01. Timing is everything.

Before you make a move to the freelance world, make sure you have the following things worked out first:

• Do you have a project already lined up? Maybe you have a few clients already, or you are booked for a project. Make sure you don’t just quit your job before you have anything planned.
• Save for a rainy day. Always have some funds on the side because you may not get paid for your freelance work right away. Save yourself some unnecessary stress.
• Polish your freelancer pitch. Be confident in your brand – you’re now the marketer of yourself! Start networking and showcase your skillset to potential clients.

02. Learn how to manage it.

Now that you’re a freelancer, you have to manage your projects, keep track of your time and, most importantly, invoices. Learn how to put an initial working contract together to protect yourself, and draft a marketing proposal (or design, UX, copywriting etc. depending on your area of expertise) so that you always look professional when you pitch or start working for a project/client.

03. Learn how to charge.

Getting paid what you’re worth and for the value, you are creating for your client is always the trickiest, most challenging part for a freelancer’s life. Hourly rates make sense when you work with clients who need support on a weekly or monthly basis. Primarily when you work long term projects for companies, agencies, or studios, using hourly rates to charge for your services, make more sense. Project-based pricing works better when you have a project to work from start to end, working offsite and/or you’ve decided the timeframe and the process in collaboration with the client. Simply put, you need to scope it before you start. When you scope a project, you define the requirements, map it out and agree on what needs to be done and by when. Then you put a price on it before putting any hours into it. And always, ALWAYS, get it in writing before you start.

04. Learn how to find clients – anytime, anywhere!

Print business cards, print your CV, get a website and a portfolio together that sell your skills and your work wherever you are. Be prepared to market your services in person directly, use tools like LinkedIn and job boards and sites specialising in showcasing freelancers like Behance or dribble and get your work on there! And always ask for referrals – from clients and work partners.

05. Learn how to say no.

Remember, now that you’re a freelancer, you don’t have to say yes to every client or project that comes your way. If you feel that some people or companies may not be great to work with, trust your gut feeling and don’t work with them. If you’re having issues with a particular project – maybe be they are not responsive, or you don’t agree on pricing – then it’s better to save yourself from getting into a difficult situation. Always work with people you feel comfortable with. And because you’re a freelancer, you don’t have to do unpaid work, favours or not sharing your opinion. Be honest and professional, and you’ll have more fun and produce better work at the same time.

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