If you’re also a freelancer, then you know what we're talking about here. With all the freedom that comes with being a freelancer comes great responsibility too. You need to know when to stop working and start taking care of yourself. Take it from someone who has worked as a contractor for many years now—it can get really lonely at times, especially when things don’t pan out as per expectations or you encounter some unexpected bumps on the road to success. The good news? There are solutions to these problems and if you keep an open mind and stay positive enough, things will just get better from here on out. Here are 9 common problems that freelancers face every day...
Finding good quality work
Finding good quality work is hard and it can be a stressful process. When you’re looking for clients, you need to find people who are reputable and have a great reputation. You also need to find the time to connect with them personally if possible. Your reputation will go a long way when you start working with new clients.
Low pay as a freelancer
With so many platforms and job-finding websites on the internet, it’s not difficult to find a job that pays well. The problem is that you can be a freelancer for years, but if you don’t have experience or expertise in a particular field, then you may not get paid well. If you are a freelancer who has been out there for more than two years now, then this probably isn't the first time your paycheck has been low. In order to earn more and make your living sustainable, there are some things you can do to find more clients and increase your earning potential. For instance, if you're an expert in data processing, then market yourself through professional associations or contact people from companies who want to hire someone of your skill level. Additionally, if you're looking for work on Upwork or Freelancer (a popular freelance website) with skills in photography or writing and marketing, then research those industries and find employers in those fields with higher budgets that would be willing to hire someone with your skillset.
No benefits at work
The first problem freelancers may face is the lack of benefits at their workplace. Sadly, this is one problem that isn’t likely to change anytime soon, especially if your company isn’t hiring. If you are a freelancer and you don’t have an employer to provide health insurance or other benefits, then it can be difficult to take care of yourself mentally and physically. There is a high chance that you might fall into depression or burnout due to lack of support from your work environment. However, if you are able to find ways to stay healthy outside your workplace, then it will be easier for you to continue working as a freelancer.
Constant distraction through work email
A significant amount of work emails come in everyday and they can be a big source of distraction. Some freelancers opt to check their email on weekends or after hours to minimize the chances of getting distracted. The other option is to automate your mail with set up rules. If you have a trusted assistant that manages your inbox, then you don’t have to worry about it at all!
Overworking while trying to find your bearings
One of the biggest problems that freelancers face is overworking and then working only to find out that they don’t have the skills or experience necessary for the job. So, what do you do? When you don’t have the necessary experience, it can be tough to land a new job. The first step is to take some breaks from work and set your own goals for yourself. Make sure that your current skills align with the type of work you want to do in the future. If not, then it's time to sharpen your skills by continuing to learn new things every day and expand your knowledge base. Plus, knowing what kind of job you want to apply for helps too—so make sure it's something that interests you.
Staying anonymous means you’re constantly under strain
One of the main problems that freelancers face is staying anonymous. This means you're constantly under strain as your family, friends, and peers are unable to find out what's going on with you. It can be quite difficult to keep up with the daily grind when you're constantly worried about being found out. Freelancers need to know how to remain anonymous in order to maintain their sanity and stay afloat in this industry. But don’t worry—there are ways for you to stay anonymous even if people know who you are. One idea would be to cross-check your social media profiles with those of five people that work or went to school with you closely and then delete everything. You could also simply change your address and make sure not to use anything related to your name, such as your phone number or email address, anywhere online.
Freelancing is still a risky occupation
Whether you’re the one setting your own hours or the one contracting with another company, freelancing can be a risky occupation. As more people choose to become self-employed, competition has grown stronger and there is no guarantee that you will make a living wage. If you’re considering freelancing as a career option, then be sure to evaluate your options before making any significant decisions. Find out what type of experience you should have with this type of work before starting an intense campaign like this.
Conclusion
As a freelancer, you are your own boss and must be on your toes at all times. You are responsible for your success, so make sure you are setting yourself up for the best possible outcomes. You will be the one responsible for providing work for your clients, so make sure that you not only have a portfolio of work you can refer to, but also a set of marketing materials and a website to showcase your services. It’s easy to get caught up in the routine of freelancing, but if you don’t take time to make sure that you are providing a quality product while also keeping things organized and meeting deadlines, then you will find that your business is not as successful as it could be.
