Do you have dreams of working for yourself? These days, it’s possible for just about anybody to begin working for themselves. This might sound great to some; arrange your own schedule, stay flexible, have the potential to earn more money – the list goes on. That being said, it’s important to acknowledge some of the downsides, too. You might end up working more than if you had a 9-5, as it can be tough to find a balance. You may also experience quiet weeks/months, which you’ll need to be prepared for.
Weighing up the pros and cons before you get started is imperative. Only once you’ve done that can you decide whether this is right for you or not.
Have you decided that this is right for you? Read on to get started…
Decide Where You’ll Work
Working for yourself usually means working from home, but you’ll want to make sure you have a great space to work before you begin. Is there a quiet spot you can go to without interruption? Some freelancers like to make sure they have multiple spots to work, for novelty and ‘just in case.’ Create a great working area for yourself that will help you to stay motivated.
Purchase the Right Equipment
Make sure you’ve got the equipment you need to work for yourself, whether that be software, a quality laptop, or something else. You don’t want to leave your 9-5 and realize you can’t start because you have to go out and purchase fancy equipment. Doing it while you’re working at your other job will mean not panicking about money when you’re on your own.
Figure out the Marketing
No matter how big or small you are, it’s crucial that you’re marketing your business correctly. How will you market yours? Social media is one of the most effective, and usually free ways to do it. However, you’ll also need a website. Look into your options and figure out what will work best for you. Marketing is one of the aspects of working for yourself you should be willing to really spend money on. People won’t bang down your door if they don’t know that you’re there.
Train If You Need To
Perhaps you need to train some more to work for yourself. This isn’t always necessary, but could make you more attractive to people who are looking for help. Maybe you need to pass your CPA exam before you offer accounting services from home. Look at your options and make yourself a more desirable freelancer. There are a lot out there, so you want to stand out!
Put Away an Emergency Fund
Start putting away an emergency fund ASAP. Pay yourself as little as possible so you can do this. Think of your future, rather than spending your money on things you don’t need or paying yourself more than necessary. It takes discipline, but it’s important if you want to cover yourself during quiet times and emergencies.
Don’t wait any longer to work for yourself – just do it!
