Amity Cruz’s Post

Is Freelancing for You? The traditional work model is changing. Freelancing, where you work for yourself as an independent contractor, is on the rise. But is it the right choice for you? Freedom Beckons Freelancing offers a unique kind of freedom. You set your hours, choose your projects, and work from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility allows you to create a work-life balance that suits your needs, whether you're a parent juggling childcare or a traveler seeking new horizons. Be Your Own Boss As a freelancer, you're the captain of your ship. You decide what projects to take on, who to work with, and how much to charge. This control over your career path can be incredibly empowering. But It's Not All Sunshine and Rainbows Freelancing also comes with challenges. You'll be responsible for finding your own clients, managing your finances (including taxes!), and staying motivated without the structure of a traditional job. Is Freelancing Right for You? If you crave flexibility, enjoy variety, and are self-disciplined, freelancing could be a great fit. However, if you thrive on a steady paycheck and enjoy a collaborative work environment, it might not be the best choice. Ready to Dive In? There are plenty of resources available to help you get started as a freelancer. Online platforms connect freelancers with clients, and there are countless courses and communities offering guidance on everything from setting rates to finding clients.

The Real Truth About Freelancing In my freelancing journey, I’ve met many types of clients—some are easy to please, while others are not so much. Recently, I had a unique experience. A client didn’t like my work even after three revisions and three completely different designs. I tried my best, but they still weren’t satisfied. It’s the harsh truth of freelancing: 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸, 𝗻𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗿𝘆. But here’s the twist! Without me even asking, the client requested my PayPal account to send payment for my efforts. Clients like this are rare and deserve so much appreciation. They remind me that freelancing isn’t just about skills—it’s also about encountering people who truly value your hard work. This situation reminded me of an interview Shruti Rajput 🌟💛 had with Ishan Sharma . She shared how a negative review affected her Fiverr gig. She said something like, “Koi banda aa gaya aur bad review deke chala gaya” (someone came, gave a bad review, and left). But instead of giving up, she created a new gig and restarted her journey. Her story teaches us that freelancing requires patience and the ability to start fresh. Remember, not all clients will be like this kind-hearted one, but those who are will inspire you to keep going. Let’s be grateful for such rare clients and learn from every experience. If you also want clients like this, feel free to share this post. Let’s spread positivity and appreciate those rare, kind-hearted clients who value our efforts! After all, 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓼 𝓪 𝓳𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓮𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓹𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓰𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓽𝓱. What do you think? Drop your comment below!

I seem to get questions about freelancing almost every day. The most common one being, “How do I start, Rhea?” But before we even get there, let's take a step back and ask a different question: “What can I expect from freelancing, and how do I prepare for it?” Freelancing isn't just about getting your tools and workspace ready. It's a significant decision that requires mental and emotional preparation too. Once you step into the world of freelancing, it's a whole new ball game. So, it's crucial to arm yourself with the right expectations and strategies to avoid any culture shocks. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. Let me share some hard-earned insights from my own freelancing journey: 1. Income fluctuates significantly. Unlike a traditional 9-5 job with a steady paycheck, your earnings as a freelancer depend on the hours you put in and the projects you complete. There will be peaks and valleys. What can you do about it? It's wise to have some savings to cover expenses as you transition into freelancing full-time. Also, consider starting with part-time freelancing gigs while still employed. This helps build your portfolio and experience, setting you up for success when you make the leap. 2. You'll be busier than ever. If you're working from home, balancing household chores with freelance work becomes a juggling act, especially for parents. What can you do about it? Sit down with your family to set expectations and delegate chores to lighten your load. Communicate your needs clearly to ensure a smooth balance between work and home life. 3. The temptation to take on too much is real. It's easy to overcommit when you're freelancing, especially if you're making good money. But spreading yourself too thin can lead to burnout and compromises in quality. What can you do about it? Always assess your capacity before taking on new projects. Remember, quality work and your well-being should always come first, even if it means turning down opportunities for more money. Conclusion: Many aspiring freelancers underestimate the challenges that come with the territory. I was one of them, and I learned the hard way that: * Your income will fluctuate drastically. * You'll need help managing household responsibilities. * It's easy to bite off more than you can chew, but it's not sustainable in the long run. Before you dive into freelancing full-time, do your research and some soul-searching. Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the changes ahead. Having the right mindset and expectations will be your guiding light as you embark on your freelance journey. #freelancer #freelancers #freelancing #freelancingtips

