As a freelancer, you’re your own boss. You have the freedom to choose your projects, clients, and work schedule. However, you are also responsible for your own success and growth. One way to stay competitive and improve your earning potential is to upskill. Upskilling simply means learning new skills or upgrading your existing ones to stay relevant in your field. Here are the benefits of upskilling as a freelancer and how it can help you thrive in the ever-changing landscape of the gig economy.

It helps you stay competitive 

The digital world is constantly evolving, and new technologies emerge every day. Freelancers who fail to keep up with the latest trends and tools risk losing clients to those who can offer more value-added services (especially agencies who will be prioritizing training in the remote workspace). By upskilling, you can expand your knowledge and expertise and stand out from the competition. Consider taking online courses, attending workshops and conferences, or reading industry blogs to stay updated.

Upskilling should increase your earning potential

As you acquire new skills or certifications, you can command higher rates and attract higher-paying clients. Clients are willing to pay more for freelancers who can offer a specialized skill set that solves their unique problems. For instance, if you specialize in web design, learning to code can give you an edge over designers who only work with templates. Being multi-skilled can also lead to more project opportunities and referrals.

You’ll be able to diversify your services 

Upskilling can help you expand your service offerings and tap into new niches. For example, if you are a graphic designer, learning to create animated videos can make you more appealing to clients who want to market their products or services through social media. By diversifying your skillset, you can create multiple income streams and increase your client base.

Upskilling will enhance your professional confidence

As freelancers, we often suffer from imposter syndrome – a feeling that we’re not qualified or skilled enough to fulfill our client’s expectations. However, as you invest in learning and mastering new skills, you gain confidence in your abilities and can deliver better work. Upskilling can also help you articulate your value proposition to clients and showcase your growth.

You’ll learn to adapt to changes better

The business landscape is constantly changing, and freelancers who are agile and adaptable can thrive. By upskilling, you can prepare yourself for new challenges and opportunities that come your way. For instance, as the pandemic transformed work environments, many freelancers had to adopt new technologies and communication tools to stay productive. Those who could adapt quickly were able to retain clients and even gain new ones.

Upskilling is not a luxury but a necessity for freelancers who want to stay competitive and relevant in their fields. In a world where everything changes so rapidly, being skilled and adaptable can give you the freedom and autonomy that you crave as a freelancer. Remember, learning is a lifelong process, and there are endless possibilities to explore. So, start today and unleash the power of upskilling.

A new year naturally brings new year’s resolutions as people look forward and set goals for themselves. And while there’s much discourse about whether you should make resolutions or not, it can boil down to making reasonable ones you can keep. Have you set your resolutions yet? And if so, did freelancing full-time make the cut?

Making the jump to freelancing full-time can seem intimidating for those who have mainly worked traditional jobs, but countless statistics point to the fact that full-time employees are rapidly moving to freelance jobs due to a few key findings.

Here are some reasons to go freelance in 2023.

1. Freelance talent is in demand

If you’ve been curious about making the leap to freelancing, but aren’t sure there are enough opportunities, think again; the gig economy is just expected to grow. 2023 is the year to go freelance, according to Fiverr. A large majority of business owners—78%—say they are more likely to hire freelancers this year.

“Changes to headcount and working arrangements are unfortunately necessary during cost-cutting periods, and yet businesses need to ensure staff still feel supported and morale remains intact. It’s encouraging to see that savvy business leaders are turning to freelancers in order to fill any talent gaps in their workforce to avoid things such as burnout and reduced productivity,” said Shany Malbin, Fiverr Business General Manager.

2. Freelancers have a high earnings potential

While starting out as a full-time freelancer may have some growing pains like keeping track of invoices, maintaining a schedule, and planning your business and goals far ahead, it also can lead you to eventually being more in charge of your career than you would’ve as an employee. For example, you can set your own rates, manage your own clients, and not have to worry about things that may come with working full-time such as being micromanaged and monitored. Another perk of working for yourself, especially in the current economic climate, is being able to avoid layoffs or company turmoil.

3. Freelancers have flexibility

At the end of the day, freelancing equals flexibility. Freelancers can work from home (or wherever they’d like to), have full control of their schedules, and decide their own workload. According to Upwork, 50% of freelancers said because of personal circumstances they could not work for a traditional employer, but freelancing gives them the flexibility they need.

With traditional, in-person 9-5 jobs in the rear-view mirror and the gig economy approaching ahead, think about these perks of freelancing as you drive into 2023.

