April 1st, 2009
Am I Ready for Freelance?
While considering any major life decision, it’s natural to ask, “am I ready?” I am preparing to transition into a freelance livelihood, and that question is constantly on my mind. As I wait to hear back from a major client, I struggle with a two-fold anxiousness:
- What if they don’t hire me?
- What if they do hire, and I can’t deliver?
My friends gently encourage me to not worry, that I have received exuberant feedback from them thus far and that they have seen my work in action and trust that I’m up to the job. Still, I worry.
I’ve been working with graphic design, web design, and video production for years now, yet I’ve never been paid for my services; at least not in an amount that could sustain me. In preparing to take the jump, the following steps have been helpful:
- Put together a portfolio - Everything creative I’ve worked on. Websites, logos, yearbook layouts, bookmarks, the works.
- Reflect on my portfolio – How do I feel about my work? What feedback did I receive? As I went through this process, I remembered how I received at least one compliment for every project. In fact, my friend’s mom thought a mix CD I made was store-bought! When I’ve done work for others, they have always been satisfied.
- Be myself, be honest – As I’ve interacted with potential clients, I have been absolutely honest. They know how old I am, what my college major was, my current employment, and my length and type of experience in the field which they’re considering my services. They don’t think I’m the 35-year-old president of a 150 employee design firm–they know I’m 23 and that this will be one of my first paid gigs. They’ve also seen my work, and interacted with my work ethic, and are excited about moving forward.
- Reduce expenses and save – As I get closer to leaving my “nine to five” job behind, and after going through the above process, I’m feeling more confident in my ability to succeed and flourish. But I’m a worrier. So I’ve found ways to reduce my spending and put away savings for later. In the absolute worst case scenario, were I to have no income, I’m already spending less now than I was 6-9 months ago and I’ve identified a handful of other areas where I can cut spending. I’ve also managed to stockpile a few months living expenses, which I could probably stretch even further if I needed.
That’s where I’m at. I still have a lingering anxiety as I wait for a few contracts to fall into place and I’m sure the first few post-job months will be a bit nerve-wracking, but I know that I’m prepared.
For my fellow freelancers, what was your transition like? For those hoping to make the jump, what are your concerns?
