Boring tasks, mediocre salary and problems with the team lead - wouldn't it be much better to become a freelancer? After all, more and more top talents are choosing this path. If you've often asked yourself "Should I go freelance?" too after a frustrating day at work, then read on. Maybe being a freelancer is just right for you. Or maybe you're not the type for it, and you're more likely to be happy in a new job with another company. The following signs suggest that freelancing might be your thing.
Sign 1: You get bored quickly
Are you always happiest when new people join the team, or when you’re starting a new project? Do you like to adapt to new situations, and do you get bored quickly when everything is business as usual for too long? Then being a freelancer could be just right for you. You'll regularly get to know new clients and work your way into their requirements. No project is like the previous one. And if everything gets too monotonous for you, you can expand your portfolio.Sign 2: Flexibility is very important to you
Working ten hours one day and only five the next, at your desk at home today and in a coworking space tomorrow - that would be your perfect structure? You thrive when you can work as flexibly and self-determined as possible? As a freelancer, you can do that. You decide on your daily rhythm and your work location. You don't have to apply for vacation days, and no one tells you when you have to be where. But this doesn’t mean that you have to live maximum flexibility as a freelancer. If you like to have fixed working hours, you can of course also choose to do that.
Sign 3: You feel limited in your job
Do you repeatedly encounter limitations in your employment? Your desired further training is not approved, your job description is not diverse enough and your creative ideas are too daring for your team leads? As a freelancer, you have it easier in some aspects. If you want to take a course or attend a conference, it's up to you. You can shape and expand your profile according to your preferences. And at least if you are established and well-connected, you can choose your clients and projects. So you don't have to work for companies that don't fit your style. Nevertheless, even as a freelancer you are not completely free, but have to fulfill the client's specifications.
You want to become a freelancer? Check out our complete checklist for the start.
Sign 4: You are disciplined, and you can motivate yourself well
You don't necessarily need a team of colleagues around you to enjoy your work? And even when tasks are a bit boring, you persevere and don't get distracted? Sounds promising! As a freelancer, you often work alone. This means that no one can drag you down, but you may sometimes lack the exchange and support of a team. As your own boss, you need a lot of self-discipline to get your tasks done. Especially because some of them might not be that much fun for you, for example accounting.
Sign 5: Your time management is great
Employees often need good time management too to deal with their tasks. As a freelancer, however, it can be even more challenging. You often work for several clients at the same time and have to juggle different deadlines. In addition, there are administrative tasks, client acquisition and networking. Ideally, you also have a buffer for unforeseen incidents like illness. So if you can structure your day with ease, you have a good foundation for freelancing.
Sign 6: You can negotiate and present yourself well
Most employees only have to negotiate their salary once in a while. As a freelancer, on the other hand, fee discussions happen regularly. Again and again you have to present yourself and your offer, convince potential clients and advocate your prices. Do you already find such things easy in your current everyday life? Then you are well-prepared for a successful freelance career.
Sign 7: You have financial resources for the start
Unlike with many other business models, as a freelancer you can start earning money from the first month and usually don't need a large investment. Still, you should have a financial cushion when you start. It can take a while until the money for the first invoice arrives in your account. You may even be unlucky and end up with a problem customer with a bad payment record. If this puts you directly in financial trouble, you're off to a bad start in self-employment. Make sure that your financial cushion is sufficient for the first few months. If this is not yet the case, you can start as a part-time freelancer until you have enough capital.
Do most or even all of these points apply to you? Then you can probably answer the question "Should I start my own freelance business?" with a yes. 9am supports you with many helpful features on your freelancer journey.