Entering the world of work as a junior freelancer brings with it many different challenges and responsibilities. Not only will you need to adjust to going solo and being responsible for your own workload, but you also have to manage your personal responsibilities, particularly when it comes to your finances. There are some financial challenges that freelancers face compared to those working in permanent roles, not least that your income will be less predictable, particularly when work is hard to come by. 

But going freelance also gives you the opportunity to potentially earn more, as you can largely often dictate how much work you complete. The freedom that comes with earning your own income is an exciting prospect, but it also requires a certain level of responsibility and maturity to manage it properly. Failing to look after your financial wellbeing won’t only affect you in the short-term, it could impact upon the type of lifestyle you lead further down the line. 

As a result, it can be useful to be aware of the best ways to manage your finances when working in a junior freelancer role, to help set you up for success as you progress through your career.

1. Create a budget and track your expenses

Particularly if you went to college, you will already have some knowledge about the importance of budgeting your income. However, whilst at college you’re likely to have had a short-term view of your finances, and just do enough to get by. But when starting in the world of work, it’s important to take a more holistic approach. 

As a freelancer, you will hopefully know roughly how much money you can expect to come in every month, allowing you to plan your budget accordingly. Be sure to divide your income between the essentials, the non-essentials and savings, and find a split that works for you.

2. Stay disciplined with your spending 

Following on from the previous point, it’s important to be disciplined with your spending – just because you have the money doesn’t mean you should spend it. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and impulse buy things, particularly with the rise of influencers and social media advertising, but irresponsible spending can lead to financial problems down the road. 

If you stick to only buying what you need, you’ll be in a much better financial position – there’s no shame in being mindful of your finances and living within your means. Failing to do so could mean you start to rack up hefty debts, which can ultimately harm your future financial health if they get out of control. Particularly if you have a credit card, it’s crucial to avoid overspending and falling into debt that you can’t pay back each month, as this will affect your credit score and your credibility as a responsible borrower. 

3. Investigate financial perks

Going freelance can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you’ve previously worked for a company who offered you health insurance, a pension and a comfort budget for setting up your home office. When you’re starting out, make sure to do some research to see if you’re eligible for any local or national discount schemes. People under 30 may find that they can get discounted subscriptions or transport, and there are health insurance schemes that reward you for being active with money off vouchers. 

It’s also important to be aware of any expenses you can claim from the companies you’re completing work for. Whether that’s money spent on additional utilities when working from home, or travel costs for going into an office space, find out what you can reasonably expect to claim back and make sure to keep on top of it.

Recession: a word most American workers don’t like to hear. However, the topic of a recession has been covered in recent months, leaving many confused about the state of the U.S. economy. Many C.E.O.s and corporate leaders have taken note of this recently—and 98% of them are preparing for a recession in the next 12 to 18 months. At the same time, the U.S. economy gained 261,000 jobs in October which Jane Oates, president of WorkingNation called an ‘’even keel.”

As companies and employees grow wary of a recession, here’s what freelancers need to know about what it could mean for them.

A recession may create more opportunities for freelancers

Although the word “recession” usually triggers a state of panic, it’s not always an entirely bad thing for freelancers. In fact, it’s common that a recession can create more jobs for freelancers. As full-time positions are cut at companies, the work that full-time employees were doing may end up in the hands of freelancers and those in contract roles.

According to a recent survey in Fiverr, 85% of business owners say they plan to freeze hiring because of rising operating costs, inflation, and a potential recession, and 43% say they plan to hire freelancers. So while the work may be less stable due to the current status of companies, there will be more of it.

A recession may lead to an overall loss of income for freelancers

While more opportunities may open for freelancers, rates may be harder to negotiate due to companies cutting their overall spending. To prevent an overall loss of income, freelancers can still make sure they’re negotiating a fair rate, diversifying income sources, and taking deposits for larger projects.  

A recession may start a freelance revolution

We’re in a historic time right now, and not only because the COVID-19 pandemic changed the working world forever, but also because a looming recession has a chance of speeding up a freelance revolution—meaning more full-time workers could choose to be freelancers in the face of layoffs or job instability.

“The more the organization, or the more the ecosystem for working independently is embraced, the more the freelancers will evolve,” said Omayma Rashwan, co-founder of tod-Z, a talent on-demand marketplace.

While the next several months feel uncertain, it’s important to note that a changing economy comes with a perk that one may not have previously considered: more opportunities. If you haven’t thought about freelancing yet, now could be the time to start working for yourself.

