When you decide to begin working as a freelancer, you must initially understand whether you can adapt to the clients’ requirements. Also, you must look at whether your background and numerous other factors will allow you to do so. When transitioning from a full-time job to freelancing, most people feel as if they have been thrown into the deep end of the swimming pool and in most cases without a plan to get out from the other end.
This is not just a problem with new freelancers but also among experienced professionals. Therefore, before you begin freelancing, you are advised to read some of the tips and solutions to the problems faced by fresh and seasoned freelancers.
Below are some helpful tips for those who have just decided to get in the freelancing business.
“The life of the professional writer – like that of any freelance, whether she be a plumber or a podiatrist – is predicated on willpower. Without it, there simply wouldn’t be any remuneration, period.”— Will Self
Working Different Time Zones
When working as a freelancer, you will have an opportunity to connect with employers from distinct corners of the globe. You can develop fantastic experiences when dealing with new clients while adopting an entirely different culture in your life. However, it also means that you will be required to work according to the client’s time zone, which could be different from yours.
Most freelancers manage to overcome this problem by setting their handheld devices to display time zones from throughout the world. You can also utilize some online time zone converters, which come in the form of desktop and mobile apps.
At the same time, you can also choose to work with clients who are located in a time zone that is convenient to you. By adopting this method, you will be servicing a distinct set of clients in specific countries. This will not only be comfortable for you but will also be helpful because you would be familiar with the clients as they will be with your portfolio. This recommendation is best for freelancers who are just beginning to build a distinct client base.
Working With Different Currencies
Working with different currencies can be a challenging task for a fresh freelancer. You will be dealing with various localities. Therefore, you may have to deal with multiple currencies. While it could be a problem for some freelancers, it must be understood that the U.S. dollar is widely accepted throughout the world as a staple currency for freelancing.
This factor could be beneficial for you if you are based on a location where the U.S. dollar can fetch a good price. You just need to keep a close eye on the currency rates due to the financial instability that has been affecting numerous nations at the moment. On some occasions, you may see variations in exchange rates, which may be as huge as 10%. These variations could lead to a pinch if you are working on large projects.
To overcome the problems related to currency exchange rates, many freelancers provide a regional representation of the value for the project both in the local currency of the client and the US dollar. Clients are also known to offer currencies that are closest to the U.S. dollar or the local amount. These options are becoming common as more instances of the uncertainties in payments among freelancers arise.
Managing Finances
Managing your finances is another task that you have to master without exceptions. On some occasions, it could be raining dollars. On other occasions, you could be sitting idle for days. Having a backup plan in your possession will always prove helpful. Avoid running to the nearest store to pick up some fancy stuff just because you have had a good week.
Seasoned freelancers will advise you to set some cash aside for a rainy day when nothing is coming in. You should take the opportunity to set cash aside as soon as the occasion presents itself to you. Almost all freelancer’s encounter difficulties of these types at sometime regardless of how experienced they are. Therefore, ensure you follow this advice without any exception.
