Thinking about quitting your full-time job to pursue a freelance career? Here's what to ask yourself before deciding to freelance.
Have you ever been told NOT to take a corporate 9 to 5 job? Has anyone ever told you to “branch out” and start your own business before the age of 30? Did someone ever encourage you to stop worrying about the money and just pursue your passions?
If you replied “no” to all of the above, we’re here to give you some solopreneur words of encouragement and say IT IS OKAY TO FLY SOLO!
If you’ve always been under the direction or guidance of someone else on a team, the thought of freelancing can be scary. But guess what? You can make a career, a living and success all on your own.
Still wondering how to decide if you should freelance? Read on for tips about transitioning to a freelancer!
THINGS TO ASK YOURSELF
#1 – Have I hit a creative slump?
If you’re no longer feeling inspired by your day-to-day responsibilities or projects that once excited you, take a step back. Evaluate the “why” and what has changed. Do you just need a quick reset? Have you taken a mental health day lately? Evaluate if you’ve been feeling burnt out for longer than just a few days or weeks.
#2 – Is there something I’ve “always wanted to do?”
If you feel like you’re missing out on professional opportunities or a passion that you have always wanted to pursue, decide if you’re more excited to go after what you love than continue in the pattern you are currently in. Reminder: You should do what you love and love what you do. Always.
#3 – Why do I want to freelance?
If your answer is simply because you need an escape from your current work and don’t want a boss anymore, this may not be the time for you to take a leap. Take a moment to evaluate if you would like to continue in your same role at a different company or with different leadership. That may mean that the role is right, the situation is not. Switching to freelancing is a new career path with rewards that come very quickly to those who determine it’s the best fit for their lifestyle.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER
#1 – How adaptable am I?
The beauty of freelancing is that every day can be different if you choose. You are in control. However, with instability comes stress. Evaluate how you cope with stressful situations, both financially and emotionally, and determine if you are comfortable with every day being different. If you need a structured schedule and predictability to thrive in the workplace, freelancing may not be the right fit.
#2 – Am I self-starter?
Being in charge of your own clients and projects means you’re also responsible for finding those clients and projects! This can take a lot of time and it requires you to be a motivated self-starter. As a freelancer, you need to feel inspired to chase down work, network and put yourself out there!
#3 – Am I mentally prepared to hear the word “no?”
The beauty of freelancing? You can choose who you want to work with. One of the most difficult things about freelancing? There are going to be people do not want to work you. Before embarking on a solopreneur journey, make sure that you can recognize that people saying no to hiring you typically involves several factors. The harder you work, the more pleasant you are to be around and the more you’re willing to negotiate and compromise, the more likely you will be to hear the words, “Yes, you’re hired.”
THE TRANSITION
#1 – Stress isn’t always bad.
When you begin managing and controlling all aspects of your work, it may seem a bit daunting (for anyone!). Give yourself breaks and remind yourself that although you are taking on the roles of several people, you have full control over each element of your workload and business. Prioritize and figure out what works best for you.
#2 – Have a backup plan.
There’s a difference between being a realist and a pessimist. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m always weighing the pros and cons even when it comes to deciding whether or not to order a pizza on a Friday night. Having a backup plan doesn’t mean that you assume you are going to fail or that the outcome is going to be bad. It simply means thinking strategically and giving yourself a comforting reminder that it’s okay if you decide this is not the path for you. What happens if you give it a go and decide you hate it? What if your circumstances change and you realize you need a different setting to take care of yourself and your loved ones? What if you secure your dream job that just so happens to not be a freelance position? Things change. You are allowed to do what’s best for you in all aspects of your life.
Just remember to always give yourself an ample amount of time before you decide to dive in or decide to head back. While it’s impossible to know exactly what each path may hold for you, you deserve to give yourself the opportunity to take a walk down both.
Need to talk out the idea of freelancing with someone? Email miranda@thesocialsisters.co for a one-on-one conversation.
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