Over the years, a significant rise has been observed in the number of people deciding to become independent contractors. Otherwise known as freelancers, these individuals may look like they are living their best life, but this professional choice has its own challenges.
As a freelancer, you are never not at work. Since most freelancers work from home, maintaining a work-life balance is also a big challenge, especially compared to people with daytime jobs. While such issues can seem impossible to address, the right approach makes all the difference.
Here are some of the best tips you need to ensure a hassle-free professional life as a freelancer.
- Create a Distinction
One of the most common reasons freelancers struggle is that there is a very thin line between their personal and professional lives. Most freelancers head to their work desks as soon as they wake up, and some may power up their devices while in bed.
Working from home may initially sound like the best idea, but it can exhaust you over time. You must do your best to create a distinction between work and life, and it is best to create a routine that defines your work hours.
To boost work-life balance, you must allocate only specific hours to meeting with your clients and working on their projects. You must also incorporate frequent breaks into your work hours to prevent burnout and improve your overall well-being.
- Use Productivity Tools
Technology has made life easier for all professionals, and freelancers are no different. Several tools, such as Trello and Asana, have made it much easier for freelancers to keep track of their deadlines and organise their tasks.
Just like things are easier to find on an organised desk, you can also complete your tasks more effectively when your schedule is organised.
In addition to using tools to measure your productivity, you can look for tools that help you in your field of work. For example, tools such as Canva have made life significantly easier for graphic designers. Similarly, you can also look for tools dedicated to making your work easier.
- Create a Dedicated Workstation
It is always recommended that freelancers set up a designated workspace, preferably outside their bedroom. This space must be tailored to their professional needs to ensure that they stay focused and free of distractions during their dedicated work hours.
Do your best to ensure that your workstation has unhindered access to a reliable internet connection so that you do not waste time staring at loading screens. This way, you can work efficiently for extended periods without any discomfort or interruptions.
Dedicated workstations foster creativity, help you stay organised, and ultimately lead to better success rates for freelance professionals. To keep yourself going, you can also decorate your work table and the surrounding walls with motivational quotes.
- Look Out for Freelancer Scams
Opportunists and scammers are always looking for ways to take advantage of a freelancer who looks vulnerable. Struggling freelancers are often their primary target as they want to grow their careers by getting more projects.
If you want to ensure a successful career as a freelancer, you must always stay vigilant about freelancer scams. You may not always be able to stay safe from these scams, but trying can protect you against the worst possibilities.
For example, if someone offers you an unbelievable amount for a simple job, they likely want to scam you or use your information without your consent.
One of the best ways to avoid scams, especially those that are financial, is to break down larger payments into smaller sections. This means that your client will pay you step by step as you provide them with sections of their work. This approach can save you from facing a bigger loss.
- Improve Your Networking Skills
Whether you are a freelance editor, ghostwriter, or graphic designer, one thing that everyone can agree upon is that every platform is saturated. The competition is high, and connecting with potential clients is becoming increasingly difficult.
Instead of waiting for the next client to contact you, you can contact them to make yourself and your services more discoverable. Networking plays a significant role in ensuring your success as a freelance professional.
You can attend industry events and engage with potential clients on social media platforms to meet with potential clients and connect with other freelancers. More professional connections mean that you will gain referrals and build a strong network for a successful freelance career.
- Prioritise Selfcare
As a freelancer, many can agree that they have to make a choice between their well-being and work more often than thought. It can be hard to say no to a new project, especially if it is paying you well. However, no amount of money can ever be worth risking your physical well-being.
Overworking yourself is the most common cause of stress and burnout. Remember that self-care is essential for you to give your best to your work. Therefore, it is always recommended to keep your mental and physical well-being over everything else.
It is okay to allow yourself to take a break from work. As a freelancer, taking care of yourself can reduce stress, prevent burnout, and enhance your overall productivity, which can ultimately benefit you professionally.
- Continue to Learn
Whether you are leading a successful career as a freelancer or have just started your journey in this competitive field, continuous learning plays an important role in setting your services apart from your competitors.
Keeping on learning does not necessarily mean that you have to enrol for a formal degree. Learning about industry trends, new technologies, and best practices in your field can yield several benefits for your professional success.
You can also look for on-site or online courses, workshops, or certifications in your field to enhance your skills and stay competitive in the freelance market. These efforts can also shine bright on your portfolio, making you a preferred candidate for many clients.
