Freelancing is one of the fastest-growing career paths in the world and is predicted to continue on its current trajectory. The Philippines is among the fastest growing, reaching about 1.5 million freelancers in 2022. The pandemic of 2020 has changed how people work, with many more turning to freelance as a viable career option.
If you’re considering working on your own, chances are you’re the person who thrives when allowed to create their route and find their success. You’re self-motivated and organized and understand the value of hard work to reach your goals. You can figure out the best method for doing anything. Thus, being a freelancer suits you perfectly.
In 2023, freelancing is expected to be even more robust, with new technological advances making it easier for freelancers to connect with clients worldwide. To become a successful freelancer in 2023, keep reading.
What Is Freelancing?
Freelancing is working as an independent contractor or freelancer providing services to clients in exchange for payment. Freelancers can work remotely and are often self-employed, although they may subcontract through a company. Many freelancers specialize in a specific industry, such as web design, copywriting, software development, or other specialized skills.
Freelancing is not always easy and requires much grit, contrary to what others believe. It is not easier than being employed, but it has its perks.
Freelancer Vs. Employed
Freelancer
- Paid by the number of clients/tasks (the sky is the limit)
- No work, no pay
- Works remotely
- Flexible hours
- Provide own stuff like gadgets and tools
- Flexible schedule
- Look for clients on their own
Employed
- Fixed salary monthly/Steady Income
- Paid holidays
- Designated hours
- Employer provides tools and gadgets
- Fixed schedule
- Employer provides work
- Work Environment
- Company Pension
- Company Benefits
This comparison shows that freelancers and employed people have different advantages and disadvantages. A freelancer can earn as much as they want, but there’s no guarantee that they will find two or more clients, while an employed person has a fixed salary and earns monthly. The benefits of being employed outweigh the benefits of being a freelancer. However, given the benefits of being employed, some people still prefer freelancing, and here’s why
- To make more money
- To enjoy
- To escape from burnout
- and, of course, To have greater freedom
Skills Of A Great Freelancer
To be a successful freelancer, one must know to evaluate their skills and ability. They must be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This way, they can use their strengths to their advantage and improve their weaknesses.
Technical Skills
As a freelancer, you must have the technical skills necessary for your chosen field. This includes coding, web design, writing, graphic design, etc. The more proficient you are in these areas will determine your success as a freelancer.
Organizational Skills
Organizational Skills is a must-have for all freelancer. Organization skills help you to keep track of your projects and manage your workload efficiently. It also enables you to create deadlines and stick to them.
Intrapersonal Skills
Interaction with prospective clients, existing clients, and other people related to your projects is crucial to your success. Intrapersonal skills such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making will help you close more deals and make an excellent first impression.
Deciding to work as a freelancer
Choosing a career from a variety of options
There are a lot of career options available for you to choose from. A career that is related to your degree, a career that matches your skills and interests, or a career that you wanted to try just because. Whichever career you choose, make sure that it is something that you can perform well and enjoy simultaneously.
Creative work
- Digital Artist
- Cartoon Artist
- Icon/Logo Designer
- Vector Designer
- Infographic Designer
- Brochure Designer
- T-shirt Designer
Writing
- Article Writer
- Blog Writer
- Copywriter
- Web Content Writer
Video
- Videographer
- Video Editor
- Video Animator
Web Development
- WordPress Expert
- Front-End Designer
- Back-End Designer
- Plugin Developer
- Php Developer
Accounting & Finance
- Financial Advisor
- Bookkeeper
- Accountant
Personal Services
- Personal Shopper
- Tutor
- Virtual Assistant
And the list goes on. The decision will ultimately depend on your skills, interests, and what kind of job suits you. Regardless, the most important thing is to choose something that will simultaneously make you happy and successful. So take some time before deciding, as this could be life-changing.
How to Become a Freelancer in 2023?
Now that you have decided what kind of freelancer you want to be, the next step is acquiring the skill and knowledge needed for your chosen profession.
Enroll in freelancing or virtual assistant courses
Enrolling in a course specializing in your chosen profession is the best way to get started in freelancing. This will give you an in-depth understanding of the basics and help you become a successful freelancer.
Check out our Courses at EliteVAexperts.com and choose the best course that fits your needs.
Join free or paid internships
Internships are a great way to get real-world experience and learn from experienced professionals. It also looks great on your resume. You can look for internships on freelance websites or reach out directly to companies that need help with their projects.
Message us at Elite VA Experts’ website or facebook account to avail our internship offer.
Join online communities and forums
The internet is a great place to stay up-to-date with trends, news, and freelancers. Joining online communities and forums can help you get valuable tips from experienced freelancers and might also help you find potential clients or recruiters.
Set up a portfolio website
Make sure to showcase your work in an organized way. This will help potential clients understand what services you provide and the quality of work that they can expect from you.
For an affordable website, you can reach out to prodevconsultsph.com.
Start marketing yourself
At this point, you should be all set to start marketing yourself and your services. You can create profiles on freelancing websites like Upwork or Fiverr. You can also reach out directly to clients via email or LinkedIn.
Be patient and consistent
Freelancing is a competitive field; it takes time to build a successful career. It would be best if you were patient and consistent in finding jobs and providing excellent work.
Don't give up
We’ve already mentioned that freelancing takes a lot of grit and hard work. You should always remember that you can succeed if you keep going, continue to hone your skills, and stay open to learning new things.
Good luck on your journey as a freelancer!
