Thinking About Becoming A Freelancer?
COVID-19 has forced many event and hospitality professionals to think about new ways to generate income, and long-time corporate employees are opting to take advantage of freelance/contract opportunities. Whether it is project management or virtual event planning, freelancing has become popular for both the company needing help and the professional seeking project-based work.
Before you start marketing your skills and experience, take time to ask yourself these questions:
What are your freelance career goals?
Are you prepared to work independently and remotely for the long term?
How can you ensure freelancing will be a successful financial decision?
What is your freelance career goal?
For the corporate professional, freelance work is a totally different experience. This new career choice can change the way you work. What do you do well? Do you have marketable skills? Most freelance work is remote-based, and working from home is super valuable for many professionals. Think of less time spent in traffic, and less money spent on business clothes and that daily latte! The two-hour daily commute, highway tolls, and daily lunch dates add up quickly. How much are those amenities worth to you?
Are you prepared to work independently and remotely for the long term?
Successful freelancers are self-motivated. They are interested in learning different industries and working for different companies however, working from home can be isolating. Do you have a social interaction plan? One way to stay connected is to pencil in a lunch date once or twice a week with a former co-worker/friend. Even if you opt to have a video lunch date, connecting with others during the day can be incredibly rejuvenating.
Can you afford to Freelance?
Do you have the resources to offset the potential for inconsistent income? If you're not sure how many months of savings you have, that's okay. It's important to have a plan in place for the potential of inconsistent income. One of the most common recommendations is 3-6 months' worth of savings for emergencies.
Do you need health insurance benefits? Check out the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Interested in exclusive discounts for freelancers? The Freelancers Union is a wonderful resource.
Freelancers Union | Freelancers Union
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