Are you planning to join the gig industry in 2023? There are some perks when it comes to entering the freelancing initiative. You enjoy the freedom to complete tasks whenever you want and the ability to increase your rates if you feel like it. Above all, you will be your own boss. All these benefits can tempt anyone enough to make them quit their 9-5 job today.
Fortunately, you are smart and don’t want to get into freelancing blindly since you know it will not be easy. And that is why you have spared some time to turn to the internet for information about freelancing to avoid making mistakes. That’s smart! Read on for what everybody should know about the gig industry before joining.
Everything You Need to Know About Freelancing
Freelancing involves completing specific projects for customers without being on full-time employment. Usually, freelancers work on many projects for different customers at the same time. IRS typically considers freelancers as self-employed people. Usually, freelancers do contract-based project work on a full or part-time basis. The client pays per project, task, or hour based on the agreement. The undertakings are usually short-term projects.
Becoming a Freelancer
Do you know that freelancing is in high demand? There are approximately 73.3 million freelancers in America. The number will grow to over 90.1 million by 2028. Many people worldwide find freelancing an attractive option for making money. However, to become a freelancer, you need to understand that the freelancing or gig industry has no standard wage like 9-5 jobs.
The industry offers you a massive selection of options. What services can you offer? Which skills do you possess? Research the specific services clients are looking for in your area of expertise. Don’t have any skills? Fear not! There are many resources on the web where you can educate yourself. Also, many freelancing skills require practice, so as you continue, you become better. However, to make a decent income in this industry, learn to manage your time and be committed.
How Exactly Does Freelancing Work?
Today, clients and freelancers usually converge on online platforms. Technically, freelance sites are escrow companies. Freelancer websites are where contractual agreements are set. Some sites allow freelancers to advertise their services, while others enable clients to post their projects.
After the freelancer and client agree on the terms of a project, the agency receives and holds the payment. The freelancer will get compensation after completing the project and satisfying the client. The agency usually receives a specific percentage of the total cost of a project.
However, some freelancers search for their own clients. To do this, freelancers usually send cold emails to clients. They use things such as introduction letters and social media. If successful, this option can be more rewarding. However, it’s risky and tedious since you need to screen every client.
There are multiple freelance opportunities across all industries. The popular ones include:
- Writing
- Tutoring
- Graphic design
- Web development
- Bookkeeping
- Engineering
- Video editing
- Transcription
- Translation
Pros of Freelancing
There are many advantages associated with the freelancing industry. They include:
- Time Flexibility
A freelancer knows how much time they require to complete a specific task. Therefore, they know how to create their schedules. They can work when they are more productive. The freedom to choose hours, schedules, and locations is a huge benefit.
- Work From Anywhere
Do you like traveling? You can do that if you become a freelancer. Many people leave conventional office life because they feel tired of being confined. Working from anywhere implies you don’t have to waste time commuting to and from the workplace. This means you can save on parking, gas, and train tickets.
- Set Your Rates
Many freelancers enjoy the freedom of deciding how much their services are worth. Even though they may have to start with low prices, they can charge more as they become experts. This is an attractive advantage that draws many people to freelancing. Having the ability to set your rate means you only work with clients comfortable with the price. Furthermore, you are not tied to one client, so you’ll have more sources of income. But you should ensure you don’t overprice your services. Otherwise, customers will run away from you.
The Challenges of Freelancing
Although the gig industry has many benefits, it also has some drawbacks. It’s essential to be aware of the following:
- You won’t enjoy employee benefits.
- Sometimes there is a lot of work, and at times you have a lot of free time, thus inconsistent income. To fill the gap, search for surveys online and earn during your downtime.
- You have to incur the cost of operations, including buying a computer and subscribing to an internet package.
Joining the gig industry has its unique challenges. However, freelancing is worth it when you navigate the waters well. Freelancing gives you the freedom you can’t get with a 9-5 job. It also provides you an opportunity to learn new skills and build an online business based on them.