Freelancer Guide to the Galaxy: 9 Steps to Success

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Freelancer Guide to the Galaxy: 9 Steps to Success
November 16, 2015 by Louise Myers 4 Comments
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Freelancer Guide to the Galaxy: 9 Steps to Success
Need a freelancer guide?

The freelance universe lately appears fraught with peril.

I’m often asked for tips to navigate it.

While I’ve been freelancing for many years, I don’t feel I even have recommendation relevant for the twenty first century.

Back within the day, work flowed in, clients paid well, and – we didn’t even have to fear the black hole of social media!

😉
Here’s a light-hearted guide to navigating the peaks and pits of freelancing.

One issue I’ll add: be ready for highs and lows.

If you’re lucky enough to possess work flow in, it seldom flows equally.

I bear in mind one week wherever I worked eighty hours – I’d say this was over twenty five years agone and that i created $5,000.

Not bad for a week’s work!
I also remember weeks where I worked 40 hours in my garden! Ah, life before Internet 😉
My tips for freelancers:

Save many months’ of living expenses within the smart times (or before quitting your job).

In slow times, work on self-promotion and schedule it out in advance.

Always be looking for new business and clients!

No resting on your laurels during this day and age – or planting and pruning them in your garden, as I used to!

😉

And speaking of finances – however does one keep your books?

It’s really important to track your expenses and income for tax purposes. So much is deductible when you freelance!
I’ve used an old version of QuickBooks for ages.

When I moved to a shiny new iMac, I couldn’t take it with me.

Nor could I buy an updated version! Seems everything’s moved to a subscription model.

I’m keeping books on the previous pc till years’ finish.

Perhaps then I’ll move to FreshBooks.