What They Don’t Tell You About Freelance Careers

Published on: 10 May 2018 Last Updated on: 09 August 2019

In 2016, 34% of Americans were working freelance careers. That percentage is expected to climb to 43% by 2020.

An improved work-life balance is the first benefit that comes to mind when considering a freelancing.

But we also know what no one else is telling you. Read on to find out more.

There’s a Union on Your Side :

Who hasn’t wasted precious working hours searching the web for reputable information before becoming more stressed and confused?

What makes Freelancers Union so great is it’s a one-stop-shop for free resources for beginning and experienced freelancers.

When going freelance, most people are overwhelmed with tax concerns. Don’t know how to read a 1099 form? Need help determining sales and use tax?

All this information is written clearly on the site by experts. You’ll also find guides for choosing dental, vision, life, and health insurance plans.

And even insightful blog posts ranging from productivity hacks to methods for handling tragedy.

Furthermore, a subscription at ThePayStubs gives you access to an innovative pay stub maker.

You can have a pay stub downloaded and printed within two minutes after selecting your preferred template.

Relationship Building isn’t Just About Finding Clients :

Nobody misses unfair office politics or boring meetings once they’ve gone freelance.

However, after working alone for a while, it’s normal to feel lonely.

While most of your friends are likely to work less flexible schedules, it doesn’t mean you have to spend day after day without socializing.

While your old friends are great, wouldn’t it be amazing to have freelancer friends who get you the way your colleagues in your old office did?

Freelancers can enjoy real human interaction (and 68% better focus) by joining coworking spaces.

58% of Those with Freelance Careers Have Gone Without Pay :

Unfortunately, when reading up on how to go freelance, most newcomers won’t come across these insights.

It usually takes getting burned first.

Never begin a project without a signed contract that clearly states payment amounts and due dates.
Ween out nonpaying clients by having a mandatory deposit amount prior to starting each job.
Don’t lowball yourself. New freelancers tend to charge less than the value of their work.

Think about the time, supplies, and whether you’ll hire employees. If you aren’t strategic about the costs to stay in business, it won’t last.

Most people are Googlable. With a simple search, you can learn about a potential client’s character, including how they treat employees and whether they’ve been fair to freelancers.
Don’t make it difficult for clients to pay you. Send professional-looking invoices from user-friendly programs like PayPal, Due, or Authorize.

Accounting Tasks Can be Done with Minimal Effort :

Even if you’re running a small business with a few employees, the idea of correctly issuing pay stubs can be a pain.

On the same site, you can generate employee W-2 forms without stumbling over difficult math or spending buckets of money on an accountant.

Need more freelance career tips?

Let us teach you how to promote your startup on social media. And join our mailing list to be more in the know!

Read Also :

