Freelance jobs provide great opportunities for you to earn extra income over and above a regular job. Here are a few great reasons why freelancing works.

Why not freelance as a second job? You can maintain a consistent income through your primary workplace, whilst creating income from secondary freelance jobs utilising every ounce of talent. It is not uncommon for people to long the escape of their regular job and become a freelancer answering only to themselves. This desire can turn into a revolution leading to a permeant career with Skillbox, an online freelance marketplace. Here are a few great reasons why you should be freelancing.

Want to Start a Freelance Career?

In the current economic situation in the UK, where the credit crunch has openly affected the average citizen’s pocket severely, people are more dependent on their weekly or monthly income. Due to the nature of firms threatening to close, job losses and are quickly becoming a reality for many. As unemployment grows higher, how can you safeguard yourself? Freelancing provides a viable solution that many people are turning to, initially as a part-time venture offering their skillset to the community. This approach stabilises and boosts income and better yet prepares people for unforeseen blips in their working career. Understandably, when you are employed full-time, stretching out and become a freelancer might seem unnecessary, however, if made redundant, the lack of job vacancies that are being created might encourage you into freelancing. Beforehand, let’s get the basics right and consider the pros and cons entrepreneurs must consider before making the jump.

Are you self-motivated? If you are and can keep to a schedule, freelancing might be a perfect fit for you. You would have to give up the safety net of a full-time salary and rely on your own productivity to draw in income. Although as previously mentioned, part-time freelancing is still a very viable option meaning you get the best of both worlds. When freelancing full-time, you can be your own boss and work when you choose to. How awesome does that sound? However, becoming a well-established freelancer may take time due to the initial set up. In addition, you also need to earn the much-needed credentials to be highly regarded in your network. Having odd working hours may prove to be essential to your success while travelling to clients could grow your personal brand and reputation.

Creating lists of contacts and potential clients, constructing a simple timetable of meetings will help keep you organised. Calculating a marketing budget and trying to stick to those costs will help you to remain profitable. Once established, you will realise that being a freelancer can be very rewarding. The satisfaction you will receive working for yourself may outweigh any worker-based job role.

Understanding the legal implications concerning contracts and payments for your work before signing on the dotted line is important. You can start off by registering as a sole trader with the HMRC. You can retain the free advice that is readily available to you via their portal. If you are knowledgeable on the freelance arena this may enable you to work independently without having to employ help from others whilst increasing your underline profit. It's imperative to retain control of your work and money as this is your livelihood. Consider short courses to upskill yourself such as bookkeeping, photography, or anything that will enhance your services. Some courses are free and don't take weeks to complete. This can be very valuable in terms of making freelance jobs more manageable whilst improving your efficiency.

Due to job uncertainty in the UK, many firms that previously employed bookkeepers once a month may now turn to freelance intervention. This allows a particular set of skills to be utilised creating freelance jobs.  When choosing a career path in freelancing, work at positioning yourself at the top of your area of expertise while still charging reasonable rates for your services. Remember, the price of your service will only be worth as much as the market is willing to pay. Finally, ask yourself the question “How much can I live on?” Think of shaping your freelance career in the most appropriate way that will support your standard of living. This may mean travelling that extra mile to complete freelance jobs or doing overtime to make this style of work viable.

Are you interested in Freelancing through Skillbox? Create an account here for free to get started with your freelancing career!