What advice would you give to a new freelancer?
Interview with Saibu, an HR content writer for a remote company
It’s not all sexy and bling bling. I mean, a lot of advice on the internet sometimes talk about freelancing or entrepreneurship as if once you’re in, everything is going to work out.
Freelancing and entrepreneurship are difficult, just like any difficult thing in life. They don’t come on a silver platter, and you’ve got to work your ass off to make it.
Another thing is, they’re not for everyone. If freelancing or entrepreneurship isn’t working, leave and go work a day job. If being a worker is what will make you happy, go chase that.
Don’t let every and anybody drag you into entrepreneurship or freelancing because they deem it cool.
Hear how Saibu, a thriving HR content writer, navigates the complexities—and perks—of working with a remote team from Ghana.
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Interview with Pilar, director of Virtual Not Distant
Just make sure you know why you want to freelance because it is not about freedom. Know what you want to do it.
Hear about Pilar's flexible approach to managing Virtual Not Distant and the career-changing advice she received from a friend.
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Interview with Nico, marketer and advocate for remote worker mental health
This might sound cliché, but here goes nothing: fail early. Fail a lot. Test a lot. I work for an analytics startup, and we test everything. It would be ironic if we didn't, right?
For freelancers, don't devalue yourself to cash out on a quick project, or because you're starting to get stressed about finances. Know that fit matters, especially when you're taking on clients by yourself, and you don't have a shoulder to lean on if things go sideways.
Make sure it's a good fit before taking on a new project and make sure you're charging what you're worth.
If you really believe in your pricing and it scares someone off, so be it. The good fits will come with time.
For entrepreneurs (not that I'm in any position to be giving this advice, ha!), don't be so hesitant to get your company out into the world. Once you settle the basics (value proposition, paperwork, website, team, etc.), get it out there! I've had a couple of founder friends who were so paralyzed by fear of judgment, imperfection, or their own sky-high expectations that they wouldn't just get it out there.
You can always make updates and changes along the way. But cross that bridge when you come to it.
"I've felt burnout HARD in the past. When it hits, it HITS, and it can be tough to recover." In this interview, Nico shares his strategies for balancing work and life and reveals the key to avoiding burnout.
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Interview with Deborah, a remote entrepreneur changing perceptions about remote work
- Always have at least four months' worth of income in the bank.
- If you're not OK with living like a prince/ss one month and a pauper the next, it may not be for you.
- Try to have multiple streams of income (or passive income) if you are concerned about your workflow.
- Make sure you're doing it for the 'right' reasons (for you).
- Give it a chance, and if it's not for you, don't feel you've failed if you decide to go back to working for a company—there's absolutely no shame in that.
Deborah has traveled the world sharing her research about the pros of remote work. See how she is helping companies and clients understand the importance of location independence.
Read full interview from Interview with Deborah, a remote entrepreneur changing perceptions about remote work.