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

How To Quit A Job With Professionalism And Grace? – Steps To Follow

If you seized a superior job opportunity, pursued a dream, or handled a family crisis, you might want to quit. However, you do not know how to resign and break the news to your manager. In this article, you will learn how to quit a job gracefully and professionally. Once you figure out how to quit your job, you can maintain professional ties with your employer. Also, your transition to your new job or career will become easier. Apart from that, this article also discusses the steps you need to take if you want to quit your job faster. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article. How to Quit a Job? – A General Overview The first thing you must consider when you want to quit your job is to get a valid reason. Although you always have the option to choose the best excuse to quit a job without notice, you must not do so. This is because it damages your reputation in the organization. Here are some valid reasons why you might choose to quit your job: Health reasons Family responsibilities New career goals Excessive stress or anxiety Pursuing further education Starting a business Taking a sabbatical Relocating to a new area An enticing job offers A better career option that your current employer cannot offer There can be more reasons depending on your situation. However, you must ensure your reason for resigning from your job is valid enough. Generally, companies consider these examples of quitting as positive. Hence, before you learn how to resign from a job, ensure that you evaluate your situation carefully. Moreover, with proper planning, you will not create a gap in your income and employment. How to Quit a Job with Grace? -Steps to Follow If you want to know how to quit a job, the following are the major steps you must follow: 1. Plan Your Next Steps Make sure to craft your resignation for maximum benefits. For instance, even if you want to resign desperately, ensure you have a strong action plan. This will help you move faster in your new direction. However, do not consider quitting first, as you will spend a lot of time thinking about it later. Moreover, you must also consider the timing of your resignation. Consider whether you are in the middle of a project or not. For instance, if you finish the project, you can add it to your resume. Furthermore, you must also consider whether you need training for a career change. To ensure that there is no gap in your employment or upskilling, ensure you have a job in line. Also, take your time to secure an interview or spend time on a skill-building course. 2. Create Your Resignation Letter (E-mail) If you have a strong plan, it shows you are ready to resign. Now, you must begin writing your resignation letter. However, even if you choose to have a verbal resignation, make sure to send at least an email. This is because official documentation is necessary. Apart from that, sending an email is also a professional approach and respectful. The following are the factors you must consider when you are writing your resignation mail: To ensure there is no confusion in the process, mention the date of your last day at work. This way, you offer your employer the time to be prepared. Also, you can make your intentions clear from the start. Additionally, if there is a notice period, offer the 2 weeks notice letter. Thank your employer and show gratitude, even if you cannot think of anything positive about this job. Still, you must thank me for the opportunity you had. Apart from that, you can also mention your reason for leaving. Everyone wants to maintain a good relationship. Here, you can offer assistance during the transition between you and your successor. Also, you can offer help for a smooth transition. 3. Try to Resign in Person Apart from writing your resignation letter, talk about the process in person. This way, you can show integrity and professionalism. Moreover, you will not end up surprising your manager with the resignation letter. Basically, once you resign in person, you can avoid any gossip or rumor in the office. Moreover, if your manager works from an off-site location or you are a remote employee, then obviously, you might not want to resign in person. Hence, in such situations, you must be formal with your resignation mail and include everything necessary. On the other hand, an email resignation can come across as cold and rude. Hence, resigning in a face-to-face meeting is a better step to take. Also, this ensures you have an open conversation between your employer and you. To ask for an appropriate time, make sure to email your manager or HR. However, if your relationship with your manager or your HR is not great, and you want to avoid them, you must stick to the email. 4. Serve the Notice Period Most companies ask for two weeks' time from an employee in the form of a notice period. However, in some cases, the notice period is four weeks. On the other hand, some employers prefer to terminate contracts immediately. Hence, you must stay prepared for such decisions when you apply for a resignation. Such behaviors are common in situations where employees can easily remove contacts, files, and ideas. Hence, your employer will surely want to avoid this. Hence, they can limit your time in the office by accepting your resignation. 5. Plan Your Transition Beforehand Create a transition plan yourself apart from offering support to a new employee. Thereby, you can ensure your work, and your legacy continues in the organization. For instance, you can create a transition plan to show you have a professional attitude. Also, it shows that you have a strong dedication to work. Hence, with this effort, you can ensure a positive attitude in the resignation process. Also, you will allow further communication if other opportunities arise during this time. When you create a transition plan, make sure to outline the major duties and responsibilities in a comprehensive manner. Hence, when a new employee comes, they will know about what role they need to perform. Moreover, you must also detail your ongoing projects so that you can pick up where they leave you. 6. Ask for a Recommendation If you maintain a professional attitude during the resignation process, you can ask your employer to offer you a recommendation. This will help you maintain goodwill with your employer, and you can request a recommendation from your employer. Moreover, when you are asking for a formal recommendation, make sure to ask someone who is familiar with your work. Also, be clear about when you need the letter and what you want them to focus on when they offer you the recommendation. 7. Prepare for an Exit Interview After you send your resignation mail, your employer might ask you to attend an exit interview. Here, you must give feedback that you feel is important for the organization. Also, this is a great place to show your gratitude to your employer. Moreover, you might need to explain your reasons for leaving, the best thing about working here, etc. Quitting Your Job: The Way Forward Now you know how to quit a job professionally and gracefully. Understand that the most important part of a resignation is to have a plan for the transition process. Hence, if you work for a new role, consider boosting your skills, getting a certificate, or learning a new skill. Do you have more suggestions for an employee about how to quit a job? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below. Read Also: Self-Improvement Tips For Managers 5 key Leadership Skills for Entrepreneurs 11 Roles That Are Skyrocketing In The Job Market

