Freelancers in the U.S. generated nearly $235 billion in 2020 alone. With 1.1 billion freelancers worldwide, expect even more professionals to go independent in the coming years.
Freelancing is surging across professions, like coding, writing, and marketing strategy. Plus, demand is growing as companies pivot to remote work.
But is freelancing right for you?
Learn more about becoming a freelancer, and discover more benefits of being your own boss.
1. Leverage Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
Have you always harbored business dreams?
Think of freelancing as a stepping stone to owning a business. In fact, you’re technically a one-person business. Freelancers can start LLCs and work as sole proprietors.
As your business grows, you can start hiring fellow freelancers to expand your vision, like virtual assistants, graphic designers, and social media coordinators.
You can learn a lot in just one year of freelancing.
Beginner freelancers learn the following skills:
- Setting rates for work
- Bidding on jobs
- Creating work portfolios
- Online career networking
- Personal branding
- Linkedin marketing
- Self-employed accounting
- Invoicing
These skills are vital to any business owner. That’s why freelancing is such valuable experience for aspiring CEOs.
You can also apply your freelancing skills to the following projects:
- Apps and websites
- Graphic design
- Books and eBooks
- Children’s book illustration
- Digital art
- Online courses
- Databases
- Video media
Upload your independent projects to Behance or Github. Side projects are great resume-builders too.
2. Becoming a Freelancer on the Side
Do you want to save up for a house, car, or even the latest gaming console?
Freelancing is an excellent way to earn side money quickly. You don’t need experience to find online work, either.
You can complete the following tasks without prior experience:
- Website usability testing
- Paid surveys and focus groups
- Testing games for money
- Online personal shopping
- Data entry
- Cold-calling jobs
You can also break into transcription, content writing, and virtual assistance without prior experience. Look for online agencies that accept and train beginners.
3. Make the Most of Your Education
Do you feel like you’re not using your college degree?
Freelancing is a great way to dust off those college skills.
For example, you could apply your literature degree toward a freelance writing career. A sociology degree would be helpful in an internet research career. Marketing majors can build thriving freelancing careers in social media too.
Are you a grad student or scholar?
You could generate money on the side with online courses! Unlike in-person lectures, you don’t have to teach the same course every week. Just one online course can generate thousands of views (and sales!)
You can use your bachelor’s or master’s degree to become a tutor, research assistant, or online teacher. Freelancers with wellness experience can work as online coaches.
You don’t have to wait until a company posts a job. Learn how to get started in freelancing with the latest digital tools. Build a blog, website, and networking profile to get noticed.
Are You Ready to Spread Your Wings?
This path requires fierce self-discipline and determination. But many professionals love the freedom of freelancing.
Learn more about becoming a freelancer to see if it’s right for you. The blog is also packed with valuable tips for curious minds.
