Being a freelancer is like having the keys to your own career castle. You get to pick projects, rock your own timetable, and find a sea of fascinating gigs. It’s a world of perks – no commuting nightmares, the freedom to clock in when you want, and let’s not forget the joy of working in your comfiest PJ’s.
Freelancer common challenges and how to overcome them
Now, before you start dreaming of endless PJ-clad workdays, let’s keep it real. Being your own boss has its quirks. Staying motivated turns into a solo mission without colleagues or a boss cheering you on. And let’s face it, the closest you get to client meetings might be a virtual chat or a phone call, leaving you with a hint of that lonely freelancer vibe.
I’ve been in the industry for five years now, so let’s chat about freelancer common challenges they don’t tell you about in the brochures.
One wo(man) show
Freelancer common challenge: you rock a bit of everything – finance, writing, marketing, design, tech, and sales all in a day’s work.
It’s cool, and you’ll pick up loads of skills in no time, but let’s be real, handling it all solo can be seriously tough.
A smart move? Carve out a day or two each week to tackle your tasks. It keeps the chaos at bay, lets you focus, and ensures your freelancing game stays strong. Plus, it’s the key to keeping your workflow smooth.
Irregular income and financial stability
Freelancer common challenge: one month, you’re cruising on a project high, and the next, it’s like a financial rollercoaster.
Handling cash as a freelancer is a bit like dancing – finding that rhythm is key. Whether it’s saving during the peak months or creating an emergency fund for the lows, there are some slick moves to keep your financial groove going.
Client acquisition and retention
Freelancer common challenge: finding clients is a bit like catching fireflies – you grab a few, and then they vanish. It’s a constant dance of searching, pitching, and crossing your fingers for that “Yes!”
Sometimes, you will find yourself batting with dozen (or more) freelancers for every project. This can be an exhausting way to live, but necessary if you want to be successful. The best way to beat the competition is to make yourself stand out and show off your skills. This is easier said than done and is advice you’ll have heard many times and even passed on to your peers.
We’re talking online portfolio and social media. Second, you need to network. Join communities and attend virtual events. Then, you need to build lasting client relationships. The key here is your communication with them. Keep those lines open, be responsive, and show them you’re not just a freelancer but a freelancer confidant. Delivery quality work, meet deadlines, and be the dependable freelancer they can’t imagine working without.
Tip from me: steer clear of bidding platforms; they demand a lot of time and effort for minimal rewards. Winning gigs there? Not the easiest feat.
Everyone thinks you’re unemployed
Freelancer common challenge: ever feel like your friends and family aren’t quite taking your freelancer job seriously? The classic “when will you get a ‘real job’?” question keeps popping up. I truly hate this perception.
Sure, you’re making money, paying the bills, sorting your own taxes and being your own boss. But the lack of a daily commute and the absence of a shirt and tie somehow scream “not a real professional” to them.
Changing their perceptions is a challenge, no doubt. Perseverance and hard work are your allies. As your freelancing hustle thrives and your business grows, they’ll eventually see you as a valued member of the workforce. Until then, brace yourself for the jokes!
Time management and work-life balance
Freelancer common challenge: juggling multiple projects and deadlines as a freelancer can be a puzzle. Ditching the 9 to 5 doesn’t guarantee easier hours, better conditions, or smoother relationships.
If you’re not careful, you could find yourself working longer hours as a freelancer than you ever did as an employee. Try and remember that the only person who can tell you to stop working is you.
Longer hours can mean more work done, which can result in more money invoiced each month. However, promising every client that you’ll prioritise their project can be dangerous. It’s easy to burnout if you continually work long hours. You could also find yourself so uptight and rushed that you make mistakes and don’t produce the high quality of work you and your clients are aiming for.
You need to prioritize projects like you’re building a sandwich – layer by layer. Set realistic deadlines and don’t be shy to negotiate if needed. Time-blocking is another way to tackle time management. Ever tried the Pomodoro technique? It’s like a productivity tomato timer. You work for 25 minutes, then take a snack break. Assign specific tasks to specific time blocks.
And to maintain your work-life balance, you have to set boundaries around your personal time. Define your work hours and stick to them. When it’s time to rest, turn off that laptop and enjoy the sunshine – your mind will thank you!
Isolation and loneliness
Freelancer common challenge: the solo job sometimes feels like a one-person band without the catchy tunes.
Freelancers spend a lot of time in their own company, it’s the nature of the job, with many working from their kitchen table or spare room. Self-employed people have mentioned in recent surveys they have felt lonely since becoming their own boss.
The effects of loneliness can be far reaching and have an adverse effect on your health, your family and your work. If you struggle with feelings of isolation, force yourself to work outside your home. The rise of co-working spaces in Bali or in your cities has provided many opportunities for freelancers or digital nomad to work in spaces surrounded by like-minded professionals.
Scope creep and setting boundaries
Freelancer common challenge: freelancers, ever had a project start as a cozy campfire and suddenly feel like a blazing forest fire? The trick? Address it head-on.
Politely but firmly communicate when a project is growing legs like a runaway balloon. Your voice matters, and setting limits from the get-go is really important.
You have to clearly define the scope of work upfront. Set clear outlines of what you can and cannot do for your client and ensure your client agrees to those terms. If your client asks you to step outside of what you have agreed, you can simply refer to these outlines and point out that it is out of your scope or beyond your client’s budget. When communicate, freelancers should be clear, kind, and remain the clients that even batman need rest.
When you recognize that burnout, it’s time to slow down. Schedule self-care like it’s a non-negotiable client meeting. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or simply enjoy a hobby, a refreshed freelancer is a high-functioning freelancer.
Clients who don’t always pay on time (or pay)
Freelancer common challenge: clients who are late with payments or don’t pay regularly are a problem, and understandably so.
Many freelancers send out invoices and move on to the next project expecting payment to come in on time. But business is unpredictable at the best of times, and your client’s viewpoint might differ to your own regarding the work you have delivered for them, to the point where your client isn’t willing to pay you what you agreed.
Or in more common cases your client has their own payment schedule which they rigidly stick to. This can mean the payment you were expecting to receive within 7 days may not materialise until 60 days, or more, after your invoice is received.
One solution, however, is to start asking for upfront deposits, and then payments at different intervals instead of at the end of a project. That way, you’reassured that some money is coming in while you do your work.
Other way, you can charge late payment to encourage your clients not to miss a payment date. It is important to have a written agreement of agreed payment terms on hand that you can refer back to if a client denies agreeing to pay for your services or tries to pay you a reduced amount. This can be in the form of a client contract, but even an email can count as a form of written agreement in case this situation arises.
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Skill upgradation and market trends
Freelancer common challenge: the market evolves faster than a chameleon changes colors. You need to keep up with the market to stay in the game.
My tips? Connect with industry experts, join forums, and keep your finger on the pulse of what’s hot in your freelancing world. Other than those, try to follow blogs and adapt your skill set. If the market is heading toward a new trend, be ready to wave your freelance wand and say, “Accio New Skills!”
Unpredictability in project pipeline
Freelancer common challenge: feast or famine is a reality of freelancing, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Instead of wasting your spare time during your famine cycle, spend that time looking for new clients and marketing your services.
Networking on LinkedIn about being available for project work can help and could land you a new client. And also, don’t hesitate to ask satisfied clients to reffer you to others.
For my fellow freelancers, what’s your common challenge in your respected field? Share your story below.