Top 3 Realities of Freelancing: A Complete Guide for Beginner Freelancers

​

Are you wondering if freelancing jobs are real?

Or maybe, you just want to know the untold, harsh realities faced by freelancers on a day to day basis? 

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then this article is for you. In today's world, more and more enterprises, companies and startups are leveraging freelance platforms for outsourcing jobs. This means that the demand for skilled professionals needed for remote work is currently on the increase. However, this creates a lot of uncertainty in the minds of many beginner freelancers. 

Whether you're a newbie freelance social media manager or you're looking to find online writing jobs, freelancing platforms offer you the opportunity to sell your skills to the world. Getting freelance jobs from home is not a myth. It is as real as getting fuel from the gas station. You can find freelance jobs online and earn a decent income while working from home. 

In this article, I will walk you through the top 3 realities faced by freelancers as they go about their day to day business of delivering quality service to clients across the globe. As a newbie freelancer, you might want to take these seriously before you plunge deeper in your freelancing career. 

For example, when I started my freelance journey a couple years back, I believed I had broken free from the shackles of a regular 9-5 job. It took a couple of projects to make me realize how wrong I was. In reality, I had just left a 9-5 job for a 24 hours business online. This reality hit me so hard. I got to understand that freelancing could only be profitable when done right. Is there a wrong approach to freelancing? Sure, there are lots of them. On several occasions, newbie freelancers fail to consider these realities and are undoubtedly exploited by clients who are very quick to notice any deficiency. 

As a beginner freelancer, try to regularly consider the different opportunities open to you. There are many freelancing platforms out there, but only the best freelance websites will ensure that you land that first gig. This guide will prepare you for the journey ahead by exposing various realities you will likely face in your career as a freelancer. Here are the top 5 realities of freelancing in today's economic world. 

 1. Clients won't stick with you forever

At one point or the other in your career as a freelancer, you may meet a very loyal client who will hire you repeatedly. However, there is zero guarantee that this working relationship will stand the test of time. Don't fall for the trap of lowering your rates in order not to lose a particular client. Sooner or later, you might discover that they're holding you down. This reality is a very harsh one. A lot of newbie freelancers tend to get hooked with a particular employer, literally forgetting that freelancing in itself isn't a regular 9-5 job. It's your business. You call the shots with your rates and work schedule, while your skill and competence does much of the talking for you. Take your freelance business seriously and try not to expect 100% loyalty from any client. The lower your expectations in this regard, the better your chances of landing more paying jobs out there. 

  2. You're not an employee

Like I mentioned earlier, as a freelancer you're not an employee. You get paid when you work and when you don't work there's definitely not going to be any pay coming in. You won't get to enjoy the luxurious privileges you used to enjoy as an employee, such as a secured and guaranteed monthly salary, sick days and vacations. You trade your time and skills for the money it brings. As the Medium writer Michael Stover puts it, "that means no more loitering and watching the clock when you don't feel like being productive". That's it. This means that the amount of money you make largely depends on you and how much effort you're willing to sacrifice.  

3. Lack of confidence equals low pay

This is the number one mistake many beginner freelancers make when they start their freelancing journey. Ensure to always state your rates and working hours clearly. Show confidence by speaking professionally when negotiating prices with a client. Do not be afraid to ask for raises when you feel it is necessary. Remember that it is a contract, not a regular job. Clients take advantage of freelancers who lack confidence in themselves. The result? You get paid lower than you're worth. Know your worth and keep learning to gain more experience. It pays off in the long run.

I hope this helps you enjoy a fulfilling freelancing career.