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Always welcome!
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I sometimes think it is hard for freelancers – we call them independent contractors – and sometimes I know it is win-win for folks, but feel workers are left short handed for their expertise – and side note – You know I like (love) your articles, but sometimes the grammar bugs me a little – not too bad, but thought you would want to know –
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Ouch, you broke my heart..! Just kidding, I’m always looking ways to improve, that is how everyone grows by learning, improving and accepting different and difficult challenges. 😉
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Well thx for your nice reply! And hate to even mention it – and will not anymore – ok?
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Pinky Promise 🙂
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You are pretty awesome – glad we met on Milford street and hope you have a good week
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And you’re fantastic!! We are so going to be great friends!
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Reblogged this on Still Another Writer's Blog.
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This is interesting. 🙂 I’m actually thinking of doing freelance. This one is helpful.
Thanks for sharing, Kally.
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Thanks a lot! Keep a look out for part two!
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Yeah, sure am waiting.
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Very revealing kally..
I have being wanting to know more about the ghost writing stuff, freelance and ability to work with small and growing outfits without getting frustrated..
Money is a big issue when you have decided to do your own thing but you hit the nail on the head properly, I guess I have new insights on this things I really love doing.
Thanks for sharing with us an amazing punch for someone with the gift of doing fine expository essays 😉
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Thanks for reading this and yes, importantly is to do what you love to do.
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Good luck Kally 🙂 Freelancing is tough but I see that more and more people are doing it. Do your best. 🙂
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I will do my best! Thanks for the push!
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I tried to do some freelancing before using fiverr & upwork but j haven’t sold myself well! No one contacted me 😔 it’s not as easy as it seems! I would love to read more on how you get jobs and such! ☺️
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I think this post generates a lot of interest!! Haha!! I think it might be time for me to write a post like what you said.
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You should! I’d love to read it and get tips. My ultimate dream is to go freelance and have more time in my hands.
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There are all sorts of freelancing lifestyles. I’ve freelanced most of my working-life. I like the freedom, but have to do masses of driving to get to my clients. No job security and no benefits, plus all taxes and insurance out of your own pocket, not the company’s. Also, even if you’re great, you’re not guaranteed 12 months’ work, it’s more like about 9 when you take out the downtime and country holidays, and you have to live all year on it. So money-wise it can get tough. BUT I was on an in-house contract for 4 years, and the corporate world is too too boring for words 🙂
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It is always good to challenge yourself Kally!
Great post!
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This was really helpful. I’m planning to leave a career for grad schools and a second career. I’ve been considering freelancing in my field to help maintain some level of income. This provided a good perspective. Thank you, Kally. Cheers.
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You’re most welcome! Thanks for letting me know how this article will help you. 🙂
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Interesting read, Kally. I hope this will continue to be increasingly rewarding for you in terms of professional satisfaction and income. 🙂
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So far, it has been a smooth ride. 🙂
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Nothing like a smooth ride 🙂
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Great article. I’ve been on the fence regarding freelancing for a while. I’ve considered writing for content mills, but have read both good and bad reviews for them. Breaking into freelancing seems like such a long shot, especially when you’re just starting out. It really feels like your submitting to a vast slush pile. It also helps when you have a specialty to offer. Looking forward to this series. 🙂
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Thanks, Lisa!! So far for me, the starting journey is pretty smooth, hit a few rough patches but nothing a tub of ice cream can’t fix. 🙂
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Hey Kally, this really hit home for me as I’ve fairly recently started working as a freelance copy writer fron home. Sometimes I question the time it takes versus the amount of money I receive but I do enjoy the flexibility it gives me. What I really miss is the social contact and getting out of the house to a business environment. Look forward to reading more.
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Totally!! I’m going address those issue you have listed in the later series of this article.
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Great. Look forward to it Kally.
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Thanks Kally! I just applied for my first freelance job. I have a sub topic for you and perhaps, you can open it up to the floor. How much freelance work do you do in a day? Example: Do you write several 250 word ads/blogs per day? Or, perhaps, just a few larger blogs/week? I am interested in the quantity of work you began your career with as well as fellow freelancers.
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Wow!! Thanks for giving me topics to write!! Haha!! I will work on it, I didn’t know freelancing is such a huge topics among my readers. 🙂 thanks for your ideas!!
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I’ve been freelance translator and medical writer for 30 years. I’d say, it’s not easy and the workload is very unpredictable. It’s tough to be a freelancer. I’m doing more of the art stuff recently. It was a nightmare sometimes since deadlines are tight and it could be as many as 15-20 pages of really complex medical stuff for medical professionals a day. You are in a difficult business, too. We also sometimes cannot predict whether the payment will arrive as promised or not. Sometimes companies go out of business before they pay. IT’s not an easy thing to do, although, I am am extremely disciplined. This comes at a cost, as well. I damaged my eyesight badly because of 14, sometimes 16 hours a day at computer.