The state of freelancing is the most competitive I’ve seen since I started in 2018. Now the question is: Should you still freelance, given the current climate? Here are a few points I mulled over finding answers myself: 👉 Freelancing is so different from a 9-5 that if you've worked an office job for years, you'll see a glaring difference in schedule, flexibility, cash flow, workload, and mindset. If you’ve worked in corporate America (or wherever you are), your brain is likely wired to start at 8 or 9 am and end at 5 or 6 pm. Freelancing means you own your schedule, but you'll likely feel weird and guilty at first doing things your way. My rudest awakening was when I realized that my workload was commensurate with the money coming into my bank account. If my deliverables and to-do lists are short, my bank will get fewer dings that month. A 9-5 means regular payments to your payroll account. With freelancing, aside from varying amounts of cash you get monthly, you’ll also have different payment terms, which you must stay on top of. Also, depending on how busy or quiet your month will be, you have to be open to the possibility of having minimal work, if at all. 👉 Ask yourself: What does freelancing mean to you? Is it something to do in the interim, as a replacement for your day job, a side hustle, or an escape from burnout? 👉 It all boils down to your risk appetite and where you are in your life. What season are you in your life right now? What are your top priorities? You may likely have a higher risk appetite if you’re young with fewer responsibilities and dependents (e.g., no mortgage or fewer mouths to feed.) Or perhaps you have kids and a mortgage but see freelancing as an increased earning potential. 👉 Freelancing is HARD work. How hard are you willing to work? It is NOT just delivering services for clients. It's a business. Freelancing is equal parts delivering a service, doing all the admin stuff, and nonstop marketing. 👉 You can always experiment and see what works for you. Start freelancing as a side hustle. Or do it full-time. If you realize it's not working for you, you can pursue other things or iterate how you freelance. *** I wrote about this topic in a longer-form newsletter where I talked about each of these considerations. I also listed down the reasons why I took the big leap last year, and how I'm pivoting at the moment. Link in the comments below. 👇

Employment or Freelancing? The Endless Dilemma. What suits you better? Both employment and freelancing have their goods and bads. The right choice depends entirely on you: your goals, personality, and current life circumstances. If you want stability always and love teamwork Employment is your best choice. A steady paycheck, benefits, and the satisfaction of contributing to a larger project are compelling perks. You'll always know what’s on your plate for the next day, and having colleagues nearby can be a great source of inspiration and learning. It’s a fit if you: Need financial stability. Enjoy working in a team and learning from others. Value clear processes and structured workflows. If you’re all about freedom and creativity Freelancing means total control over your projects, clients, and schedule. But it also means wearing multiple hats: researcher, designer, accountant, marketer, and sales manager all at once. It’s for you if you: Feel confident in your skills and know how to grow clients flow. Want to manage your own time. Are prepared for slower periods (and know how to save for them). How to figure out what’s right for you? The best way is trying both. Start with employment to gain solid experience, then move to freelancing if you feel drained by company life. There is an alternative: take on small freelance projects while staying employed to test the waters. Or the other way around. Work part-time in a stable job and dedicate the rest of your time to freelance projects. This hybrid approach will help you discover your true calling without dramatic shifts. The most important thing is to be open to experimenting and listening to yourself. Choose what makes you feel fulfilled on your journey.

