Becoming a freelancer doesn't have to be terrifying

Here’s a parachute of helpful advice from veterans to save you from a crash landing

At a certain point in my 20s, burnt out from a chaotic job, I decided to become a freelancer. In retrospect, I couldn’t have made a worse decision. Before I knew it, I was working 18 hours a day, saying yes to any work that came my way and chasing clients for weeks, if not months, for payments to be cleared. A year and a half later, circumstances led me to get back into the rat race with a full-time job, but the itch to work independently never dissipated.

So here I was, five years later, going freelance again. Just this time, I was better equipped. Or so I thought.

Working independently has reiterated that important life lesson — you never stop learning. Whether it’s making sure all agreements are on paper or negotiating fairly but firmly, the curve can be steep when you want to become a freelancer.

The biggest perk, though, is the freedom to choose the work you want to pursue while being your own boss. That autonomy over your own time is invaluable.

“Freelancing comes with certain lull periods, but that’s when I pick up other hobbies,” says freelance writer and brand consultant, Japleen Kaur, who just began an online crochet class.

Samira Abbas Khan, a one-woman production army writing, directing and producing ad films, agrees. “I struggle during the lull periods, but I eventually end up training harder at the gym, catching up on shows or playing with my cats and dogs.”

If you want to become a freelancer or are already on this path and struggling with the basics, these tips from other pros might help.

How to become a freelancer (by learning from other people’s mistakes)

Become your own headmaster

While work flexibility is a huge advantage when you become a freelancer, staying motivated, finding new work, pitching ideas, meeting deadlines and increasing your income is all on you. And that can get overwhelming.

Find an accountability buddy (another freelancer) who can keep you focused when you just want to curl up in bed and Netflix the day away.

Independent journalist Barbara Mantel says, “I found an accountability partner to help me meet deadlines, increase the rate at which I pitch ideas to editors and guide me through tough decisions…and I believe the relationship is already yielding benefits. We call and text each other when we hit writing roadblocks, need pitching advice or want to blow off steam.”

Build a rainy-day cache

Managing income, expenses and ugh, taxes, is a challenge when you become a freelancer. There’s a certain amount of financial instability that is difficult to evade. Even if you do get regular work, the payments are usually delayed or, at best, cleared only 60 to 90 days later. Having a fund that sustains you in the interim is crucial.

Senior corporate counsel Mahima Bansal advises setting “aside a corpus of at least six to eight months’ worth of expenses” before you make the jump.

No contract, many problems

Working without a contract is a rookie mistake, that I, a non-rookie, have also made. Whether you’re working with a company or an individual; as a freelancer or consultant; a contract is non-negotiable. The contract should detail the scope of work, terms of payment, termination clauses and any other aspects relevant to the services you are providing.

“Use detailed contracts to establish expectations and protect your rights,” shares career coach Fareen Shaikh. “Also make sure to use confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements to safeguard client information.”

Bansal adds, “Look out for any language around non-compete clauses, where the client could restrict you from doing similar work for another client, and terms relating to transfer of copyright (if you want to retain rights to your work). It may also be prudent to understand some basics of intellectual property rights and tax laws.” This is the legal protection you need should things go south.

While there are contract templates easily available online, get a lawyer friend to help you draft a basic one that you can then customise based on your clients.

Channel your inner overachiever

When I decided to become a freelancer in my 20s, I was strictly a writer. Over time, I learnt how to edit, strategise for social media and produce videos, which have helped me find a variety of clients and, most importantly, different kinds of work to keep me engaged. Tweak has some advice about changing your line of work too.

“I realised early on that just being a director isn’t going to be enough,” says Khan. “Now I always pitch myself as a one-woman army, and it seems to be working in my favour. Even if I don’t get a directing gig, I might get one to write an ad or develop an idea.”

You can also use your lull periods to learn a new skill or hone the ones you’re less confident about.

Market yourself consistently

This one’s a doozy, because millennials, at least, find it tough to beat their own drums. But when you’re a freelancer, no one else is going to do it for you.

While Kaur largely uses Instagram to reach out to potential clients via DMs, I recommend leveraging other platforms as well, such as LEAP and coto.

“This took me a while to accept – you need to advertise the hell out of your service. Keep sending out feelers every two weeks, look at what others are doing and build your base. Call, text, mail, DM – there is no shame in asking for work,” advises Khan.

As you market yourself, you also need to build and maintain your own network – people who have worked with you, who see the value you bring to the table, and would recommend you to others.

List out the platforms on which you’re active, or those that are relevant to your field, and calendarise your posts across formats – statics, long-format, carousel, reels, etc. Set dates for reaching out to contacts seeking work and make sure you have your portfolio ready. Not only will this streamline the effort you put into marketing, but the consistency will also help you build a stronger brand for yourself.

To become a freelancer, manage your money smartly

This is an important tip because let’s face it, we have to survive on more than just passion. The benefit of having a full-time job is that a lot of the headache of where the next paycheck is coming from is taken care of. When you decide to become a freelancer too, you can navigate that issue.

Saurik Ginoria, head of finance, supply chain & IT, Lakme Lever, shares his advice. “Create a budget that includes actual recurring income vs expenses, including EMIs, and allocate funds accordingly. Build an emergency fund, that is separate from your savings. Savings are for your unforeseen expenses, emergency fund is for actual emergencies. Also, bifurcate your business and personal expenses in different bank accounts. Invest your money and use loans wisely. And finally, set very clear financial goals.”

If you do decide to take the plunge and become a freelancer, it is best to plan and be prepared for what’s coming your way.