How to become a freelancer side hustle? — (pro tips)
Intro — (Who is freelancer?)
1) Who?
Freelancer sounds weird, doesn’t it? Like the job title of some decrepit, tortured mattress salesman.
Nothing of the sort!
Freelancing is this incredibly liberating and empowering way of working, where you are in complete control of your own destiny. You get to pick the projects that excite you and work with all sorts of amazing people from around the world, all from the comfort of your favorite spot.
It’s a way of life that deserves mad respect because it takes a lot of skill, self-discipline, and dedication. It’s like being an explorer and a creator all in one, discovering new opportunities and crafting work that you’re proud of every single day.
2)Why?
But why freelancing? How should it attract me in comparison to working in an office or a cafe in my hometown?
Ahahah, hilarious, I can hardly believe there are people who would actually compare the possibilities of freelancing to a 9–5 job. But, for the sake of argument, let me break it down in simple terms why one should choose freelancing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
Ready for a long-winded explanation of why freelancing is great? Well, I’m happy to report there won’t be one.
From the seasoned freelancer’s corner, let me tell you — it’s not just about wearing pajamas to the ‘office.’ It’s about choosing projects that make your heart beat a little faster. You’ve seen sunrises in Bali and city lights in New York, all while meeting your deadlines. That laptop of yours has been your trusty companion through countless adventures.
The freedom? Unbeatable. You decide when the workday starts and ends, which means you can hit the gym when it’s empty or catch your kid’s soccer game without asking anyone’s permission. Sure, it takes discipline, but it’s worth it when you can take a midweek day off just because the weather’s too good to miss.
Money-wise, you’re not just crunching numbers; you’re building dreams. You’ve ditched the ceiling on your income and get paid what you’re truly worth. You negotiate your rates, and every raise is a direct result of your own hustle.
Networking isn’t confined to stiff office mixers either. You connect with clients and fellow freelancers who are as global and diverse as the projects you take on. Each interaction is a chance to learn something new, a piece of a cultural puzzle that keeps your daily life far from mundane.
In a nutshell, freelancing isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle that puts you in the driver’s seat of your career and, frankly, your life. After all these years, it’s not just work; it’s a vibrant, ever-changing journey that you wouldn’t trade for the world.
Cons:
But I wouldn’t be an objective freelance PR person if I didn’t tell you about the cons.
Okay, let’s keep it real. Freelancing isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s like surfing; for every high wave, there’s the risk of wiping out. Here’s the lowdown:
Inconsistent Cash Flow: Some months, you’re swimming in cash; other times, it’s like your bank account is on a diet. This game’s all about feast or famine, and let me tell you, famine makes for a mean bedfellow.
Healthcare Hurdles: You miss the days when ‘benefits’ weren’t something you had to research and buy yourself. Finding decent health insurance without a corporate sponsor is a bit like solo climbing Everest — daunting, risky, and expensive.
Discipline of Steel: The couch is your office, and your bed’s right there. The siren call of a Netflix binge can be louder than your to-do list, and there’s no boss to steer you back on course. It’s all you, buddy.
Lonely at the Top (or Bottom): You’re a one-person show and the silence can be deafening. Sometimes you yearn for a water cooler chat or just someone to high-five when you nail that tough project.
Juggling Hats: One minute you’re the creative genius, the next you’re the dreaded collections agent chasing invoices. You wear all the hats, and spoiler alert: not all of them fit just right.
The ‘Always On’ Clock: Work-life balance? More like a work-life blur. Clients across time zones can mean calls at midnight, and sometimes it feels like you’re living at work rather than working from home.
Client Tango: It’s a dance, and not always a fun one. Clients can be choosy, ghost you, or have champagne tastes on a beer budget. And if they don’t pay? You’re the one left in the lurch.
Long story short: freelancing isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the brave, the bold, and the ones who are okay with riding the rollercoaster in the dark. It’s thrilling, sure, but not everyone’s kind of thrill.
Where to start?
“Now, my young padawans, let’s begin to explore what freelancing is from a practical standpoint.”
1) What is your area of expertise
Alright, you’re stepping into the arena of freelancing, ready to pick your weapon — your area of expertise. It’s like choosing a character in a video game; you gotta love its moves because you’ll be using them a lot.
First up, scout your passions. Love to write? Boom, copywriting could be your jam. Live in Photoshop? Graphic design is calling. If you’re the one always giving tech advice, consider IT consulting. Go where your curiosity can’t shut up about.
Next, market demand. It’s great to specialize in underwater basket weaving, but if no one’s buying, you’re just holding your breath for nothing. Do some recon. See what skills are hot. SEO, digital marketing, web development — if they’re in demand, you’re in business.
Now, mix that passion with a side of practicality. You might adore medieval French poetry, but let’s face it, the market for that is like a secret society. Find the sweet spot between what you love and what pays the rent.
Get your hands dirty. Test the waters with small gigs. It’s like a first date; no commitment, just seeing if you click. You’ll quickly learn what you love and what makes you want to hurl your laptop out the window.
As you get rolling, remember, Jack of all trades is a master of none, but sometimes better than a master of one. Be open to evolve. Today’s coding wizard could be tomorrow’s data science guru.
