Working for yourself has an array of benefits, and is becoming a popular way to earn an income. If you’ve trained in English, or have always enjoyed writing for yourself, you could be the ideal candidate for life on your laptop; enjoying the flexible hours and income, it can offer you. You may have just grown tired of an in-house environment and are ready for some time away from the office; whether that’s a short-term or long-term plan. Whatever the reason you want to continue your typing and utilising your literacy skills online; there’s plenty of scope and opportunity out there for you to ensure that you have a steady income for the foreseeable future. It’s worth putting your time and effort into writing a thorough plan of action, to kick off your journey and to make sure it gets off to the best start.

The more you understand about why, how, and where you’ll be working, and how much you’ll be earning will give you a better sense of your new lifestyle ahead. You may need to make some changes to your current life, and begin thinking about your backup plan in case things don’t work out. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and you’ll be able to remain upbeat and positive about your new job prospects. The following are some ideas, inspiration and advice for those who are tempted by freelancing, and who want their transition to be as smooth as possible.

Time For Professionalism

Although you’ll be able to enjoy the flexibility that freelance writing can provide; it’s crucial to work out what hours you can do and achieve each day. You’re your own boss, so set yourself some rules; you’ll know if you work better in the morning, throughout the day, or are a typical night owl. Therefore, ensure you’re putting in the right amount each day, and give yourself some contingency to cover those moments when you get writer’s block. The stricter you are with yourself when it comes to completing your projects; the more you’ll be able to enjoy your free time and freedom, which are part of your new role. You’ll also need to ensure that the legal side of your work and contract are sorted out. Whether you have to learn what is Ir35 or know your rights regarding claiming money back from your temporary employer for travel expenses; it’s worth researching what you can, knowing your rights, and what you owe in return.

Time For A Proactive Approach

As any experienced freelancer will tell you; you need to be proactive when it comes to getting your work opportunities, it’s rare that great projects fall into your laptop. Therefore, make sure that you’ve created a space online where you can showcase the best of your work, and can continue to hone those writing skills. If you’re unsure about how your website or blog will come across to others, it’s worth checking out places where you can learn the skills needed to create your ideal online environment. If visitors and those you’ve reached out to are impressed by what they see when they land on your homepage; they’re more likely to get in contact with some work, or keep you in mind for the future.