Working from home, running your own schedule, being your own boss—these are all attractive benefits of being a freelancer. This lifestyle is a dream for many; it was very much a dream I had for years before jumping into running my own business. And while the freedom and the thought of having no boss are incredibly appealing, the reality is, there’s a lot more to freelance work than just taking control of your own schedule. It takes hard work, dedication, discipline, and an array of specialized skills to be successful. If you’re considering joining the ranks of the self-employed, it pays to take a closer look at what freelancing is all about and whether you’re up for the challenge.

What is Freelancing?

First off, let’s take a look at what exactly freelancing is and what it means to offer freelance work. Speaking definitionally, freelancers are independent contractors who provide services to companies or organizations, usually on an as-needed basis. Simply put, freelancers seek out those who are looking for projects to be completed. Sometimes this is a one-off deal, sometimes you can score a continuing gig. In any case, you’re not technically employed by the company or organization, which allows you to remain completely independent and self-employed.

What Skills Are Essential For Freelancing?

Now that we’ve got the definition squared away, let’s take a look at what skills are needed for successful freelancing. It’s important to note that different jobs and projects will require different skill sets, so you’ll need to do your research to determine what skills are required for the type of work you’re planning on doing. Take writing, for instance. Obviously, when I became a freelance writer I had to have a decent grasp of grammar and the English language, but I also had to know how to craft an effective headline, research topics quickly and efficiently, be able to write for a variety of different audiences, work under tight deadlines, and keep up with the ever-changing trends in digital media.

There are several universal skills that any freelancer will benefit from possessing:

• Communication Skills – As a freelancer, having great communication skills is essential. You will be dealing with potential clients and customers on a regular basis, so being able to communicate effectively is key to success.
• Flexibility – Working as a freelancer requires you to be flexible in many ways. Not only do you need to be able to work different hours depending on the project, but you may also have to adjust your work style depending on the needs of the job.
• Time Management – This is a biggie. Even with all its perks, freelancing can be a demanding lifestyle. If you don’t keep on top of your time, you’ll find it slips away so quickly and all of a sudden you’re facing a mountain of work and a short deadline. Keep a schedule, either on a physical calendar or digitally (I actually prefer both, just in case!), stay on top of those deadlines, and keep your clients happy.

Types of Freelance Jobs

Now that you know what it takes to be a successful freelancer, let’s take a look at some of the different types of freelance jobs that are available. Here are just a few of many possible options:

• Writer – As I mentioned earlier, writers can work on a variety of projects such as blog posts, web copy, press releases, magazine articles, and much more.
• Graphic Designer – If you have any talent in the arts, Graphic Design is a popular career choice. This skilled group of artists specializes in creating visual content for websites, advertisements, logos, etc.
• Virtual Assistant – Virtual Assistants provide administrative support to clients from a remote location. This can include anything from scheduling appointments to researching potential leads.
• Programmer/Developer – Programmers and Developers are highly sought after by businesses of all sizes. They specialize in building websites, mobile apps, software programs, and more.

The Pros & Cons of Freelancing

Being a freelancer definitely comes with its own set of pros and cons. Sure, you don’t have a boss telling you what to do, but that means you’re responsible for staying on top of things. You get the opportunity to take your work anywhere, but sometimes that means being available at all times, especially if you’re working for clients around the world.

Pros of Freelancing

• Flexibility – You can work around your own schedule and choose when and where you want to work. I’ve worked everywhere from my living room couch to a poolside lounger while on vacation!
• Variety – Every day can bring a different job or project, keeping things interesting. I love that my job allows me to research different industries, areas of the world, and so much more!
• Independence – As a freelancer, you are your own boss and call the shots. I used to work the standard 9-5 job and even though it’s more work and responsibility, I’ve never been happier working for myself!

Cons of Freelancing

• Unstable Income – As a freelancer, you’re responsible for finding and keeping clients. This means that your income can be unpredictable at times. There were times when I just started out as a freelancer when I really missed the assurance of a steady paycheck.
• Stressful – You have to stay on top of deadlines and make sure you’re producing quality work, which can be incredibly stressful at times. It’s also discouraging if you end up working for a particularly picky client who needs something just so and you have trouble meeting their expectations.
• Isolation – Working from home or other remote locations can make it hard to connect with other professionals. If you’re someone who needs that daily water-cooler gossip, the freelance lifestyle probably isn’t going to be a good fit.

At the end of the day, freelancing comes down to knowing your strengths and weaknesses, setting realistic expectations, and understanding that you are responsible for your own success. With dedication and perseverance, you can become a successful freelancer in no time! For those who have the right skills and mindset, the freelance lifestyle can be a total dream come true!