In many ways, being a freelancer is ideal. You get to make your own hours, choose your own projects, and negotiate your own terms. However, with so much freedom also comes an immense amount of responsibility. Freelancers are tasked with acquiring clients, managing operating expenses, growing their income, and ensuring their company’s compliance with relevant legal and regulatory statutes.

So if you’re a freelancer, you’re going to wear a lot of hats and you’re going to have to cultivate expertise in diverse domains to ensure that your freelance business survives and thrives in the long term. As a freelancer, perhaps the most important issues you will encounter are those relating to intellectual property (IP) law, contracts, and non-disclosure agreements (NDA).

IP and freelancing

When you’re a freelancer, perhaps the first and most important question you will ask is who owns the rights to your work product or intellectual property (IP)? IP is typically assumed to “belong” legally to the person who creates it. In such cases, you would be able to use your creations as you see fit, from repurposing your content for future clients or for displaying your work in an online portfolio to market your freelancing services. 

However, there’s a strong likelihood that your clients will want to secure the rights to your work product for themselves. Commercial clients, in particular, are likely to have pre-established protocols for contracting with freelancers. 

These are usually defined by the contracts which clients may require before commissioning your work and will define who owns the IP rights and how the work may be used both by the client and the creator in the future. In many cases, commercial clients will prohibit you from using the content for any purpose, including marketing. You may be unable to include it in an online portfolio, especially if the portfolio is available to the public. In addition, because the client’s contract in essence may stipulate that they have paid for ownership rights, they may well publish the content under the name of the client or their company.

Understanding contracts

As you probably surmised from the section above, when it comes to freelancing and intellectual property rights, the contract is everything. Again, it can generally be assumed that you retain ownership of the content you have created unless and until a contract or IP agreement is signed and ratified.

Nevertheless, if you’re doing freelance work, it’s far better to be safe than sorry when protecting your content. That means if you’re not prepared to sign over the ownership rights of your work product to your clients, then it’s a good idea to draw up a legally binding contract of your own. This should explicitly and comprehensively detail who retains the right to “own” the content you create, how the content can be used, exactly, and for how long. 

The good news is that you can enjoy the protections of a legal contract without forgoing the opportunity to work remotely with clients who may be scattered across the globe. For example, you can securely send, receive, and sign legally-binding contracts using many different platforms, such as Adobe. When using digital contracts, though, it’s important to ensure that your documents cannot be altered once a digital signature has been attached.

Considering NDAs

When you’re freelancing, there’s a good chance that you’re going to be working with a wide range of clients, some of whom may even compete with one another. In light of this, you may find that your client requires you to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before a work agreement can be made. 

In most cases, this is a reasonable request, as the work you do for your client is likely to involve sensitive information that is incumbent upon the client and the client’s partners to protect. Fulfilling the terms of an NDA may require you to do more than simply keep mum about what you learned about the company while working for them, however. After all, clients do take some risks when hiring a freelancer, especially if that freelancer works remotely and travels frequently. 

Indeed, if you’re a digital nomad, then you’re probably going to need to take some additional precautions to ensure you’re complying with the NDA or privacy clauses that may be embedded in your work contract. You might, for instance, install a virtual private network (VPN) on your work devices to reduce the risk that your systems may be hacked and your data stolen.

The takeaway

The freelancer’s life is at once exciting, challenging, rewarding, and liberating. You have to develop skill sets far beyond the products you create or the services you provide. This includes mastering the nuances of intellectual property law, work contracts, and non-disclosure agreements. It may feel as if such topics are far outside your wheelhouse, but attending to these critical concerns can protect you and your business from lawsuits, hefty fines, or the misuse of your original content.

If you’re a freelance writer, a photographer, a filmmaker, or a creative professional of any kind, odds are you have a portfolio to showcase your work. Portfolios are essentially a type of resume; they’re a way for clients to know if they want to hire you. They (hopefully) open doors and opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or are just getting started working for yourself and getting used to showing your work, here are five tips you don’t want to overlook when enhancing your freelance portfolio.  

1. Be clear with your mission

Who are you? What do you do? What makes your work stand out? Answering all these questions will work in your favor when enhancing your portfolio and attracting customers. Website visitors should be able to spend just a few minutes on your website and immediately know your mission—and if it suits them, which it hopefully will.

2. Do your research

Which portfolios excite you—and why? Gather examples of different portfolios that inspire you and use them as a reference when creating your own. With user-friendly websites such as Squarespace and Wix, you can personalize your portfolio while also drawing inspiration from their templates and designs.

