How to Decide if You Should Freelance - The Muse

How to Decide if You Should Freelance - The MuseHow to Decide if You Should Freelance Ive been a full-time freelance writer for nearly three years now. As a result, I hear from a lot of people who are aiming to start freelance careers and are looking for a detailed answer about exactly how I made it happen. Beyond attempting to get their hands on a supposed black and white formula for success, I find that many of them are simply seeking reassurance- they want to know that they too can quit their jobs and make it work.Heres the thing Thats not a promise I can make. Everybodys situation is unique, and whether or not youre able to make a go of it as a freelancer depends so much on your own determination- and a little bit (alright, a lot) of luck.What I can do, however, is give you a bit of food for thought to help you determine your next steps. If youve been considering leaving your job in favor of pursuing the freelance life, here are a few things I encourage you to consider before jum ping ship. 1. How Comfortable Are You With Instability?Chances are, youve heard of the notorious feast or famine phenomenon that comes along with freelancing. When things are good, theyre really good. But, when theyre bad? Well, they can be really bad.Because youre responsible for finding your own projects and clients, your workload, income, and- as a direct result- your confidence can fluctuate even more than you can imagine.For some people, thats exciting. But, for others, its panic-inducing. So, instead of just acknowledging that these ups and downs exist, its important to take the time to think about how youll cope with them- both financially and emotionally.If youre someone who needs predictability and stability in order to thrive? You might not adore freelancing as much as youre assuming you will. 2. How Much of a Self Starter Are You?I always thought of myself as extremely self-motivated. But when I started as a freelance writer, I realized I needed to kick that quality up ab out eight notches.Freelancing doesnt just require you to be a self starter- it requires you to be an extreme self starter. Your livelihood rests solely on your shoulders. You need to chase down work, network without shame, and put yourself out there for projects that might terrify you. And, you need to do that all with little to no direction or pressure from a boss whos impatiently tapping her foot. Ill be the first to admit that can be paralyzing, and not everybodys equipped (or even willing) to be so aggressive and disciplined. 3. Why Do You Want to Freelance?This is usually one of the very first questions I ask people who approach me for freelance advice. More often than not, the responses I receive look similar. I want to be able to work when and where I want. I dont want a boss anymore. I dont like what Im doing right now and I need an escape.Do you know what I dont hear that often? Something that goes like, Im really passionate about this work and think striking out on my own would be challenging and rewardingPeople are always quick to cite the things that they dont like about their current situations, rather than what theyre hoping to accomplish as freelancers. They look at the lifestyle as their ticket to finally work in their pajamas and have flexible schedules.However, if youre seriously considering freelancing as a career path, its important that you recognize theres a lot more to it than that. Ensure that the reasons you want to take this road extend beyond the superficial clichs, and youll be a step ahead of most people already 4. Whats Your Back-up Plan?Ill be the first to admit that Im hardly the person to lecture you on back-up plans- I bid adieu to the security of my full-time job without so much as a loose strategy in place.It worked out. But that doesnt mean that Id recommend you take the same approach.What happens if you try it, and you cant make ends meet? What if you give it a whirl and decide you hate it? What will you do if your circums tances change and you realize you need a full-time job that offers benefits?Perhaps youll secure a part-time job to subsidize your income. Maybe your freund can afford to carry you financially for a while. Or, perhaps youll give yourself a certain amount of time (six months, a year) before you decide its time to head back to a more traditional career. Regardless, I think its smart to have at least some inkling of what youd do if this leap doesnt pan out in your favor. Things change, and one of the only certainties that freelancing brings with it is this uncertainty. Quitting your job to pursue a freelance career is a big decision. And, while its impossible to predict exactly how things will play out for you, you want to be sure that you give this decision the time and careful consideration it deserves.Start by asking yourself these four key questions, and youll gain some clarity about whether or not its truly the best move for you. Considering waving goodbye to your nine to five and saying hello to the freelance life? Tweet me and let me know