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Yes, life as a freelancer is not easy. Especially for you, medical writer. Just the terms alone drives me crazy. I try to avoid doing anything that technical.
Would like to tell your side of the story through collaboration? Why not, drop me an email at Kally@MiddleMe.net and we’ll discuss the possibility? 🙂
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Wow this is great information as I have been considering freelancing…thanks for the research! I have chosen you to participate in a three day quote challenge but only if you desire to…here’s the link
http://onceuponahotflash.com/2016/01/30/quote-of-the-day-challenge/
Have fun!
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Thanks a lot, Deb!! Kudos to your blog too!!
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Thanks Kally!! 🙂 And you’re welcome!!
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Reblogged this on yourenotaloneinthisworld.wordpress.com
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Thanks for sharing this!!
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A nice post to ignite flames for freelancing ;). Waiting for next serving 😉
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Thank you, Mann!! It’s coming!!
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I loved your post on freelancing life. Every word so true that I feel you wrote my story in here. I guess no matter where we are, freelancers have a similar challenges and opportunities. Great post.
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Thanks so much for your compliments!! And welcome to MiddleMe!! Freelancers have a lot of things going on for us and against us, it’s how we manage them and stay positive.
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Interesting! I’ve been enjoying your thoughts and perspectives on the workplace and totally overlooked you freelance yourself! Congrats!
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Haha!! Thank you!! It’s not easy but I’m glad I made it through..
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You’re doing great — and if you don’t feel that way everyday — fake it ’til you make it! You got this, girl! Congrats!
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I am new to freelancing and I am really also relatively new to the world of social media. Just trying to find my place. Advice from other freelancers is SO helpful!
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Thank you for telling me that you find my article useful! I wish you all the best in the freelancing world! It is tough but hang in there!
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I have enjoyed this read and will definitely be reading part 2 of this article. I have been wanting to be a freelancer, I mean I already took the steps, but it is hard and takes a lot of time and patience for the most part. I had to literally sell myself and learn the ropes. I still have issues with throwing out good pitches on paper, but that is something that will take trial and error to perfect. I find looking for work to be a bit tedious as well because I have to apply for so many jobs in case I get rejected from one. I am hoping I can soon make income from freelance work. At the moment I am working for an editor who was a former editor of a magazine and even though it is voluntary now, he said down the road he will be interested in paying his writers, so I do it because he promotes me on social media :)I think that is cool. Anyways, it is good that I found a fellow blogger who freelances as well.
Btw, I have heard there is a difference between freelance writer and freelancer blogger, is this true?
Shay-lon
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Hi Shay-lon, yes there’s a difference between a freelance blogger and a freelance writer. A blogger as the name implies only writes in a blog and usually from a personal point of view however, a writer can write for a lot of different media like magazine, commercials, website, books etc. In addition, a writer needs to write from different angles and style. I do hope you have a smooth journey as a freelancer and do enjoy growing in time 🙂
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As a freelance chef and food writer, I’d like to add…..
To me, freelancing first and foremost is about freedom. In my case with a growing daughter, I no longer wished to work every weekend. But in choosing this path it meant turning down lots of work if it involved Saturdays and Sundays. Yes, you lose the security of a regular wage but there are other benefits that are sometimes hard to see at the beginning of the journey. Sometimes, being a chef in one fixed place no matter how feted keeps a chef’s focus very narrow. No time to travel and find new ingredients, very little time to see what your peers on the other side of the world are doing, just working long days to keep hold of your hard-won achievements. But eventually, the body gives out or a change of ownership makes you realise that not being freelance is full of uncertainties too. 🙂
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Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, Chef Kevin!!
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am a new freelancer graphic designer my self, trying to get my work out there, thanks a lot for the useful information and all the best for everyone 🙂
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Thank you for dropping in to encourage and support MiddleMe.
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your most welcome 🙂
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Your post was very encouraging. This was my first year poking around the internet for freelance jobs. I knew I wasn’t going to be making my old income, but was frustrated with how little I was getting paid for big projects. I’m now asking for more money, not an unreasonable amount, but have scared off clients in doing so. Any suggestions on how much is too much to charge/ask for? Thanks!
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Hi Dani!! Thank you for dropping by MiddleMe and telling me how much you like my article. Payment negotiations with clients are like a tango dance, you give in some and they give in some. My advice to you is to look around how much others are charging for the same amount of work that you do and ask yourself do you have a unique selling point that is not available in the market. Potentially, you can charge 10% higher for each unique selling point you have that others don’t but don’t just apply this across all your clients because you may encounter clients who might have different things to barter with you not in monetary sense but in exposure or experience, that I believe is much more valuable than money.
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Thank you for the wonderful advice! I really enjoy your blog too!
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
ONE LEARNS TO HUSTLE AND WRITE WHAT WILL BE PAID FOR! RIGHT?
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