10 Lessons I learned during My Five Years of Freelancing

Five years ago, I took the leap into the wild world of freelancing, and let me tell you, it's been a rollercoaster! From the highs of landing dream projects to the lows of chasing invoices, it's been one massive learning curve.

But through all the twists and turns, I've picked up some golden nuggets of wisdom that have completely changed how I work and live.

So, grab a coffee and settle in, because I'm spilling the beans on the top 10 lessons this five-year freelance adventure has taught me – trust me, some of them might surprise you!

1. Freelancing is a Business

Think of freelancing not just as doing a specific task, but as running your very own mini-company. When you step into the freelance world, you're not just offering your skills – whether it's writing, designing, coding, or something else entirely.

You suddenly wear a whole bunch of different hats! You become your own marketing guru, figuring out how to get the word out about your services. You're the admin whiz, keeping all your ducks in a row with contracts and organisation..

If you grow, you might even find yourself leading a small team. Plus, you're the sales expert, convincing clients why they should choose you.

And let's not forget being the finance manager, tracking income and expenses to keep your business healthy.

So, while the core of your work might be a specific service, freelancing truly encompasses the entire spectrum of running a business, demanding a diverse set of skills and a proactive mindset.

2. Come out of Your Comfort Zone

Think of your freelancing journey like climbing a ladder to success – each new skill you pick up is like another sturdy rung that helps you climb higher and reach for bigger opportunities.

The more you dedicate yourself to learning and expanding your knowledge, the more valuable you become to clients, and naturally, the more you can earn. It's not just about the money, though.

Stepping outside your comfort zone to learn new things, whether it's mastering a new software, understanding a different industry, or even just improving your communication skills, fuels your growth as a freelancer. You become more adaptable, more confident, and more capable of tackling diverse projects.

This continuous learning and growth isn't just about boosting your income; it's about evolving into a more well-rounded and successful version of your professional self, constantly opening doors to exciting new possibilities.

3. Have to be Super Productive

To really thrive as a freelancer, you've got to be a productivity ninja! Unlike a regular 9-to-5 job, the freelance world often demands you squeeze the most out of your working hours.

There will be times, no doubt, when you'll need to put in those extra hours, even burning the midnight oil, to make sure you deliver projects on time and keep your clients happy.

Think of it like running your own small business – your effort directly impacts your success. So, if you're someone who prefers a more relaxed pace with minimal work, freelancing might not be the best fit.

It's a dynamic environment where your dedication and output directly translate into your income and reputation. Being highly productive isn't just about survival; it's about seizing opportunities and building a successful and sustainable freelance career.

4. Have Self-Confidence

It's so important to truly believe in what you can do, even when things get a little bumpy. You know, in the world of freelancing (and honestly, in life!), you're bound to run into situations where someone just isn't a fan of your work. It might sting a little, but try not to let it shake your confidence.

Think of it like this: everyone has different tastes, and what one person doesn't connect with, another might absolutely love! Instead of dwelling on the negative feedback, see it as a nudge to keep moving forward and find clients who do appreciate your unique skills and style.

The amazing thing about being a freelancer is the constant opportunity to grow. So, keep honing your craft, learning new things, and always pour your heart into every project.

Your best effort will shine through, attract the right opportunities, and ultimately lead to more fulfilling and successful collaborations. Don't let a few clouds hide the bright potential you have!

5. Be Teachable

Think of your journey as a continuous adventure in learning, where being always teachable is key, keeping your mind open to new ideas and perspectives, regardless of your past successes. Never rest on your laurels, as the world constantly evolves, so should you by keeping on learning new skills in your field or beyond. Embrace the mindset of an eager student, approaching each opportunity with curiosity and a desire to absorb knowledge.

Like a seasoned chef learning new techniques or a successful entrepreneur staying ahead of trends, continuous learning keeps you relevant, fuels passion, and unlocks doors. Being teachable is about embracing lifelong growth with humility and curiosity.

6. Learn from Professionals

When venturing into freelancing, listen to professionals who possess firsthand experience and can offer practical advice on navigating the industry's nuances, from setting rates to finding clients.

While well-meaning, be cautious of advice from family members who doubt your ability, as their concerns may stem from unfamiliarity with the freelance world and could inadvertently hinder your growth.

Seek guidance from seasoned freelancers who can provide valuable insights and strategies based on their own successful journeys, ultimately empowering you to build a thriving career by learning from those who've already paved the way.

Choose your mentors wisely and let their experience illuminate your path to freelance success.

7. Have a Businessman Attitude

To truly flourish as a freelancer, it's vital to shift your mindset and consider freelancing as a business, rather than just a casual hobby or another form of traditional employment. This fundamental shift in perspective changes everything.

When you adopt a businesslike attitude, you approach your work with professionalism, establish clear boundaries, and understand your worth. This empowers you to set fair rates, define project scopes effectively, and confidently negotiate terms with clients.

As a result, clients are less likely to exploit you by undervaluing your skills or demanding unreasonable workloads. Furthermore, treating your freelancing as a serious business encourages you to invest in your growth, whether through upskilling, marketing your services, or building a strong professional network.

This proactive approach ensures that you will continue to grow as a successful freelancer, building a sustainable and rewarding career on your own terms.

Think of yourself as the CEO of your one-person company; this mindset fosters confidence, attracts serious clients, and sets you on a trajectory for long-term success.

8. Focus on Work-Life Integration

Freelancing truly shines when you achieve work-life integration, a sweet spot where your professional and personal lives aren't constantly battling each other but instead coexist peacefully and productively.

Think of it as blending two vibrant colours to create a richer hue, rather than having them clash. This isn't about rigidly separating work and personal time, which can be challenging as a freelancer, but rather about finding a rhythm where both aspects of your life support and enrich each other.

For example, you might structure your day to focus on deep work during your most productive hours, then take a longer break to connect with family or pursue a hobby, knowing you can catch up later if needed.

Ultimately, successful freelancing isn't just about the work you do; it's about crafting a lifestyle where your career and personal well-being thrive in tandem.

9. Don’t Aim for Work-Life Balance

In the world of freelancing, the traditional idea of a strict "work-life balance" often falls short because your professional and personal spheres are so intertwined.

Instead of trying to create two separate, perfectly equal sides, the real goal is to harmonise your work and personal life.

Think of it like weaving two threads together to create a stronger, more beautiful fabric. This means finding a way for your work to support your life and your life to energise your work, rather than constantly feeling like you're sacrificing one for the other.

For instance, you might schedule work around important family events or build in time for hobbies that recharge you, ultimately creating a more sustainable and fulfilling way of living and working where both aspects thrive together.

It's about finding a personal rhythm where your career and well-being are in sync, leading to a more integrated and satisfying freelance experience.

10. Communication skill is Key

Think of your communication skills as your superpower in the freelancing world. They're absolutely key to not just surviving, but truly thriving! It's not just about clearly stating your rates or outlining your services; it's about building genuine connections with clients.

Imagine being able to articulate your ideas so well that clients instantly understand your vision and feel confident in your abilities.

Effective communication involves active listening to truly grasp their needs, asking insightful questions to clarify expectations, and responding promptly and professionally to build trust and rapport.

This also extends to clearly setting boundaries, managing expectations proactively, and even handling tricky situations with grace and diplomacy.

Strong communication skills minimise misunderstandings, lead to smoother projects, foster long-term client relationships, and ultimately pave the way for a successful and sustainable freelance career. It's the invisible thread that weaves together all aspects of your freelance business.

Feel free to share your experiences as a freelancer, so that others can learn from them.