Is freelancing better than a full-time job?🤔 Recently, I've been thinking about freelancing and traditional 9-to-5 jobs and which one reigns supreme. Here's my two cents. Let's kick things off with the allure of freelancing. The freedom it offers is undeniably tempting. Picture yourself sipping juice while working in your pajamas, with no boss breathing down your neck. Sounds dreamy, right? Plus, the flexibility to choose your projects and set your own schedule is like the cherry on top of the freelance cake. But hold on just a second! Before you dive headfirst into the freelance fantasy, let's talk about the other side of the coin – the full-time job. Sure, it might not have the same level of freedom, but hear me out. One word: STABILITY. There's something comforting about knowing exactly when your paycheck will hit your bank account every month. No more sweating over finding your next gig or dealing with unreliable clients. And let's not forget about benefits – health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – need I say more? Now, I'll admit, the freelance life has its perks. But let's not overlook the not-so-glamorous aspects – the never-ending hustle, the constant self-promotion, and, oh, the joy of chasing down invoices. It's like a rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than a mystery novel. On the flip side, a full-time job may come with its fair share of stress and mundane tasks. But hey, at least you won't have to worry about pitching yourself to clients or constantly updating your LinkedIn profile. So, where does that leave us? Is freelancing better than a full-time job? The answer, my friends, lies in the eye of the beholder. It all boils down to your personal preferences, lifestyle, and career goals. In the end, whether you choose the freedom of freelancing or the stability of a full-time job, embrace it wholeheartedly. After all, the grass is greener where you water it. Now, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Are you Team Freelance or Team Full-Time? Drop your comments below, and let's keep the conversation going!

Trying to Figure Out Freelancing? Same Here! 😅 I’ve just started on this freelancing journey, and it’s been a mix of exciting wins and “oh no, what am I doing?” moments. Here are a few things I’ve picked up along the way (still learning, so take it with a grain of salt!): 1️⃣ Rates Are a Bit of a Guessing Game Deciding on pricing has been tricky. Sometimes I wonder whether to charge a single upfront fee for the project or go with an hourly rate. So far, here’s what’s worked for me: if the project scope is clear, I set an upfront price. But if things are a bit vague, I stick to an hourly rate—it gives both me and the client some flexibility. 2️⃣ Boundaries Are Key I’ve learned (the hard way) that setting boundaries is crucial. When you’re freelancing, it’s easy to feel like you have to be “on” all the time, but I’m realizing that burnout is real. Blocking out time for myself is now non-negotiable. 3️⃣ Finding Clients Is Tough! Honestly, the biggest struggle so far has been finding clients consistently. I’m still experimenting, but joining freelancing groups and reaching out to people in my network has helped. 4️⃣ Celebrate Every Win 🎉 Every “yes” from a client, every project completed—it’s all worth celebrating! Freelancing is a rollercoaster, but those little wins keep me going. Any fellow freelancers out there? What’s a lesson you’ve learned that’s helped you? Or if you’re just starting too, let’s connect and figure this out together!

After 7 months of navigating the highs and lows of freelancing, here are 10 lessons I’ve learned: 1️⃣ Switch tasking is counterproductive; it scatters focus and distracts from progress. Juggling multiple ventures - personal branding, job hunting, trying to start a product consulting agency with a partner, and freelance projects diluted my focus and hindered progress. 2️⃣ Time management is key. Without a clear schedule and long-term plan, it’s easy to lose track of your goals, get distracted and lose motivation. While I stayed busy, I sometimes struggled to evaluate what I had accomplished and what to do next. 3️⃣ Freelancing demands a broad skill set. Beyond your core expertise, freelancing means learning basic accounting, business, marketing, sales, negotiation, and more. 4️⃣ Freelancing can be isolating. It can feel lonely unless you actively work on building relationships - with clients, colleagues, and your community. I sometimes miss being a full-time team member, but I’ve balanced that by networking, meeting with friends, and spending more time with family. 5️⃣ Have a 6-12 month financial runway. Freelance work usually moves slower than expected. Without a financial buffer, the unpredictability of income can be stressful. I didn’t have a 6-12 month safety net, as my transition to freelancing was unplanned. When my previous full-time freelance gig ended, I saw it as a chance to diversify and gain more independence. 6️⃣ Personal brand and proactive sales matter. In a competitive market, your brand and understanding of your niche are vital differentiators. Knowing your “Why” and ideal customer is essential. While pricing matters, don’t compromise on your rates too much. 7️⃣ Finding clients and projects is tricky. Inbound leads are fantastic, but they are rare in the early stages. Relying on direct referrals can also be tricky (I made that mistake, too). A combination of outbound outreach, consistency, and resilience is necessary to build a steady pipeline. (I didn’t stress enough on that.) 8️⃣ Writing effective cold messages is challenging. There are a lot of wrong ways to write a cold message. I’ve tried most of them. It’s a trial-and-error process, but mastering it is essential. 9️⃣ Many companies stick to full-time roles. Finding companies that embrace part-time and freelance work is difficult. Many still prefer secure in-house roles. 🔟 Make your own mistakes. Learning from others is clever; it helps, but to truly learn, you should make your own mistakes and reflect on them. I’ve learned a lot from personal experience. Despite the challenges, I still see considerable potential in freelancing. What have you learned from freelancing? I’d love to hear your experiences. Share in the comments. ——— 👋 Hi, I’m Emil. I share thoughts on UX, design, and product development. 👉 If you found this helpful, I’d love to connect or hear your thoughts! Let’s chat: Emil Ivanov ♻️ Feel free to repost or share with your network!