3. Include your best work

This tip seems obvious—but make sure to show the work you’re the proudest of. Like a resume, you don’t want to include anything in your portfolio that’s dated or unnecessary. You also don’t want to overwhelm your portfolio visitor. Similar to putting your best foot forward, including your best work will increase the odds of creating the best first impression.

4. Elaborate on your projects

In your portfolio, you want to show and tell. Depending on the form, some work doesn’t need much explanation. However, it’s a good idea to expand upon your work in your portfolio. It adds a personal touch while providing context for your processes and strategies. You can add information about your work type if you’re a freelance writer. If you’re a photographer, you can do the same—and maybe even share your experience from behind the camera.

5. Update your portfolio regularly

So you’re done enhancing your portfolio. But odds are you’re not really done. Having a portfolio is an ongoing process. You should keep it relevant, adding new work when you can, so clients can see not only your most recent work but also that you care enough to maintain it.

With these five tips, you have the tools to maintain a stellar portfolio—and hopefully a stellar freelance career.

The world of freelancing full-time offers many perks to those who want to work for themselves: it’s flexible, fulfilling, and sometimes more profitable than if one had a traditional salary. For those dodging a traditional 9-to-5 job, it may seem like an ideal option. However, it also comes with the great responsibility of being fully in charge of one’s money. It includes keeping track of invoices, finding new clients, and making sure deadlines are hit. Most importantly, a full-time freelancer must be cognizant of their money flow and getting paid what they deserve.  

Here are four money tips for freelancers to keep in mind.

1. Don’t accept low-paying (or no paying) work

Seasoned freelancers who have a strong portfolio may not encounter this as much as those who are just getting started freelancing. Either way, it’s crucial to remember your worth—and even if you’re just getting your feet wet in the freelancing world, it doesn’t mean you have to accept low-paying (or no paying) work. Always accept jobs at your rate.

There are countless tools online to help freelancers see what rate is appropriate to set. Apps like Wave can help one price their work and make the money they deserve.

2. Look at competition

Which freelancers do you follow? More importantly, whom would you consider your competition in your freelancing field?

Take a closer look at your competitors and the rates they charge to gain a better sense of what you should (or could) be charging. Looking at your competition is also a great way to gain inspiration and stay on top of current trends in your field and will help you earn more money as a freelancer.

3. Negotiate your rate

Rates aren’t always set in stone. Once your editor tells you how much they offer for a piece, always try to negotiate for more. Remember: negotiating is part of freelancing. Here are some further tips for negotiating.

4. Stay organized

Organization is key for freelancers. Not only do you have to organize pitches and stay on top of deadlines, but you also need to make sure you’re submitting invoices and getting paid on time. A way to ensure this happens is by being as organized as you can—and thinking one step ahead when it comes to all of these moving components.

As a freelancer, you have a lot of freedom—the freedom to create your own schedule, the flexibility to plan your workload, and hopefully even the chance to work up to your ideal creative life. Also, with the Internet, you have immediate access to countless blogs that are specifically catered to the freelance life.

Below you’ll find a selection of blogs that will set you up for success on your path as a freelancer.

Freelancers Union

Freelancers Union is the largest and fast-growing organization representing the 56.7 million independent workers across the country. They provide their members a powerful support system and voice through policy advocacy, benefits, and resources. Also, they generate new blog posts weekly.

Millo

Millo is another great freelance resource. Made up of a team of freelancers, Millo’s mission is to provide you with tips, information, and connections as you embark on your freelance journey.

A Better Lemonade Stand

A Better Lemonade Stand exists to “inspire, educate, and support entrepreneurs like you, in the early stages of your entrepreneurial journey.” This outlet not only provides resources but also a community that will help you grow your business.

Zen Habits

Every freelancer needs space and time set aside for self-care, especially when they’re figuring out a routine and balancing a work schedule and free time. With a readership of over one million, this blog is designed to teach you how to be more mindful in your daily life.  

Creative Boom

Solely dedicated to creative industries ranging from those who work as artists, designers, illustrators, photographers, filmmakers, and animators, Creative Boom offers support, resources, tips, and more. Whether you’re just starting out as a freelancer or are a seasoned one, they offer support to creatives at all stages.

Make A Living Writing

Just as the name gives away, this blog is a destination for writers looking to freelance full-time. It has won acclaim almost since it first began, and most recently has been named one of The Write Life’s Top 100 Websites for Writers every year since 2015.

