8 Worries That May Cause You to Miss Out on Your Freelancing Journey
Posted November 3, 2010 in Inspiration, Lifestyle
Life’s a journey, not a destination.
You’ve probably heard this saying. It’s a cliché that is as true for freelancing as it is for life. Many freelancers fail to really enjoy their freelancing journey because they’re too caught up in worries about the future of their freelancing business.
In this post, I’ll list eight reasons why the stress of freelancing might keep you from the joy of freelancing. I’ll also add a few suggestions on how you can overcome that stress.
8 Common Freelancing Worries
Here are eight worries that cause many freelancers to stress out. I’ve also included eight suggestions to help you deal with those worries.
- Will I meet my deadline? The key to meeting deadlines is good scheduling. Make sure that you set aside a specific time each day to work on the project. Avoid scheduling more work than you can do. Be sure to include a little time in your schedule for unforeseen circumstances. Work ahead if you get the chance. If you still feel that you will turn the project in late, let your client know as soon as possible.
- Will I get the project? Sometimes the answer to this worry is “no.” Obviously, not every freelancer can be awarded every project. However, if you have a good strong portfolio and you address the client’s needs specifically in your response to their request for proposal, there’s an excellent chance that you will get a fair share of work.
- Will I get paid? This is a very legitimate worry because nearly every freelancer has a horror story about a client not paying them. You’ve probably read some of these stories online. You can minimize your chances of nonpayment by researching a potential client’s reputation and by requiring new clients to pay a deposit before you start work.
- What about insurance? The insurance question is a tough one. The answer varies depending on your specific circumstances. Some freelancers have relatively no problems finding affordable insurance (or they may live in a country where insurance is available to all). Others really struggle to find a comprehensive policy that they can afford.
- Is my client really a scammer? This question is related to the previous one. It can be frightening to share personal information with a client you have never met. You may wonder if he or she is just out to get your information or to take advantage of you. Again, research is key. Learn as much about prospective clients as you can before you accept work from them.
- Will the client like my work? It’s true that some clients just can’t be pleased. No matter what you do, they won’t be satisfied. In these cases, the problem is not you, it’s them. Most of the time, however, you can increase the chances that the client will like your work by narrowing the scope of the project and asking as many questions as you can to insure that you understand what the client wants.
- Will I my friends/family accept my freelancing? At first, some may not. They will wonder how you manage to earn money when you don’t commute to an employer each day. Some may even think that you are really unemployed. But, freelancing as a lifestyle and a career choice is becoming more accepted every day. Be open and consistent in discussing your work and eventually most of your friends and family will probably accept it.
- How can I grow my business? There are many ways to grow your freelancing business. We’ve discussed some of them in this blog. You can outsource so that you can take on more work. You can develop some personal projects that are also money makers. Or, you can transition your business to something larger.
If these freelancing worries have been bogging you down, it’s time to rediscover for your joy in freelancing.
Find Your Freelancing Joy Again
First off, relax!
If you’ve been working too many hours or thinking about these worries too much, quit it right now. Give yourself a day, or two, off. Don’t even think about your freelancing business. It will be there when you get back.
Second, take advantage of some of the “perks” of freelancing. Work in your pajamas one day. Or, switch your day and night routine for a change. Or, pack up your PC and work from a remote location where there’s WIFI such as a cafe or your local library.
Finally, realize that all freelancers go through some ups and downs in their business. All freelancers have some things that worry them from time to time. The trick is not to let those worries take over. When I feel stressed, I remember what it was that drew me to freelancing in the first place.
Remember, freelancing is a journey, not a destination. :)
Share Your Thoughts
Do freelancing worries sometimes keep you from really enjoying freelancing? What is your biggest freelancing worry?
Share your answers in the comments.
Image by Ben Fredericson (xjrlokix)
Related posts:
- How to Start Your Freelancing Journey with No Experience
- My Freelance Journey: 12 Things I’ve Learned Along the Way
- Going Full-Time: Four Things You’ll Miss From the Day Job
- How to Never Miss a Deadline
- Never Miss an Important Email : 100 AwayFind Invites
About the author: Laura Spencer is a freelance writer from North Central Texas with over 20 years of professional business writing experience. If you liked this post, then you may also enjoy Laura’s blog about her freelance writing experiences, WritingThoughts. Laura is also on Google+.
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23 Comments
Chris @ SyracuseCS
November 3rd, 2010 at 9:56 amLaura, another great post! I love this site! Organization and past work are key to getting new projects. You need to schedule time for you/your family first, your projects, then working on your business. If you find yourself in a lull then, design a demo site to show off some other skills. I have a couple “pet projects” that have been really fun for me to work on and I get a lot of additional work because of them. By having a good, strong portfolio will help a lot with your worries.
On the client side, ask questions. If you are wondering about if the client will like your work, you should have asked more questions like “What color scheme do you want to use?”, “Do you have a preference of the layout?”, “Can you show me 3-5 sites that you like and tell me why you like them?”. Obviously this is geared to the web design business, but you can use similar questions for other industries. By asking questions you are in control of the situation and you will also learn a lot from the possible client that you are talking to. If they don’t know what they want, you won’t please them so it’s best to keep in contact but don’t sign up for the work that day. Also explain your contract/payment terms. As others have written and commented about, get a down payment with a contract signed. In the contract, it should state something about the client getting none of the end product until the project is paid in full.