You Need to Know the Pros and Cons of a New Career in Real Estate

Will a career in real estate work for you? It can be an exciting and challenging career change. Deciding on whether or not a real estate career will work for you depends on your personality. You will discover a new level of independence at work and there will always be new challenges. Before you dive in, consider some of the pros and cons of a career in real estate. Pros of Becoming a Real Estate Agent: 1) Money – Real estate agents work on a commission. Whenever you sell (or help your clients buy) property, you earn a percentage of that sale. Given that property is usually the most expensive purchase and investment the average family makes, that’s a large chunk of change. There’s no salary cap. If you can find a way to make a million dollars on commissions, there’s no one to put a cap on your earnings the way there would be in a salary job. 2) You’re Your Own Boss – Working as your own boss, you’ve got an unprecedented level of freedom to come and go as you please and vacation when you want. 3) Excitement – Real estate agents are constantly on the move. They’re always out there meeting new people and making new deals. If you’re the type to get bored at a desk job where every day feels the same, a real estate career will shake things up. 4) Knowledge & Experience Pay Off – The more you know, the more you sell. If you love to learn new things and experience more, it’s a career path that will pay off. You will have the chance to become an expert, not just on a neighborhood or types of property, but how to work with people and make sales. Cons of a Real Estate Career: 1) Getting Started – The flipside of working in a commission-based industry is that it takes time to get started. If you’re working for yourself, there’s no one to pay your salary when you’re not making sales. It will take time before you can find clients and make sales, so be prepared financially to survive until you get the ball rolling. Many people start off part-time until their careers develop. 2) You Need Discipline – The downside to working as your own boss is that you need discipline. No one’s going to make sales and put money in your pocket if you’re spending all your time at the beach. 3) You Need to Know when to Take a Break – For others, the problem might be the exact opposite. If you’ve got a workaholic streak, you’ll need to discipline yourself to put the work away when it’s time to rest and recharge. Find a way to disconnect from your job and relax. Real estate can be an incredibly rewarding career if you’ve got the personality to thrive in an environment where you’re independent and constantly meeting new challenges. Earning your real estate license is something you can do quickly and cheaply. With online real estate schools like RealEstateU, it doesn’t take long to start getting your real estate license. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert in homes or home renovation. Your ability to tell whether a home has hard or soft water will not determine your success as an agent. The ability to work with people, work hard and go above and beyond for your clients will ultimately matter much more! However, the more knowledgeable you are in all facets of real estate, the better you will be at ensuring your clients make educated, long-term decisions. Once you sign up for online real estate classes, you’re free to complete them at your own pace. They will prepare you for your state real estate license exam, and most states require you to complete the courses before you try writing the exam. With online real estate courses from real estate, you get all the resources you need to succeed at your exam, including video/audio lectures, a 200-page PDF textbook, and lessons from top real estate experts. Get started on your career change today. Sign up for online real estate classes and be your own boss. Read Also: How Many Jobs Are Available In Real Estate Investment Trusts Is Computer Software Prepackaged Software A Good Career Path? What Are The Three Components In The Youtube Ecosystem?

