Veja como você pode capitalizar as oportunidades de freelancer como geólogo no mercado de trabalho atual.

Become a real expert in your niche; my own niche is geological modelling using computer software. I started almost by accident when geological modelling was called 'mapping' and taught myself to use the early systems. It was a happy blend of my field experience and my skill in visualising the subsurface. I was lucky; working with a multinational at the time without limit on resources, I was able to become a recognised expert and was soon leading a small task force to develop computerised mapping and modelling. I left the company to pursue an MBA at a leading business school and used that to develop my business plan for my own company. With lifelong learning and contributing to software development, the rest is history.

To capitalize on freelancing opportunities as a geologist, leverage online platforms like Upwork and Freelancer to find projects that match your expertise in GIS, remote sensing, and 3D modeling. Build a strong portfolio showcasing your skills in geological mapping, data analysis, and report writing. Network with industry professionals through LinkedIn and attend relevant conferences to stay updated on market trends. Additionally, offer specialized services such as environmental consulting, mineral exploration, and geotechnical assessments to attract a diverse client base. This approach enhances your visibility and increases your chances of securing high-value contracts

Talk to people you meet; engage with them, learn from them, and share your experience and insights. Online is good, but you need to build personal relationships as a foundation. Professional communities thrive on personal recommendations and knowledge of who does what from previous encounters. People remember open, engaging characters who are also quite obviously experts in their field; don't be boring, be relaxed and involved. Strengthen your network by offering help and advice when appropriate or when asked.

The most important thing when setting your rates is to understand the market properly AND the trade-off between short term and longer terms contracts. The best thing for a business is a steady supply of contracts from a limited number of trusted suppliers. This reduces the marketing effort and the downtime between contracts if you need to hire employees, and will allow you to gain reputation by consistently working with well known companies. This may require some compromise on rates, but not drastically so, in order to remain the friend of the technical people AND the contracts department in a big company. It will also reduce travel costs etc as you can create a more stable presence.