Many creative professionals dream of turning their hobby or passion into a full-time career. However, finding a full-time job in the creative industry can be difficult. Positions are scarce and often competitive, which leads many to pursue the freelance route.
Freelancing is ideal for creatives who enjoy taking risks and exploring different avenues in their careers. It can also be a great way to build up a portfolio without the pressure of meeting deadlines and fulfilling client expectations.
Unlike a traditional office job, freelancing is completely flexible and allows the flexibility to work from home, a local coffee shop or wherever else suits you. This freedom can help reduce the risk of burnout and allow for more quality time with family, friends and hobbies.
The term ‘freelancing’ derives from the Middle Ages when knights who had not sworn allegiance to a specific lord would offer their services to anyone willing to pay them. These knights were known as ‘free lances’, and their service was offered on a project by project basis.
Today, freelancers are a bit more sophisticated than medieval mercenaries, but the principle remains the same: providing specialized services on a contract basis to those who are willing to pay for them.
One of the biggest advantages of freelance work is that it provides a steady stream of income. This can help creatives to focus on their craft, rather than worrying about paying the rent or bills. It can also provide a safety net, in the form of health insurance and other benefits that might not be available to a typical employee.
Another advantage is that freelancers can work from anywhere that has a Wi-Fi connection. This can be very useful if you’re travelling for work or have to spend a night in a hotel for an event. It can also be a great way for freelancers to stay connected with clients and fellow colleagues, as you can collaborate with people from all over the world while working on projects together.
Depending on the nature of your work, you may be able to set your own hours as well, which can be a great benefit for freelancers with families or other commitments. This can also be a great benefit for those who suffer from chronic illnesses, as it can give you more control over your work-life balance.
Finally, freelancers can choose which projects they want to take, allowing them to pick and choose the ones that align with their personal interests. This can be a huge advantage for those who struggle with burnout, which is a common problem in traditional office jobs. It can be very easy for a creative to become overwhelmed by the demands of a traditional job and end up with mental and physical burnout.
One of the most important aspects of being a successful freelancer is networking and seeking out new opportunities. This can be a little intimidating for some creatives, who might feel uncomfortable cold-calling or pitching their services to strangers. This can be a necessary part of growing your freelance business, however, and learning how to do it effectively can be incredibly rewarding.
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Hi, my name is Anton Grantham, founder of HugeListBuilder.com. I’ve been in the Internet marketing space since 1999. But I didn’t discover the power of email marketing until soon after I quit my last full-time job in 2014.
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