Stop dreaming that freelancing is your ticket to easy money. → No, it’s not going to make you rich overnight. → No, you won’t land clients just by sending a few cold emails. → Certainly not without real skills. Let’s cut the crap. I’ve seen too many people jump into freelancing thinking it’s a shortcut to success. → They believe they can skip the degree and still make a killing. → They think they can learn a skill in a few weeks and start raking in cash. → I’m willing to burst that bubble. Sure, freelancing can be amazing, but there’s no walk in the park. You need to be a master at what you do. If your work doesn’t add value, no one’s going to pay you a dime. And who am I to tell you this? Just someone who’s been there, done that. → Want to send out 100 cold emails without knowing what you’re doing? → Want to jump into every new trend without mastering the basics? → Want to believe the hype without putting in the work? Go ahead. I may not be a fan, but maybe you’ll get lucky. Maybe you’ll find that one client who’s okay with mediocre work. But hey, what do I know? Here’s the deal: if you’re serious about freelancing, if you’re ready to put in the grind, learn the skills, and offer real value, then we’re on the same page.

“When is the right time to begin freelancing?” is a lot like asking “When is the right time to buy a house?” or “When is the right time to get married?” There’s never a perfect time. Or if you wait for the perfect time, when you think you’ll have enough clients or have enough in savings, you’ll miss so much opportunity. As a matter of fact, I was thrust into freelancing when I left my full-time job. I didn’t wait — like so many people. It was a way to quickly earn money instead of looking for a full-time job. But honestly? If I hadn’t left my job, I would have been kicked out anyway. The signs were already there. It’s unlikely that you’ll find a dream employer. One reason people turn to freelancing is that they’re fed up with employers. It’s not just a single employer, but they move from job to job and nothing is the right fit. You may start to think that a great employer is elusive. There are so few great companies out there that really offer everything: great salary, great benefits, great managers, reasonable work-life balance, opportunities, etc. You’re willing to give up some stability. Freelancing seems like a better alternative. You have tested the waters with clients. Or you might have dealt with clients. While there’s certainly no perfect time to jump into freelancing, it’s not a good idea if you’ve never worked with a client before. At a minimum, you need a portfolio that shows off your work — let alone case studies. And ideally, you have some basic systems in place to showcase your work, send invoices, collect payments, and manage your projects. Plus, you need to know that clients are willing to pay for what you’re offering. I’m a freelance writer and there’s a lot of demand in my niche. But others struggle to get clients for fractional roles. This is all compounded by the fact that there’s not a lot of transparency around freelance pricing. And join a community! You can learn a lot from other freelancers. You should also have a plan if your freelance income falls short. Are there other ways you can earn money, even temporarily? In full transparency, when I became a full-time freelancer, I burnt through savings. But it wasn’t like I could bring in nothing. The goal was to replace my former salary as an employee and my savings came in handy. For that in-between period, I cut back on spending. I did the math on the absolute bare minimum I needed to earn. But I had a Plan B. And you should too. Do the math, and figure out how much earnings you need to survive during your first few months of freelancing. I figured out an ideal timeline. Maybe in a year or two? Maybe in six months? But before I could decide, the decision was made when my job ended. And if something similar has happened to you, I’m sorry. The decision to freelance is better when it happens by choice rather than by necessity. Even though the timing wasn’t what I had in mind.