As we move into the new decade, there has never been a better time for individuals to take their skills and go it alone in the business world. Huge advances in technology, communication, and operating software have opened the door for many freelance opportunities.

You may have considered going freelance before but are worried about the security and the chances of success when making such a life-changing decision. Here are 3 top tips for those interested in going freelance this year.

Start Gradually

It’s best not to dive in headfirst into freelancing no matter how tempting it is. If you hate your current job this can be even more tempting but you should resist as much as possible.

Instead, start freelancing on the side of your current job. Find the time to start doing some hours of freelance work a few nights a week to test the water. Some call this creating a ‘side hustle’.

You can start your freelancing journey by signing up for freelance websites such as UpWork, Freelancer and Guru. Create your profile for each one, apply to projects that are advertised and see which one suits you best. While these websites are useful for starting your freelance career you shouldn’t become reliant on them. Make sure you take the time to reach out to companies directly that you wish to work for. Who knows what great projects you may get offered as a result.   

After a while, you should have saved up some extra cash completing the odd project, developed some experience in freelancing and maybe even won some clients. This is a much better foundation for starting a freelance career full time.  

Have a Nest Egg

No matter how confident you feel about your freelance potential there is no guarantee of success when going alone, Therefore, it’s a good idea to have some money in the bank as a backup. This will help you get through ay tough times at the start of your freelance journey.

Many freelancers will find their first twelve months of income much like a roller coaster. You can feel much more confident and secure knowing you have the funds saved up just in case you experience a particularly long lull in new work or opportunities.

You can build this nest egg by first freelancing on the side of your current job as discussed in point number one on this list.

Get Organized

Many freelancers initially fall victim to disorganization. Once you start working for yourself it’s important to remember you are now in charge of not just completing your primary work for clients but also managing your finances, planning, work schedule, and administration.

Don’t fall victim to this common freelancer issue. Instead, get organized from the very start. Find software that helps you track your projects like Google Streak. Decide on what email client you will use and create a business email for your freelance work. Create a spreadsheet that tracks your income, this is especially important for filing your end of year taxes so it’s important to keep on top of this. It’s not just about making sure that your career is organized, you need to make sure your workstation is ready should a project land in your lap. The more work you do, the more stuff can clog up your hard drive. Having a program like Clean My Mac can make sure that your computer is fighting fit and having an antivirus program will make sure that, the moment you sit down to work, you won’t have a silly technical problem that stops you from actually starting a project.

You may want to start developing extra skills too to help build your skill base and reputability. Organizations like Udemy and masters of education online can help you develop better skills that improve your freelance capabilities.

Organizational skills are also critical in terms of your home environment. Make sure you have a dedicated office space and everything you need to go about your day effectively, from stylish round glasses that help you while at the screen for hours to a noticeboard for all your immediate details.

Finally, make sure you have a business plan. Set yourself goals, determine what type of clients you want to work for, what is the vision for your freelance career and how will you get there? Freelancing takes a great amount of planning and consistency in staying on top of everything.

Those that get organized, continue to learn and stay on track will reap the rewards.