What is freelancing?

The ability to work as a freelancer creates enormous opportunity for highly-skilled and motivated individuals all over the world. This guide is intended to provide you with everything necessary to get your freelancing career started — now it’s up to you to begin applying for freelance jobs and getting your first freelance clients! 

What is the definition of a freelancer?

Put simply, a freelancer is a person who works for themselves. A freelancer provides some sort of service whether it is photography, design, programming or almost any other occupation. The main difference is that a freelancer has many clients rather than one steady employer. Freelancers often charge by the hour, the day or the project and are effectively running a small business with their skill set as the star product.

Are freelancers the same as contractors?

Freelancers can also be referred to as contractors as they take short contract jobs for their clients as opposed to a permanent position with a regular salary. A freelancer will usually have a few clients at any one time and will be juggling projects to ensure they are all completed to schedule.

How is freelancing different to a normal job?

Although you might be thinking that freelancing is simply a different kind of job, in fact it is running your own business. When you are a freelancer, you are a one-person business. At some point you might even expand to a larger operation by hiring staff. Or you could remain a freelancer permanently.

What are the benefits of freelancing?

Working for yourself will afford the freedom to choose where you work, when you work, who you work for, what you charge and much more. Along with this freedom can come some new stresses. Where can you find work? When will you get paid? What do you do when there is too much work? What about too little work?

What are the challenges of freelancing

Though it can be a struggle at times, freelancing is infinitely more rewarding than working for someone else. When you get out of bed in the morning and know that you control your own destiny, that you are the boss, that feeling is priceless. When everyone else is rushing to get to work, commuting through crowds, and you are relaxed in your own workspace, you’ll know you’ve made the right choice.

What skills do freelancers need to succeed?

Anyone who is good at what they do can make it as a freelancer. But it will take work. There is a lot to learn that you will not have encountered when working for someone else. This article will guide you through these hurdles and give you a road map for what’s ahead.

How do I get started as a freelancer?

Since you are reading this article, it’s safe to assume that you have already decided to become a freelancer. The important questions then are where to start and what to do first?

That’s where FreeTrain comes in. Join our community of thousands of freelancers and learn to love freelancing.