And hey, don’t just take the beaten path. Carve your own. Maybe you have a knack for something no one’s even thinking about. Drone photography? Virtual staging? If you can dream it and market it, you can do it.
Listen, you’ve got a whole career ahead to refine and redefine your expertise. So, pick a direction, take a step, and remember — the freelance force is all about the hustle. Keep learning, keep hustling, and that ‘beginner’ title? It’ll be ancient history before you know it.
2) Choose Platform
Alright, picture this: you’re standing at the crossroads of the internet, a digital bazaar where platforms are like market stalls, each buzzing with opportunity. Choosing your stall — your platform — is like picking a stage for your one-person show.
First off, don’t just jump on the bandwagon where everyone else is. You gotta scope out the scene. Big names like Upwork or Freelancer are like the mega malls — lots of foot traffic, but also lots of competition. They’re good for a start, but you’ll need to shout to get noticed.
Then you’ve got the niche spots, the cool indie stores like Toptal or 99designs, where it’s not about the crowd, but the craft. If you’ve got a specific skill, these places let you shine like a diamond in a coal mine.
The trick is to check!
3) Try to look on (Jobescape)
OK, now you probably want to know where I got all the knowledge I’m sharing with you now and where I started. I’m not going to lie, my journey started with simple YouTube tutorials. But as time went on and I started to grow, I started to think about where I could improve my skills. The platform (Jobescape) helped me with that. I don’t know how they did it, but their courses are a gold mine for those who want or plan to do freelancing.
Sounds like a typical PR of an unknown platform doesn’t it?
But I’ll tell it like it is, it’s hard to find an alternative to their platform for beginners. Moreover, there is a high probability that you can just get screwed for money. Now on the platform there are about 8 courses that will fully if not more satisfy your request. Ooooo, I forgot to add besides the courses they have a catalog with 50 AI assistants. I’ve personally tried a couple of the lower ones and I’ll say this dudes. It’s worth it.
Pro tips
Now that you’ve read my mile-long article :))))
Time to share some pro tips that I would give to beginners and those continuing to learn in freelancing.
Let’s cut through the fluff. You want to stand out in the freelancing world? Here’s the lowdown, no sugar-coating.
1. Carve Your Niche: Don’t be a Jack-of-all-trades. Pick a lane and own it. Whether it’s writing killer content or designing sleek websites, specialize until people can’t ignore you.
2. Be a People Person: Even online, it’s all about relationships. Connect, chat, follow-up. Be the freelancer who remembers a client’s dog’s birthday. That’s how you get repeat business.
3. Hustle Smart: Look, everyone’s hustling, but not everyone’s hustling smart. Choose platforms where your ideal clients hang out. LinkedIn for professionals, Instagram for creatives — you get the drill.
4. Money Talk: Get comfy talking cash. Set your rates and stick to them. Don’t let the fear of losing a gig make you undervalue your wizardry.
5. Toolbox Up: Stay sharp. Keep your tools and skills fresher than morning coffee. New software in your field? Learn it. Trends changing? Ride them.
6. Feedback is Gold: Every piece of feedback is a nugget of gold. Happy clients? Ask for testimonials. Criticism? It’s free advice for your next level-up.
7. Balance the Books: Get to grips with basic accounting or find an app that does it. Keeping track of your cash flow isn’t just adulting, it’s survival.
8. The Art of the Pitch: Tailor your proposals. Your pitch should be as custom-fitted as a tailor-made suit. No one-size-fits-all.
9. Health is Wealth: Don’t be the freelancer who burned out. Take breaks, stretch, go for a run, or just chill. Your brain’s part of the toolkit, keep it oiled and running.
10. Never Stop Learning: The moment you think you know it all, you’re obsolete. Webinars, courses, workshops — stay hungry for knowledge.
This freelance game? It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Strap in, pace yourself, and enjoy the ride. Welcome to the hustle.
Conclusion
Cut through the noise, and here’s what you’ve got: Freelancing is no gig for the weak-hearted. It’s a wild ride, one where you’re the captain of your ship, steering through storms and sunshine. You’ll have months where you’re the king of the castle and others where you’re counting pennies. It demands a hefty dose of self-discipline, a thick skin for solitude, and the guts to wear all the business hats at once.
Yet, for all its unpredictability, it offers a taste of freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere. You choose the projects that ignite your passion, work in settings that suit your lifestyle, and if you play your cards right, you get to build a dream that’s entirely your own. It’s about finding that sweet spot between what you love and what puts food on the table.
When you’re starting out, pick a niche that you can dominate, where your skills meet a real need. Don’t just follow the herd to the biggest platforms; find the ones where your particular magic will shine brightest. And remember, platforms like (Jobescape) with their courses and AI assistants, can be invaluable for learning and growth.
Here’s the kicker: never get too comfortable. Stay sharp, keep your skillset updated, and always be on the lookout for feedback — it’s your ticket to constant improvement. And above all, take care of yourself. Your health, both mental and physical, is the bedrock of your business.
So, new freelancer or not, keep these truths in your back pocket: specialize, connect, learn, and never forget to occasionally log off and live. That’s how you thrive in the freelancing game, not just survive. Welcome to the hustle.
