I know you’ve been seeing the pictures of your dream social media freelancer who quit a full-time job to earn six figures for a job, travels the world, and works from a beach, right? Trust me, I also want to be like that.
But, before you call your boss to put in your two-week notice, it is important to realize that freelance is not a quick money scheme; it is actually a process.
That process is what this post will dissect. We will discuss the process of moving from a full-time job to freelance work and the necessary measures needed before this transition is successful.
According to the muse, 53 million people were working independently, making up 40% of the workforce in 2019. Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic that caused layoffs, this number is rather on the increase.
Join the freelance workforce and ditch that 9-5 full-time job with the right information!
What Exactly is Freelance?
Freelancing is when you use your skills, education, and experience to work with different clients without committing to a single employer.
It usually involves jobs called gigs that allow you to work from home. However, don’t associate freelancing with working from home. You basically work at your convenience.
A platform that offers freelance opportunities is WritersGig.
See this exclusive article on How to Register as a Buyer or Writer on WritersGig
Advantages of Freelance Over a Full-time
- Working as a freelancer allows you to choose your own hours and work whenever it works best for you. This freedom allows you to change your job to fit personal tastes and responsibilities, resulting in a better work-life balance.
- Freelancers may vary their revenue streams by taking on different jobs within their area or working with many clients at the same time. This improves security during unpredictable economic times and lowers reliance on a single business.
- Freelancers have greater freedom and power over their work than full-time employees do. They are powerful and independent because they can choose which jobs to work on, how much to charge, and how their work is finished.
- Because freelancers may negotiate higher fees for their services and work on many tasks at once, they have the potential to earn more than full-time workers. Freelancers may slowly increase their income potential through commitment, skill development, and effective marketing.
- A freelance job allows you to work from anywhere with the internet. This means that independent workers will not be bound to a particular place of employment, allowing people to live in less expensive areas, travel and work remotely, or move anytime they choose.
What are the Preparations needed for the Transition from Full-time to Freelance?
The idea of working from home in your leggings, taking yoga classes in the middle of the day, and going out for lunch with your laptop is an exciting one.
Yes, I can understand that freedom; I crave it too. But if you do not prepare for the transition from full-time employment to a freelance job, you’ll be disappointed to think that your favorite social media influencer who tours the world is living a fake life.
Pay keen attention here.
a. Prepare to be broke
We mean this: prepare to be broke!
You’re about to leave your steady source of income, and all odds are that you’ll feel broke. Be mentally prepared for this.
However, before you quit full-time to embrace freelance, ensure to save up money in the bank, no matter how many Instagram and Youtube followers you’ve gotten or clients who have promised referrals.
The minimum amount to save for yourself before leaving your full-time job as a freelancer is a four- to six-month salary with the idea of $0 in income. If you’re not there yet, you’re going to cut back on numerous expenses.
We’re talking months of coffee at home, no shopping, hangouts, etc.
b. Don’t Cut Old Associates
Don’t cut off communication with your old colleagues. Ask if you can still work with them under a freelance schedule.
If it takes convincing your boss why you’re an asset to the company and how freelancing will aid in achieving the organization’s goals, by all means go for it.
c. Expenses
This is another important practice to imbibe before quitting your full-time job to freelance. Cut down on personal expenses for business expenses.
Remember that self-employed people incur higher expenses, so you have to keep that in mind when you’re making the leap.
You need to cover your operating expenses like internet, software, electricity, coffee, etc. Luckily, some of these expenses can be written off in your taxes, but you still have to pay for them up front.
You also need to set up an office space. A comfortable chair, working tables, well-set-up background (depending on the kind of freelance service you’re set to render), laptop, etc.
d. Set a Minimum Income
We don’t expect you to earn in the beginning, but setting a minimum viable income will keep you on your toes to achieve that. This can be the minimum you need each month to cover your expenses.
We can suggest calculating all expenses for the month and adding a little’ something to make up your minimum income.
Having an income goal spurs you to action even on days you’re just motivated to take a break.
Read: Preparing For Your First Interview As A Freelance Writer
How to move from Full-Time to Freelance: Ultimate Guide
After the preparations have been done, it is time to actually take that leap of faith.
#1 Ask Questions
Everyone has different reasons for freelancing; what’s yours? Make sure you know what you’re hoping to get out of freelancing before you put in all the hard work to make it happen.
Therefore, ask yourself questions like:
- What are my reasons for wanting to freelance?
- What kind of work do I want to be doing?
- Do you want to be able to work from home, or are you happy to commute and travel to clients’ offices?
- What kind of hours do you want to be working?
- What kind of income are you looking for?
From your answers, define the success of your freelancing career. It will help to decide the right decisions in choosing the right clients.
Before moving from full-time to freelance, you need to have a concrete answer to these questions.
#2 Specify your Services
I hope you’re aware that freelancing is a business?
In specifying the services you’ll render clients, answer the following questions:
- What are your passion and skills?
- Who is your target market?
- What problem are you solving?
- Who are the ideal clients who suffer from that problem or have that need and are willing to pay for a solution?