For insurance, it’s always going to be more expensive than being fully employed, but there are some great plans out there. Take into account if you need a lot or a little and try to find the best price. If you stay healthy, you will stay out of the doctors’ office. If you stay out of their offices you can get a much cheaper plan and put some additional money on the side in case something bigger happens.
As for the family and friends, a lot of them will be scared or worried for you, maybe even try to talk you out of it. Show them that you are successful and can have a great life freelancing. Once they see that you can make it on your own they will be proud of you and want to learn more. It might make some of them think about doing it themselves or joining you!
-Chris
Lucian
November 3rd, 2010 at 10:54 amHaha, this one is good:
“freelancing is a journey, not a destination”
Maybe, opening a web design company is the destination.
Lori E. Mazzola
November 3rd, 2010 at 1:11 pmThank you for the wonderful article!
How did you know we needed to relax? :)
Jen @ Adrinah Design
November 3rd, 2010 at 2:11 pmIt’s funny because in just about every aspect of my life I’m one of those who is constantly concerned about what’s next. With freelancing (probably because I’m doing it part time for now) I am not that way. It’s truly been my outlet for whatever may be. This has been such an eye opener for me in the other aspects of my life. As cliche as it may be, life is a journey and not a destination. Freelancing has helped me realize that in all aspects of my life. It’s too short not to enjoy it. Stressing out only makes things worse and more miserable. If you have a plan, then most of the time, you’ll be nothing but golden!
Laura Spencer
November 3rd, 2010 at 2:26 pmThanks everyone!
Thanks for your well thought out response Chris,
We’re glad that you’re here too. :) Your suggestions about asking questions are excellent. Thanks for that. I agree that there are some great insurance plans out there, but I also know that some freelancers really struggle to find a good plan.
Jen @ Adrinah Design,
I think that for many of us worry and stressing out are what are we are used to doing. However, expending too much energy on worry or stress is not productive (nor is it healthy). I’m glad that freelancing has been a positive experience for you.
TLC
November 3rd, 2010 at 9:19 pmMy biggest worry is: “How much longer am I going to be able to pay the bills?” Even when the bank accounts are full, this one can consume my brain. Finally, one night I realized I’d been worrying about this since the first time I was laid off 2 1/2 years ago, and I haven’t gone broke yet! So maybe I need to let it go.
Stephanie
November 3rd, 2010 at 9:19 pmLaura, this post is really a breath of relief for me as I’ve been stressing about my freelancing business for a while now. It’s true that every freelancer goes through these 8 worries and it’s up to us to do something about it, whether it is to panic and lose or to relax and think of different ways to tackle those worries.
Laura Spencer
November 3rd, 2010 at 11:38 pmTLC,
I fully understand that worry. :) I think that a lot of freelancers share in it. But, I think you are right. It is time to let it go. It sounds like you have a successful practice going.
Stephanie,
I am as guilty of these worries as the next freelancer, but when I find myself stressing out I remind myself that anxiety is counter-productive. We freelancers need to give ourselves a break!
lisa
November 4th, 2010 at 4:18 amGreat article…and right on time. I was just having some of these anxieties today! glad to know i’m not alone. As much as i “disliked” Corporate America and cubicleville there was some security in it…i just have to relax and enjoy this journey! Thanks again.
Freelance FactFile
November 4th, 2010 at 8:49 amI’m having problems getting my comments to appear – so here’s another attempt:
Will I get paid? Yes, that’s a worry.
When I work with a new client, I always charge them 50% upfront and I don’t start on the project until the money has cleared in my account. Once bitten, twice shy. And I also state in my terms and conditions that work will only start once I have either a PO for the quoted amount or written confirmation that they accept my quote.
Luckily, health insurance isn’t an issue in the UK as we get free healthcare on the NHS. But I still stress about most of the rest! Especially as my husband got made redundant and our income is all down to me. So here’s another factor that lurks in the back of my mind: what if I get sick/injured and can’t work! But I try NOT to think about that too often….
Laura Spencer
November 4th, 2010 at 9:15 amLisa,
I’m glad we were able to help. :)
Freelance FactFile,
I am sorry for that. Sometimes the spam filter gets overzealous and blocks legitimate comments. :( We do value your contributions here.
Guliwer
November 5th, 2010 at 3:06 amThese are exactly my wories.
I have my own company for about 4 years, and still employed in other job. I worry about leaving the regular job and start my own, if I would be able to survive from my own bussines.
Almani
November 5th, 2010 at 6:05 amIt is true that our client never satisfied our with our work. But why all of this can any body describe the reason.
opu
November 8th, 2010 at 1:06 amTo get job is hard from a freelancing site. so i attend a site. just work and earn no bid competition. If you want to attend successfully, click the my user name and read online earning page.
dp
November 10th, 2010 at 1:15 pmThe hardest part of freelancing is controlling these fears. When I am suffering with these fears, I remind myself that I am not sitting in a cube 9 to 5.
So it goes…
-dp
Shekhar
April 1st, 2011 at 7:05 amI agreed with Lucian…
Thanks for sharing this post.
John
October 30th, 2011 at 11:18 pmGetting paid is a big issue. If you are a website designer, never let a website go live without the final balance being paid.
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