What is Freelancing? ( A Complete Guide)

I was in the bar the other day with some friends, and the topic of freelancing came up. “I could never do that,” one said. “I need stability.”

“Yeah, I don’t think I could handle the insecurity,” another chimed in. It got me thinking: why is it that so many people view freelancing as this scary, uncertain thing? When in reality, it can be incredibly rewarding – both financially and emotionally. 

So, if you’re thinking of making the leap and wondering What is Freelancing?

Or perhaps you already work freelance but want to learn how to be more successful; this guide is for you!

Let’s get started!

So, What Does Freelancing Mean?

Ask ten different freelancers what freelancing is, and you’ll probably get ten different answers. For some, it’s a way to make a quick buck. For others, it’s a full-time job that allows them the freedom and flexibility to work from anywhere in the world. And still, others see it as a stepping stone to starting their own business.

In its simplest form, freelancing is simply working for yourself instead of for a company. That means that you are your own boss and are responsible for finding your own clients, managing your own time, and – perhaps most importantly – setting your own rates.

Of course, there’s a bit more to it than that. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of freelancing jobs that are out there.

Types Of Freelancing Jobs

One of the wonderful things about freelancing is that there are so many different types of jobs to choose from. And, with the rise of the internet, more and more of these jobs are becoming available to people who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to work them. Here are just a few:

Writing

This includes blog posts, articles, web copy, and even ghostwriting entire books.

Editing

If you have a knack for spotting typos and grammatical errors, then this might be the freelancing job for you!

Looking for a position? Then check out the best Companies that Hire for Remote Editing Jobs.

Design

From creating logos and other graphics to website design to full-fledged interior design, there are all sorts of design jobs available for freelancers.

Interested? Well, find out How to Become a Graphic Designer.

Photography

Whether you’re a professional photographer or just someone with a good eye for a great photo, there are all sorts of opportunities for you to sell your photos online.

If you want to know more, then check out our in-depth look at How to Become a Photographer.

Programming

If you’re a whiz with code, there are all sorts of companies and individuals who will pay you to create websites, applications, and other software.

For more info, find out How to Become a Computer Programmer.

SEO

More and more businesses are realizing the importance of ranking high in search engine results. If you know how to optimize websites for Google, as well as the other popular search engines, then you can make a lot of money freelancing as an SEO consultant.

Social media

With the rise of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, businesses are realizing the importance of having a strong social media presence. If you know how to help them grow their following and engage with their audience, then you can make a lot of money freelancing as a social media consultant.

Interested? Well, find out How to become a Social Media Manager.

Project Management

This is a great freelancing job for people who are organized and detail-oriented. Project managers help to keep projects on track and make sure that all the different moving parts are working together smoothly.

Find out more in our in-depth Project Manager Job Description.

Business Consulting

If you have a background in business, then you can use your skills to help other businesses grow and succeed. This can involve anything from advising on marketing strategies to helping their financial planning, to providing management consulting services.

For more information, take a look at our in-depth Business Development Consultant Job Description.

Event Planning

From weddings to corporate functions, there are all sorts of events that need to be planned and organized. If you’re good at it, then you can make a lot of money freelancing as an event planner.

Want to know more? Then find out How to Become an Event Planner?

Each of these jobs requires a different skill set, and so will be suitable for different people. For example, if you’re a great writer but hate dealing with people, then you might want to stick to writing jobs. On the other hand, if you’re a people person but not so great with the written word, then you might want to focus on jobs that involve more interaction with clients.

How To Find Freelancing Jobs?

There are a few ways that you can find freelancing jobs:

Job Boards

Many different job boards list freelance jobs, such as Upwork, Freelancer, and PeoplePerHour.

Social Media

Social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn can be great places to find freelance jobs. Many businesses will post about open positions on their social media pages, so make sure to follow the ones that are in your industry.

Personal Network

Sometimes the best way to find a job is to simply ask your personal network if they know of any openings. You’d be surprised how often this can lead to a great opportunity.

Job Fairs

Job fairs can be a great place to meet potential clients and learn about open positions.