In the past couple of years, the number of employees leaving their jobs for new ones has only increased—and statistics show that this trend will likely not go away any time soon. According to Upwork, freelancers have contributed $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy in annual earnings in 2021, up $100 million from the prior year.  

If you’ve recently started to work for yourself, or in other words have embarked on freelancing full-time, here are some useful tools that will help you plan, track invoices, gain contacts, and more.

1. Cushion

One thing most freelancers know: a typical work day, week, or month is unpredictable. Cushion is set up to help freelancers navigate their schedule, predict their fluctuating monthly income levels, track time working, and much more.

2. Harvest

Do you have many different projects going at once and have a hard time tracking them all, along with the money you’re owed? Harvest is a website that makes it easy to track both time and invoices.

3. Asana

Mostly known for its user-friendly software that makes team projects and collaboration easier, Asana can also be used for project management and creating to-do lists. They have more than 200 integrations so you can easily sync up your tasks and have them live in one place

4. Proposify

Working for yourself means carving out time to do things like creating proposals for your clients on top of your day-to-day work. If you’re looking to cut down that time spent, Proposify provides you with templates and allows you to send proposals through its platform. It also lets you know if the proposal has been viewed (or not).

5. Mediabistro

Last but certainly not least, our Freelance Connect portal allows you to create your own profile and connect with editors to pitch to, along with access to a freelance job portal. Our Unlimited membership also includes guides on how and when to pitch.

It’s no secret that we’re living in a historical moment. This past year has shown that job-seekers’ patterns are changing with the current work landscape. As the flexibility of workers’ schedules adjusts with remote work and with people leaving their jobs in higher numbers than ever, stats show that more people are leaving their jobs to work for themselves. Long gone are the days when employees stayed at the same 9-to-5 job until retirement. In fact, 58% who didn’t freelance before the pandemic are now considering it. 

This data points to the fact that the move to full-time freelancing will most likely continue to be a trend in this “workers economy,” with people wanting more flexibility and freedom within their careers. If you’re currently a part-time freelancer or are looking to make the transition from working for someone to working for yourself, these tips should be helpful as you navigate your next steps. 

1. Build A Network of Clients

One of the most crucial things one can do when making the jump from working for someone to working for yourself is building a network of clients. This can be gradual as you build your portfolio and clientele. Networking is important—even when you work for yourself. If you create a good name for yourself and your work through your current clients, you’ll be able to build on that. Get your name out there!

2. Define Your Rate

Okay, you have some clients—now what? Defining your rate (and sticking to it) is crucial to making the jump to full-time freelance. Freelance rates are a heavily debated topic, as your experience level will depend on how much you should charge. With that being said, sometimes you’ll have to compromise with certain clients (especially starting out), but once you’ve become established, it will be easier to navigate and put your foot down with a set rate. Here’s an article that will help you calculate your rate. 

3. Maintain A Regular Schedule 

Most people who work freelance prefer it because they’re able to have a flexible schedule—working when they choose. This appeals to many who want to work outside of a traditional 9-to-5. However, when you make the jump to full-time, it’s crucial to maintain some kind of regular schedule. As your work life and personal life become more blended, you should aim to maintain a sense of when you’re “in office” and “out of office” in order to create boundaries for yourself and your work. Sometimes this includes working on weekends. The good thing is that it’s up to you!

4. Keep Track of Invoices & Costs

You’re building your clientele, you’ve set your rate, and you’re maintaining a regular schedule. The next thing you want to do is keep track of your invoices, as you (typically) are your own accountant. Using invoice tracking software can help you see your month-to-month income and stay organized when adding up fees. It’ll also be able to help you see how your negotiated rate can really add up!

5. Maintain an Online Presence

Your online presence is more and more important these days for self-promoting your work, but it especially is if you work for yourself and need to meet new clients. Their impression of you is most likely to start by your online presence, whether it’s your Twitter, Instagram, website, or all of the above. This goes hand-in-hand with the service you’re providing too. If you’re solely a freelance photographer, Instagram may be the main route for you to showcase your work. If you’re a writer, you may want to have both a website of links to your writing and also stay active on Twitter so potential clients can immediately see your writing tone. 

6. Prepare for Unpredictability 

The freelance world is one of flexibility—but also unpredictability. The economy’s changing landscape comes with perks like working from home and if you’re full-time freelance, working when you want and how you want. However, this goes hand in hand with some months being more fruitful than others. By nature, your workload and income can change each month. With that being said, you’ll have to be fully prepared for ebbs and flows, but that’s just part of the process. As you shape your own work days, prepare for freedom but also buck up, because now you are your own boss.