From Nervous To Confident: Mastering Interview Questions

Job interviews can be intimidating, even to the most seasoned professional, who has been through many interviews! However, preparation is indeed the key. Especially when you can pick and choose impressive answers to some of the most asked interview questions. Knowing what to expect and how to answer common questions can make a big difference. We’ll explore the most common interview questions with expert tips to help you craft thoughtful, compelling answers. Something that can guarantee a great interview! Whether you're a professional at giving interviews or new to the job market, these insights can boost your confidence altogether! 1. Tell Me About Yourself This is a common question, and there is a 99% that your interviewer will ask you the same. Sounds easy, right? I'm not trying to scare you of something, but the answer cannot stick to a chronology of your name, hobbies, and experiences. This question is often your first opportunity to sell the interviewer on yourself and your background. Did they ask the question because they want to get a sense of how your work experience and background will add value to their open position? Expert Tip: Tailor your answer to reflect your relevant work and educational history for that specific role. Begin with your most recent experiences or studies and work backward from there. Be brief but thorough. “Hi, my name is XYZ, and I’ve been working on my digital marketing skills, specifically in SEO and content strategy, over the last three years. I’ve increased organic traffic by 35% at my current company and would like to do it at a larger, more dynamic company.” 2. Why Do You Want To Work Here? Employers would like to know whether you have researched their company and if you see a long-term association. They would like to see whether you want to get this job or if it is just another run-on-the-mill interview. Even if you must subtly fake it, it is better to show genuine interest. Expert Tip: The last thing I think about when making decisions about my career is the pay or benefits. It just isn’t as fulfilling as everything that can make you grow professionally. So, when you answer this question, try not to talk about the CTC. You wouldn't want to give the impression that you are hearing just for the money. Example Answer: “What excites me about working at Company X is the open culture and focus on constant learning and growth. This would allow me to thrive in a fast-paced environment where everyone willingly helps each other out to achieve our shared goal of building world-class software. After all, who doesn't like a little challenge and team bonding? Plus, I like that feedback flows freely between employees. Irrespective of seniority, department, or location. Suppose there is a better way of doing something.” This could also be your answer as you stress more about your personality. “I’m really impressed with your company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation. I’ve always had a personal interest in environmentally conscious initiatives. So, I was particularly excited to learn about your recent updates in cutting down on workplace waste. It would be a great privilege for me to work for a company that’s working towards something I care so deeply about.” 3. What Are Your Strengths? This is your opportunity to explain why you are the best candidate for the job. However, this is not your space to brag beyond calculation. Especially if you do not have the achievement or experience to back it up. After all, how can you understand your strengths and weaknesses if you haven't worked in a challenging setting? So, take some time to think about your strengths and what you can bring to the role. Expert Tip: Try to stay away from general answers such as “I’m hardworking.” Instead, opt for relevant skills and discuss how they helped you in previous positions. In fact, highlight how some of your strengths have helped you achieve something. Example Answer: "I think that my level of adaptability and willingness to learn is one of my greatest strengths. At my last job, we implemented XYZ, and within a month, I was the “go-to” person for troubleshooting as well as training other employees." 4. What Are Your Weaknesses? These interview questions are often ones that people dread. Because they do not know whether, to be honest, they should show their vulnerability or strength disguised as weakness! Something like, "I am a perfectionist and cannot submit something unless it is top-tier work." First, that sounds like a brag (which you shouldn't brag about, and second, it is a weakness if you keep messing with deadlines). So, try to be as honest as you can! Plus, give your interviewers ideas on how you are working towards turning that weakness into a strength. In fact, it is a method for the interviewer to see how self-aware you are and how much you are willing to improve. Expert Tip: Choose a weakness but discuss how you're overcoming it. Avoid cliché answers! Example Answer: If you have to say "perfectionist"! “I have always been a bit of a perfectionist, which can sometimes be a weakness. When I first started my current role, I found it difficult to delegate tasks or ask for help. Or finish anything within the deadline because submitting any work I am not satisfied with made me anxious. Therefore, I am trying peer review as a form of coping where I let a peer review my work, and I do not think about it for the time being. It is easier for someone else to pinpoint simple errors rather than me obsessing over it." Here is another approach to this question! "I would often get overwhelmed because I had taken on too much when there were others around me who could help. To overcome this, I tried to understand what others were good at and how they could support me.” 5. Can You Describe A Time When You Faced A Challenge And How You Dealt With It? Do not worry; they do not challenge your problem-solving capacity in the workplace. So, yes, if you are a fresh graduate, you can give any academic-related anecdote. They ask this question to learn how you handle setbacks, your problem-solving approach, and whether you get frustrated easily. Expert Tip: I would recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to tell them a story that answers these questions while highlighting a positive result. Example Answer: “At my last position, we were up against a deadline for a client project that seemed unattainable. I stepped up to the plate and re-prioritized the work on our team. Then, I broke down the project into doable pieces and assigned them out properly. We met the deadline but delivered above what the client expected.” 6. Why Did You Leave Your Last Job (Or Why Are You Leaving)? Again, feel free to feel overwhelmed because there is a reason behind your interviewer! What is the interviewer really asking? They want to know what’s motivating you and if you’re in good standing with your previous employer. Expert Tip: Keep it positive! Don’t speak negatively about your previous employer. That is the biggest red flag when it comes to interviewees. Example Answer: “I’ve learned a great deal in my current position, but I’m ready to take on new challenges and be part of a team that’s pushing the envelope. I’m really excited about the prospect of managing a larger project and leading a team.” 7. Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years? These are common job interview questions that you are likely to face. Employers want to feel that you have a plan in that you are thinking ahead and how they fit into your future. Expert Tip: Be honest, but make sure that your answer reflects how it will help the company with your personal and professional development. Example Answer: “In five years, I want to be in a leadership position. I would like to continue to grow with the company, maybe lead a team, and have input strategy at a more senior level.” 8. How Do You Handle Stress And Pressure? Stress is part of every job, but employers want to know if you can handle it. It is also a good way to test your overall critical thinking capacity! Expert Tip: Describe your strategies to remain calm and productive under stress. If applicable, give an example of how your resilience has been beneficial for you and your team. Example Answer: “It’s not easy, but we all need to know how to keep calm and carry on. I actually work very well in teams! Because versatile with my approach. I am confident in my ability to get along with many people and still feel comfortable being a hard worker in a team-based environment. Plus, a healthy competition is always good to achieve one's full potential.” 9. Tell Me About A Time You Worked In A Team Collaboration is important in many positions. You will likely be working on a team with others, especially if they are hiring you for a team lead position. Expert Tip: Think of a specific time when you worked well as part of a team and what happened. Example Answer: “In my previous role, I did a project that involved cross-communication between marketing/sales/product teams. As the coordinator, I had to have everyone aligned and meet weekly. I also saw a 20% improvement in product launch efficiency. The key is always to hear the other person out before going into judging mode. Even if their ideas do not align with yours, it is better to get some of the best is better.” 10. Why Should We Hire You? Yes, it is one of the hard interview questions that many fail to answer. However, this is your chance to tell them why you’re the best candidate for the job. Or at least explain why you would stand out among all the others who have come for an interview. Expert Tip: Try to be subtle. Do not brag. Keep reiterating the most relevant skills and experiences. Show how you can add value to the company and solve its specific challenges. Example Answer: "With a background in content marketing and SEO, I think I could really help to grow your online presence and drive website traffic. I’ve managed campaigns and data before, so I would jump in right away and start adding value to the team." Additional Tip: Why Having A Good Resume Matters Using the interview is important, but first, you must get the interview. You can instantly boost your chances of getting an interview by designing a strong resume. Use these resume tips when writing yours: Tailor your resume for each job application by using keywords in the job posting. Results Not Responsibilities. Metrics and Achievements! They do not want to know your skills and experiences but what you did with them. Keep it clean and professional; you don’t need any gimmicks or graphics. Make sure there are no errors in your resume and that it is well-organized so recruiters can easily check the information they need. Mastering The Interview Process! Preparing for common interview questions is essential for making a strong impression. But remember, each interview is unique. Do not forget to ask the right interview questions to your employer. Staying mute won’t help you ace that job! Stay flexible and authentic in your responses, and don’t be afraid to show your personality. Combine these expert tips with a well-crafted resume, and you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream job. & Please Do not forget your interview clothes. Check the best interview attire for men which will make you stand out! Happy job hunting! Read Also: Corporate Hackathon: Benefits To The Employees How to Get a Job as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative How to Reach Out to a Recruiter on LinkedIn Do’s and Don’ts

