Since 2014, the number of freelancers in the U.S. has been increasing, rising from 53 million to 59 million in 2020. According to expert forecasts, freelancers will make up the majority of the American workforce in 2027.
As a freelancer, you’re certainly enjoying the perks of freelancing. In many ways, you are your own boss, since you’ve got greater control over your working hours and the place of work.
However, pursuing a freelance career isn’t without its challenges. Gigs can dry up when you least expect and sometimes it can feel like you’re working endlessly or even losing yourself.
If you’re in this position, it’s time to take control of your life as a freelancer. Read on to learn how to do it.
Take Control of Your Time
Are you the kind of person who left a 9 to 5 because of the long work hours only to find yourself working all the time as a freelancer?
Well, you’re not alone. This happens to almost everybody who’s new to freelancing. And there are millions of freelancing veterans who also feel like they’re ever working.
This happens when you don’t have a firm grip on your time. A lot can be attributed to the core nature of freelancing. The “I can work any time I like” attitude will get you working all the time.
To take back control of your freelancing career and life, start by learning how to manage your time. Set clear hours and stick to them, and try to work when you’re most productive. For instance, if you’re a morning person, starting your day early will enable you to crush your tasks quickly.
Learn to avoid interruptions when you’re at work. Putting the phone away for a couple of hours goes a long way.
Don’t Be Accessible to Everyone During Your Work Hours
When you don’t work a 9 to 5, it’s easy for the people around you to think that you have all the free time in the world. Think of that friend with a 9 to 5 who wants to hang out with you on their off day. Since they know you’re a freelancer and can easily put off the work you have for later, they’ll see no problem in spending their day with you.
Don’t be accessible to such people. They’ll waste your time and even disrupt your energy.
Leverage the Power of Freelancing Tools
Freelancing technology has come a long way, back from when freelancers used to throng in cybercafes with a spotty internet connection to now when you can work and get paid on the go.
Leveraging the power of various freelance tech tools will help you be in control of your career. For instance, if you’re struggling with invoicing, there are freelancer invoicing tools that will make the task easier and more efficient.
There’s software for almost every aspect of your career, including communication, time management, notes, and scheduling.
Make the Most of Your Freelancing Career
You made a smart a smart decision to pursue a freelancing career. Freelancing is frankly the future of work, so you’re ahead of the curve. Learning how to take control of your time, minimize interruptions and use the right freelancing technology.
Explore our blog for more freelancing tips and insights.
