In one of the blog posts I wrote about how top bloggers make money online, I mentioned freelancing as one of their income sources. When one of my followers read it, she wrote me an email of appreciation because this article gave her a lot of food for thought about starting a freelance business.
She did not know where and how to start a freelance business. After searching around the internet, she landed on a helpful guide to starting a freelancing career, thanks to the inspiration she got from my article. She generously suggested adding it to our website to benefit people like her who want to start a freelance business but feel lost because they do not know where to begin. I, therefore, dedicate this post to Paola Mesber for inspiring me to write this article.
READ THIS ARTICLE TO THE END IF YOU WANT TO HAVE THIS FREE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO STARTING A FREELANCING CAREER.
What Is a Freelance Business?
Freelance Business Entrepreneur
Before going far, let’s first understand what freelancing is all about. What is freelancing? How does it work, and what does a freelancer do? Well, most people, when they finish their studies, they look for a job in government, NGOs or private companies. With this kind of situation, you have a legendary career where you work for others to earn a salary.
Freelancing is a different way of working. Freelancers employ themselves instead of working for a company in one specific job. They are self-employed and get work through a variety of sources. They look for clients who hire them to offer a service or complete a project. It means that they can have several projects at any one time for different customers. They are skilled people, each in their field of expertise.
Therefore, a business where you work on a self-employed basis is a freelance business. It requires skills in a specific field. You can run your freelance business offline. But establishing your online presence is more effective and rewarding. If you have the expertise and you don’t have a job or are tired of working for others, it could be a better option to think about starting a freelance business.
Freelance Business vs Working for Others
I advocate strongly for self-employment other than holding on to a legendary career. Why? Below are my reasons. Click on each tab to read them.
Meaningful Employment Is Not Easy Nowadays
In a country like Uganda, where the job market is limited to a handful of people, thinking about employing yourself is better. With the skills you have, you cannot fail to find something to do to engage yourself. Become a bit serious and start a freelance business.
Having No Control Is Hectic
There is nothing as good as being your boss. As an employee, you have little control over what happens on your job. For instance, you have no say or little say in the following:
- Picking workmates – you do not control who to recruit to work with you. Your employer decides when and who to bring. Even when you feel overwhelmed with the work and need another person, it can only work if your employer agrees.
- Retirement plan – you have no control over which retirement plan is suitable. Your retirement plan is what your employer tells you it will be. Whether it is good or bad, you do not have your input. Even when you want to invest your money, you have no control over it.
- Taking time off – you have less say about when you take time off and how much you can take. Most employers want to see you working because when you are on vacation, you do not make for them any money. I know many employees who do not take leave because they fear losing their jobs. And it has happened, in a government institution I will not mention, someone went for a vacation and the person they brought to temporarily step in refused to leave the place when the office bearer returned from leave.
In one of the places I once worked, I could take a 31-calendar vacation in a year. But many times, the employer had much say on when to take it. Secondly, the employer could tell you to break it down into two weeks so that you take two weeks in January and two weeks in December. And this is when they know there is little demanding work.
- Salary – you do not decide on the pay to earn. And you can work for a long time without any salary increment. If it’s there, it’s only peanuts. I remember an organisation where they used to give us an annual increase of 5% to cater for inflation. Even if they give you a bigger salary, it only keeps you in captivity with your employer because you dance to their tune.
Being Fired Any Time Worries Many Employees
Yes, you are employed but working at their mercy. Your employers can immediately terminate you if they feel you are not doing what they want. Even if they are on good terms with| you and appreciate your work, situations change. When conditions change, they may lead to the termination of your services. You have a job today; tomorrow, you may not have it. It is the reason for considering starting a freelance business to run alongside your current employment.
Tax Laws Are Not Favorable To Employees
The tax laws do not favour employees but the employer. The employer passes on the tax burden to the employee as PAYE (Pay As You Earn).
Into Which Freelance Niche Can You Venture?
There are many freelance business opportunities around the world. If you think to become a freelancer, I have identified a relatively comprehensive resource from which you cannot fail to recognise one. Even if you do not see one suitable for you, the list will inspire you to think faster and help you make your niche discovery.
If you seriously want to become a freelancer but don’t know where to begin, Forbes has a long list of freelance business ideas that you can learn by clicking on the image below. Anything on that page, including other related topics, is helpful. Take your time to read it all!
Freelance Business Ideas
How Do You Start a Freelance Business? – Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Freelance
You may have an excellent freelance business idea, but you do not know where to begin. As I promised you, Paola Mesber came across a comprehensive guide, which I would like to share. Hopefully, you will easily find your way to starting your own freelance business. This guide is by Bethenny Carl, a digital marketer. Click on the image below and take your time to read it to the end.
Ultimate Guide to Become a Freelancer
Final Thoughts
Getting into self-employment is good and has numerous benefits. Even if you have a full-time job, freelancing is a significant way of venturing into self-employment. There are many freelance business opportunities around the world. If you want to become a prosperous freelancer and do not know where to start, read the two helpful resources I have shared above. You will have a deeper understanding of which niche to venture into and how to go about it. great
Secondly, make sure that you establish your freelance business online because if you do not have a website, people may easily find you.
If you have found this article helpful, please use the comment section below to give your feedback and additional information or express your appreciation.
would like to try out
Thank you
Yes, I would love to try my abilities.
Thank you so much for this article. I have read all of it. I am a retired teacher with an enormous writing skills. I want to use it for spreading knowledge about healthy foods and healing foods. It could become a business. I am still researching. You could help.
It’s a good idea indeed. I will willingly come in for support whenever a need is required and I can offer it.