What They Don’t Tell You About Freelance Careers

There’s a Union on Your Side :

Relationship Building isn’t Just About Finding Clients :

58% of Those with Freelance Careers Have Gone Without Pay :

Accounting Tasks Can be Done with Minimal Effort :

Why Skilled Workers Will Own the Future

4 Things You Can Expect From a Recruitment Agency

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Technologies For Creating A Startup Idea

How to Download Facebook Videos on Android?

7 Rules of Effective Ecommerce Web Design

The 10 WordPress Plugins Every Sucessful Blogger Uses

Follow Us

Recent

The Craft Of Wine Bottle Design: All That You Need To Know

Caribbean CBI and Does India Allow Dual Citizenship?

Self-Driving Cars And Pedestrian Safety: Who’s Responsible When Tech Fails?

Ryan McCorvie on Helping Kids Develop a Global Perspective

Related

How To Quit A Job With Professionalism And Grace? – Steps To Follow

You Need to Know the Pros and Cons of a New Career in Real Estate

From Nervous To Confident: Mastering Interview Questions

What They Don’t Tell You About Freelance Careers

There’s a Union on Your Side :

Relationship Building isn’t Just About Finding Clients :

58% of Those with Freelance Careers Have Gone Without Pay :

Accounting Tasks Can be Done with Minimal Effort :

Share this Article

Why Skilled Workers Will Own the Future

4 Things You Can Expect From a Recruitment Agency

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related