Keeping it real: How to decide if freelancing is right for you (and where to start)
So you want to make some extra cash and build a new skills set. Awesome, you are totally in the right place, because freelancing is fun, lucrative, and full of potential! But let's be real for a second -- do you have what it takes? Do you know what you're in for (we're talkin' networking, brand building, proposal writing, and *cringe* taxes)? Now's the time to level-set and get started bringing your goals to life.
This article is part 1 (of 10) of Lightpost, a new USA TODAY Network series sourced by experts and focused on helping you achieve your goals. You can read this article as a standalone, or check out more of our career-focused checklists and keep developing your badass skills.
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✔️ Write down your goals
“What's that adage? A goal without a plan is just a dream? By writing it down, not only are you declaring it to the universe, but you're taking the first step in crafting an action plan. It's also harder to ignore something on paper than it is to ignore a nebulous idea in your head.” - Michelle Ward, the “When I Grow Up Coach"
You know that hamster-wheel that is goal-setting, then forgetting, then re-setting? Being able to refer back to your goals will help you make decisions that best shape your future career. It’s all set up for you to fill out in this downloadable worksheet. Get started on the first page, then keep making additions as directed.
✔️ Mentally prepare to hustle
“This is the most important shift you need to make to launch and be a successful freelancer. If you don't believe that you can do it, then you won't. Plain and simple. Harsh yet true.” - Michelle Ward
Goodbye, paper-pushing days. Understand that there will be a shift in how much you care -- and how much energy you devote -- to your work when you become a freelancer. Read this sentence, and internalize it. To be a good freelancer, you need to be... Comfortable with marketing yourself, adept at time management and focusing on deadlines, resilient after rejection and critical feedback, flexible and communicative when it comes to sharing a vision, and confident in your work.
On your goals worksheet, write about the areas you think you’ll need to work on most. Feeling stuck? Career coaches at The Muse could help you sort everything out.
✔️ Make a time commitment that's realistic but goal-focused
“Whenever someone asks if they could become a freelancer, I always advise them to do it part-time at first. Just to get their feet wet and see if they’re really up for it. Of course, most part-time freelancers end up going full-time. Why? Because it’s hell of a lot more fun.” - Roshan Perera, founder of Freelancing Hacks
The amount of time you can commit to freelancing will directly impact your success and overall money-making potential. However, we all know the importance of keeping a salary while you're building something new and unstable. Getting real about your bandwidth from the get-go helps. Where do you fall?
It’s time to fill out the “In a perfect world” section of your worksheet. Write out your dream freelance scenario, including job title and a brief description of what your daily work looks like.
Part-time freelancers...
Want a side project that will make money | May be juggling a lot of different life responsibilities | Are ready to commit time and money to their ventures
Those who want to develop part-time freelancing into full-time jobs...
Are not afraid to learn basic accounting and money skills | Are not afraid to learn basic marketing and social media skills | Are inspired by entrepreneurs and start-ups | Have time in their life to commit to developing a career | Are ready to commit money to their ventures
✔️ Level-set with friends and family
"Including loved ones and cherished friends in the decision-making process right from the start is really important. And you should be willing to disagree and be open to all points of view.” - Jane Hardy, founder of Career Resources
When your life changes, it’s important to address how the lives of those around you will change, too.
Hooray! You've got this.
This article is part 1 (of 10) of Lightpost, a new USA TODAY Network series sourced by experts and focused on helping you achieve your goals. You can read this article as a standalone, or check out more of our career-focused checklists and keep developing your badass skills.