Are you ready to quit your 9-to-5 job and enter the world of freelancing this 2022?

During this pandemic, many people are considering leaving their job to work alone. It is necessary to understand the cause of the working cultural shift in the workforce.
It is no secret that workers are craving more flexibility, work-life balance, and total control over their working environment and schedule.
People quit their 9-to-5 jobs rapidly and join freelancing because the scope is higher. Quitting jobs can happen for several reasons. Factors such as workplace culture, environment, choosing the wrong profession, conflict with the policies, and the employee’s perspective of his job, might influence the present situation of employees quitting jobs.

Here are the key reasons people choose to freelance:

1.   Flexibility:  Freelancing gives freedom to work anytime and anywhere with a reliable internet connection. Freelancers can work from a local coffee shop, sit outside, or go to another country without having any physical interactions with their clients. He can schedule his time according to his preference. If a person performs best in the morning, he can organize his schedule in the morning and sign off at 2 p.m. every day. Many jobs doesn’t allow this kind of flexibility and independence to the employee.

2.   Exposure of field: Freelancers get an opportunity to work with different clients from all across the world. In 9 to 5 jobs, the employees don’t get a chance with other fields, but in freelancing, an individual can provide services in every different sector that will help the individual grow their skills.

3.   Multiple clients: Freelancing helps to access to work with multiple clients and project types. They can select their projects and clients depending on their expertise and interests. They have total freedom to pick who they want to work with and with whom they form the best relationships.

4.   4.  Independence: Micromanaging is a technique used by certain bosses in 9-5 jobs to keep track of everything their employees work, this may lead to dissatisfaction, and the craving for independence increases, but in freelancing, it allows them to sort things out on their own, and they have control over the workload.

5.   Multiple sources of income: An employee is paid a set of salaries monthly but freelancers get paid after the work is done. Freelancers have the freedom to choose multiple projects and get money once their clients are satisfied, so they earn more. 

There is no doubt that there are lots of advantages to freelancing. Geographic flexibility, flexible hours, an office-free environment, and complete freedom are all advantages of the freelancing lifestyle.

If you are into freelancing then there are 5 things you should know before working as a freelancer:

1.   Working alone like an entrepreneur: A self-employed freelancer means owning your own business, so get rid of the employee mentality and think like an entrepreneur. Always be clear about what you are offering as you are working alone you are responsible for everything.

2.    Rejection is part of the job: Freelancers work with numerous clients at once and juggle multiple tasks, which sometimes results in a lack of instability. Most of the time, clients change their preferences in accordance with the working relationship or budgets which might lead to rejection. So it ok to get rejected by clients. If you offer good services and communicate well, there are high chances that you are going to get good projects. So do not worry!

3.   Don’t over-commit: No doubt, freelancers can do multitask but don’t over-commit if you are already booked for several projects. It is better to say no to the projects if you are struggling.

4. Pricing your project: Charing your work at the best price is an art. Do not charge too low because the clients’ perceptions towards you might get negative. So, research the pricing and sell your services accordingly. As freelancers, always aim for conversations about the value you bring to a client’s business rather than just the money they pay for your services. As a freelancer, you should know how to negotiate, it is the most important skill that you need to learn to build your freelancing career.

 5.  Know the importance of networking: It is essential to build a good relationship with people who appreciate your work, so start networking in every possible way. Look for possible clients on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. There you will get your potential clients who can offer you their business projects.

In the end, one thing is certain: being a freelancer is better than a traditional 9-to-5 desk job. If you are a highly self-motivated multitasker who enjoys being your own boss and prefers to pick and choose which projects and clients to work on, freelancing is a better option for you. So choose your career wisely.