Recruiters

Many recruiters specialize in finding freelancers for businesses. If you’re looking for a more hands-off approach to finding work, then using a recruiter may be the right option for you.

The Pros Of Freelancing

As I am sure you can imagine, there are tons of benefits that come with freelancing, but these are some of the main ones:

1 Be your own boss

One of the best things about it is that you get to be your own boss. You get to decide when and where you work, which can be a great perk if you don’t like the traditional 9-5 office job.

2 Make your own schedule

This is perfect for people who have other commitments, such as childcare or elderly parents. You can work around your commitments instead of the other way around.

3 Work from anywhere

As long as you have a laptop and an internet connection, you can work from anywhere in the world. This is ideal for those who love to travel or who just want to have the freedom to work from wherever they want.

4 Choose your projects

As a freelancer, you get to choose the projects that you work on. This means that you can pick and choose the ones that interest you and that are a good fit for your skillset.

5 Charge what you’re worth

Unlike a traditional job where you get paid a set salary, as a freelancer, you can charge what you’re worth. This means that you have the potential to earn a lot more money than you would in a traditional job.

6 Always in demand

As businesses continue to grow and expand, there will always be a need for freelancers. This means that you can always find work if you’re willing to look for it.

The Cons Of Freelancing

Of course, there are also some downsides to freelancing that you should be aware of before you make the jump. Here are some of the main cons:

1 Not guaranteed a steady income

One of the biggest downsides to freelancing is that your income is not guaranteed. You only get paid for the work that you do, so if you have a slow month, then your income will suffer as a result.

2 Hustle for work

To be successful as a freelancer, you need to constantly be on the lookout for new clients and new projects. This can be time-consuming and can take away from actually doing the work.

3 Deal with difficult clients

As a freelancer, you’ll inevitably run into some difficult clients. This can be frustrating and can make the work less enjoyable.

4 Manage your own taxes

 Unlike a traditional job where your taxes are taken care of by your employer, as a freelancer, you’re responsible for managing and paying your own taxes. 

5 You need your own insurance

As a freelancer, you’re not eligible for traditional employee benefits like health insurance and retirement savings. This means that you need to get your own insurance, which can be expensive.

6 Write your own contracts

You need to be sure to put together a strong contract that protects both you and your client. This can be tricky and time-consuming, but it’s essential if you want to avoid any legal issues down the road.

How Do I Do My Freelancing Taxes?

If you’re not employed by a company, then you’re responsible for paying your own taxes. This can be complicated and time-consuming, but there are some things that you can do to make it easier.

First of all, make sure that you’re keeping track of all of your income and expenses. This will make it much easier to do your taxes when the time comes. Secondly, consider hiring an accountant to help you with your taxes. This is especially helpful if you’re new to freelancing and are not sure how to do your taxes.

Set money aside…

Finally, be sure to set aside some money each month to pay your taxes. This will help you avoid any surprises come tax time. Remember filling out taxes is a yearly requirement, so it is important to put a system into place, so you don’t forget to fill yours out!

Tips For Success

If you’re thinking about becoming a freelancer, then there are some things that you can do to increase your chances of success. 

Flexible Jobs Working From Home!

For further insight, check out our guide on What Are Freelance Jobs, including What Is A Remote Job, along with The Benefits Of Working From Home and the best Telecommuting Jobs With No Location Requirement in 2023.

Next, whether you want to work part-time or full-time, check out the best Flexible Jobs That Let You Set Your Own Hours, as well as Companies That Hire For Freelance Proofreading Jobs and the Companies That Hire For Freelance Data Entry Jobs for some great job opportunities.

If you’d like to get a better idea of what some freelance jobs entail, take a look at our Event Coordinator Job Description and Event Manager Job Description, or how about our Digital Marketing Job Description and Real Estate Agent Job Description, as well as guides on How To Become An Interior Designer and How To Become A Fashion Designer, to help get you started!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! These are some of the things you should know about freelancing before you get started. If you’re willing to put in the work, then it can be a fantastic way to make a living. 

Just be sure to keep these things in mind, and you’ll be on your way to success!