How to Transition from your Full-Time Work to Freelancing?

by: Seinee Vi Son

Due to the inevitable evolution of the society into digital world, freelancing is now considered an opportunity to turn your passion into a long-term, profitable career.

Doing this full-time offers you the chance to build a business doing the work you love most, from wherever you want. Freelancing has now been a promising career for moms.

In fact, there are four things you need to do outside of your day job before you can start your freelancing work.

1. Find Out What Would Make You Worth Hiring

Your goal is to make a living doing whatever makes you happiest: writing, designing, developing, taking photos, whatever it may be. Now, you need to identify what makes you the best choice among your competition—and, no, it doesn’t have to be your experience level.

If you want to learn new skills or enhance your current skills, you can enroll to courses online such as the FVA Consultancy to make yourself competitive in the market.

2. Build Your Online Accounts

No matter what you’re offering in the market, your overall image needs to reflect your personality and work style, this is how you build your brand. This will make even strangers feel like they know you (trust is everything!) and help you stand out.

Think of how you want to be perceived professionally as you build the following assets: your website and online portfolio, the social channels (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn) and your professional photo.

3. Look for your First Client

With the power of internet nowadays, even a beginner can win over clients. Start by spreading the word to your family, friends and networks. Let them know you’re accepting work, what you’re looking for, and what you’re offering.

Next, build your brand on social media by sharing interesting stories and quotes relevant to your field. To get attention on social media, share posts that are educational, entertaining, visual, or funny. Most importantly, do not be afraid to share your work.

As you continue to build your clients and produce quality work, clients will start referring you to others. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to transition to being a full-time freelancer!

4. Save up Money

OK, step four is very important because honestly, you’re going to have to keep this in the back of your mind as you’re going through steps one to three. However, before you quit, you do need to ensure that you have money in the bank.

The minimum amount to save for yourself before leaving your full-time job is four to six months of zero income. If you’re not there yet, you’re going to have to sacrifice some of your unnecessary expenses. We’re talking about cooking food at home, drinking coffee at home, and giving up shopping splurges. All in all, put what you make from your side work directly into savings to build the cushion you need to go full-time freelance.

If you have questions about freelancing, contact me anytime.

Photo of the freelance workspace is of blog.placeit.net.