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Working as a freelancer in the tech sector often comes with benefits, such as being able to choose your hours and work from anywhere. However, many challenges exist, too. There are several things you can do to thrive as a freelancer and keep unnecessary stress to a minimum — here are six of them.
1. Research the Available Opportunities and Prepare to Be Flexible
Maybe you earned a college degree as a programmer and think you should focus on freelance programming work. That’s a natural assumption, but it’s wise to be open to other freelance possibilities in the tech sector, as well.
If you’re great at explaining things, consider teaching people some of the concepts you use every day by becoming a tech trainer. Alternatively, if you know how to get your point across concisely without seeming too bland, you might have a future as a freelance technical writer.
2. Keep Your Skills Current and Applicable to the Market
One of the reasons many companies hire freelancers is because they need access to people who have up-to-date skills but only require their expertise on a short-term or per-project basis. Make yourself as marketable as possible compared to other freelancers by prioritising growing your skillsets in ways that make sense for today’s job market.
Figure out where to start by regularly browsing freelance job postings and seeing which of the most in-demand skills you lack. Turn your attention to abilities you already possess, too — are there ways to make them even better by working on your weaknesses and fine-tuning your strengths?
Keep in mind that learning new things doesn’t always involve attending in-person classes. You could enrol in one of the countless online courses for tech professionals, or go to a conference that offers on-site certifications and in-depth workshops.
3. Read Tech Websites and Other News Sources Daily
It’s essential for anyone who desires to be successful in the tech industry to stay abreast of relevant news. However, freelancers deciding to do that can stand out from less-proactive individuals.
Set aside a substantial amount of time every day to immerse yourself in the latest developments profiled on tech websites, as well as the advancements in print periodicals. Depending on your specialisation, you might find it worthwhile to subscribe to at least a few publications or pay for full online access.
The people who hire tech freelancers want to feel assured that candidates are aware of what’s happening in the sector and how it applies to them. Getting engrossed in the news helps you prove you are.
Furthermore, consider how newsworthy events could offer clues about emerging techniques and technologies, allowing you to get ahead of the curve by learning as much as you can about them.
4. Stay on Top of Potential Tax Breaks
Being a freelancer doesn’t let you avoid paying taxes, but it does allow you to write off equipment you use for work as business expenses.
No matter where you live, it may in your best interest to check if any similar tax benefits are available to you.
Consider devoting a portion of your budget to accounting services. Look for a tax professional who understands the specifics associated with freelancers, and preferably one with other clients working in the tech sector.
5. Recognize Your Worth and Don’t Sell Yourself Short
One of the persistent challenges for many freelancers is that they don’t have a consistent income. There is often a “feast or famine” issue associated with freelancing, too. In other words, there’ll likely be times when you there’s almost more work on your plate than you can handle, mixed in with some dry spells.
Even so, resist the temptation to accept incredibly low rates because you’re desperate for work. Study job market trends for your tech specialty and cite them when discussing rates of pay. Plus, agreeing to work for excessively low rates once sets a precedent for the client, potentially leading to an ongoing work relationship that never pays as much as it should.
6. Look for Networking and Future Income Opportunities
As a freelancer, you’re in the relationship-building business. Keeping current clients happy and finding new ones requires networking. Aim to do it at every opportunity — not just when you’re actively searching for new gigs.
You might wear PJs on the job, but that doesn’t mean you should look sloppy when meeting with clients — even over Skype — or spending time in the company of other freelancers.
On the client-facing side of things, the goal should always be to turn a one-off work offer into repeat business. When you’re around other freelancers, be ready to talk about your capabilities and career goals in detail, too.
Your Freelance Career Is Your Business
In closing, think of yourself as a business owner. While you are freelancing, there’s probably no one to hold you accountable for your actions or the quality of your work. In the same way company owners are consistently concerned with brand reputation, take pride in your work and don’t forget that excellent results get noticed.
“The opinions expressed by BizWitty Contributors are their own, not those of BizCover and should not be relied upon in place of appropriate professional advice. Please read our full disclaimer."
