There are currently an estimated 58 million freelancers in the United States alone! Freelancing is one of the fastest-growing career paths, so it is important to remember that the idea of what a freelancer is and does is quickly evolving as well.
What does this mean for you as a freelancer? It means you have to stay fresh, stay current… And everyone knows the best way to do that is by starting the new year off right with a brand new resolution!
So, let’s take a look at the top new year’s resolutions for freelancers!
1. Invest in Yourself
First things first, let’s cover the most important person… You!
As a freelancer, you are your biggest asset, so in the new year, make it a resolution to focus your energy on improving your skills and building your business.
Where can you start?
Great question! There are several resources that can help you improve your productivity, skills, and knowledge with ease. For example, LinkedIn Learning has thousands of tutorials for those looking to improve their skills or learn new ones.
You can take advantage of their training courses on dozens of software applications and tools that will improve your freelancing business. Alternatively, there are some free options to consider as well such as Calendly, Trello, and Canva.
These options are all free, with the ability to upgrade your account if necessary. Additionally, these tools can help you stay organized, stay connected, and say creative!
Regardless of the cost, taking time this year to invest in yourself is key. Utilizing various tools and learning more about your skillset will bring more work and more satisfied clients! Consider staying on top of the latest freelancing blogs to learn even more.
2. Gain Control Over Your Finances
When freelancing, especially in the beginning, managing payments, taxes, expenses, etc., can get overwhelming at times. If you are not in complete control of your finances, you will end up losing money rather than raking it in!
This year, make it a priority to gain control of every aspect of your finances for your freelancing business. Adjusting your freelancer rates is the perfect way to start the process. You should consider your rates every year by asking yourself questions like: What are my competitors charging? What new skills have I learned? Am I considering taxes when I give my client a quote?
Adjusting rates isn’t only about charging more. Without proper research, you might find that you are overcharging for certain services and getting outbid by the competition. So take your time and look closely into the services you offer this year to ensure your prices are appropriate and fair to you!
Additionally, make sure that you are… Getting paid! Set clear expectations regarding your prices upfront and set payment terms before you begin work for a client. Working with a freelancing platform like the FreeUp Marketplace is perfect for ensuring you are paid on time with no hassles!
3. Do the Work You Love
Recently, an international study revealed that 75%-95% of people hate their jobs. This detest for your job should never be the case, especially if you are a freelancer!
As a freelancer, you are in complete control of your career and the work you choose to do, so this year, make sure you love it!
When stuck in a rut with a specific skill set, consider shifting your focus to a new skill in 2022. There are plenty of unique high-pay freelancing jobs that you can gradually transition into without completely rebooting your career path. If you are working in graphic design, consider learning more about designing ads for Facebook or Google.
If you find that you are picking up jobs just to bulk up your portfolio, then take a step back and ask yourself how you can make this more enjoyable. For example, if you are a copywriter and write blog after blog of material that doesn’t interest you, you will inevitably get burnt out.
Instead, look for clients who need blogs about subjects you genuinely care about and enjoy. You will still have work, but it will be less monotonous and more interesting for you. You can make plenty of tweaks to always ensure your career is fulfilling and financially rewarding!
Plan Your Resolution Today
These are just a few of the endless new year’s resolutions for freelancers, so find the resolution that speaks to you and make it happen! Keep in mind, you don’t have to go at it alone though. Our team is here to help, so reach out today and find the freelancing job of your dreams!