5 Questions to Prepare Your Freelance Career for 2021

2020 isn't the best year we had.

Let's face it. This year brought bad news more than good news. Many lost their jobs, lost loved ones, and many are still struggling to survive.

But this pandemic won't last forever. 2021 is coming very soon, and you should already be planning for the new year.

Are you ready to launch your freelance career for 2021?

I've put together five questions that will help you understand if you are ready to freelance. Some might say a big 'YES,' while others may say "not yet."

Just know that if you keep on doing the same thing over and over again for your career, you're not going anywhere.

So imagine you're facing the mirror, look into that person, and start questioning him or her.

Q1: Do you have a dedicated work-at-home workspace in your house?

It may not sound like a vital criterion but where you work inside your house impacts your productivity.

You may be working next to the TV or kitchen, and you find it easy to carry on, but it might not do you good on a full-time basis.

It's good to have a dedicated workspace for your freelance work, like having your table and chair. To be honest, I started with a monoblock table and chair. Later on, I invested in a nice chair and wooden table.

Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash

It doesn't matter what kind of workspace you have as long as you have SPACE while working to focus.

For post-COVID set-up, you can work on local co-working spaces or coffee shop to give you some fresh air and inspiration.

Q2: Is your portfolio updated?

Saying that you can do the job is different from SHOWING your future clients that you really can do the job. A portfolio allows you to showcase your previous work. This will help you convey to prospective clients that you are ready to work.

You need to demonstrate why it's essential for clients to hire you.

Q3: Do you have an emergency fund or freelance-fund?

I know that you're expecting to earn money ( dollars) when you go freelancing. The truth is, when you're just starting, you could find yourself running out of money to pay for Internet, House rent, and other bills.

If you plan to freelance for 2021, start saving up for a fund that acts as a buffer for a few months. Let say enough cash to get you through four to six months with no income coming in. You must be ready for those cash-strapped early days.

Q4: Do you need more training?

I can say that traditional employment resembles what you do when you freelance. However, you need to learn apps and online tools to help you finish freelance works.

Depending on your niche, there are tools you'll surely be working on.

If you feel like you need extra training for that, start learning them today.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Q5: How's your social media footprint?

Aside from your accounts on Upwork, Fiverr, and Onlinejobs.ph, it's necessary that you are visible and searchable on social media.

Learn how to separate your personal from your professional social media accounts. It's good to have dedicated accounts for work. Doing such will help you present a more professional impression to any potential clients you'll come across.

I hope these questions will ignite change and inspiration for you and your freelance career this coming 2021.

‘Til next time, freelancer!

What questions do you think freelancers should be asking for 2021? Let me know what you think in the comment below.