- How will you package up your solution in the form of different services?
- Who are your competitors and how will you distinguish yourself from them?
Freelance gives you the opportunity to be focused and become the go-to person for a specific solution.
#3 Figure Out Your Uniqueness
Your uniqueness is the only factor that will make you worth hiring. There are so many competitors out there.
The goal is to make a living doing whatever makes you happiest. Now, identify what makes you the best choice.
Consider these areas, and no, it doesn’t have to be your experience level.
- Pricing: Whether you offer the best value at your experience level or you’re pricing yourself for top-tier clients, sell it as a benefit.
- Reputation and Personality: Most clients would rather work with someone who’s likable than someone who has more experience but is a pain to work with.
- Partnerships: If you’re a writer and work with graphic designers, animators, and developers, make it known.
- Exclusivity: focusing on a specific niche or working with a limited number of clients per time.
- Quality and experience level: If you’re the best, prove it. Collect case studies, awards, testimonials, and results.
- Pricing: Whether you offer the best value at your experience level or you’re pricing yourself for top-tier clients, sell it as a benefit.
- Reputation and Personality: Most clients would rather work with someone who’s likable than someone who has more experience but is a pain to work with.
- Partnerships: If you’re a writer and work with graphic designers, animators, and developers, make it known.
- Quality and experience level: If you’re the best, prove it. Collect case studies, awards, testimonials, and results.
#4 Build Online Presence
Trust is everything! Therefore, in whatever service you’re offering, let it reflect in your online personality. It will help you stand out.
Create your online presence in a way that people perceive you as a professional asset. Put up your logo, website, and credibility online.
In addition, write a charming professional bio, tagline. Use a professional name as well, because your clients may check it out online before hiring you.
#5 Find your first Client
With the internet, new freelancers can find clients. Spread the word to your friends and family.
Check websites like WritersGig, upon successful signup and assessment, you’ll be given the first job. After this, you can start bidding for jobs posted by clients.
Read: 7 Ways Hiring a Freelance Writer Can Save Your Business Money
Additional Tips to Move from Full-time to Freelance
These tips will come in handy if you are new to freelance and the bills are piling up. Then, consider the following options below:
1. Go to Part-time
If your earnings from freelance isn’t covering the basic expenses, consider working part-time. Your former boss may be the best person to negotiate with. Work for reduced hours.
This is how many of my freelance colleagues transitioned.
Work for 3 hours per week so you can have more time to build the freelance business and get clients.
This should be a less intensive job that doesn’t drain your energy and creativity.
2. Become a Consultant for Your Company
Instead of burning the bridge on your full-time job, you can turn them into clients by becoming a freelance consultant.
With this, you’ll have more freedom and control over your time and business.
It is a win-win for the management and you because you ain’t necessarily quitting but are offering your expertise on a negotiated platform.
How to build your freelance client base
To build a freelance client, you need to plan your steps carefully and keep at it. You can get more independent workers as a client by doing the things below:
Find Your Niche
Figure out what services you offer and what you’re a master in. A specialty might help you stand out and get clients who are specifically looking for work like yours.
See also: Hiring a Business Plan Writer: What it takes | Pricing
Create a Portfolio
Put together a showcase of your past projects, accomplishments, and efforts. This shows off your skills and makes it easier for people who might want to buy them to find them.
Set up an official online presence
Set up a website and accounts on social media, professional networking sites like LinkedIn, and freelance platforms to make your online profile look more official. Make sure that your online profile shows off your attitude, skills, and knowledge.
Network
Make connections with other workers and possible clients by networking in person and online. Talk with experts in your field, go to events where people can meet each other, and join online communities for your business.
Make Use of freelancing Platforms
Create working accounts on sites like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and others that are important to your business. Fill up your resume properly, including your work, experience, and skills.
Provide Value
Provide useful material via blog posts, social media updates, or niche-specific workshops. By showing your knowledge, you may bring in new business and build your influence in the field.
Request Referrals
Don’t be scared to seek ideas or recommendations from happy clients. Referrals from friends and family may be an excellent approach to getting new customers.
Cold Outreach
Identify possible customers or companies that might benefit from your goods and make direct contact with them. Create customized, well-researched ideas that show how you can meet their wants or solve their concerns.
Attend Industry Events
Participate in classes, training, and gatherings connected to your area of knowledge. These meetings allow you to present your knowledge, network with possible clients, and learn about industry trends.
FAQS on Full-Time to Freelance
Yes, you can. But it can be difficult, as you will need lots of time management to balance them both.
Ask Questions
Specify your services
Figure Out Your Uniqueness
Build online presence
Find your first client
Conclusion
In the last century, freelancing was considered the job of the unfortunate. Those who indulged took it as a side job while maintaining their full-time jobs.
As they say, tides have changed and people are successfully transitioning from full-time to freelance. They have found a way to turn their passions into a long lucrative career.
Join this thread of people and get the freedom you desire by moving from full-time to a freelance job through WritersGig.
Read this article: Understanding your Dashboard on WritersGig
