I started freelancing in late 2021 and felt like laying out some thoughts on my experience so far.

Communication is key

Clients appreciate regular updates and transparency, plain and simple.
If things aren't going to plan, be open with them to resolve issues quickly.
Send screenshots often so they can see their project coming together.
In a development team, draft pull requests are a great way to show what you're working on without spamming communication channels.

Be selective

Any project that comes your way is yours to pick and choose.
You shouldn't feel obliged to take every opportunity.
Sometimes no client is better than a bad client.
Balance your time and effort.

Rejection is okay

Not every prospect will sign off on a project with you.
Maybe they think you don't have enough experience or are too expensive.
That's okay.
You can dodge bullets this way and move on to the next project.

Price accordingly

The most demanding clients often pay the least.
They will try to squeeze every last drop of value out of you, maybe even some overtime.
Higher prices tend to attract more serious and better-prepared clients.

Push your comfort zone

You may be required to handle things outside of your comfort zone from time to time.
Sometimes it can be a dealbreaker and put an end to your collaboration.
But if balanced correctly, it can be a great source of learning and growth.

Entrepreneurship

It's a possible first step into the world of entrepreneurship.
Freelancing allows you to learn about business, marketing and sales without any overhead.
The required administrative tasks are much simpler than a classic company.
Once you're comfortable, you can start to scale your business and branch out.

Quitting

It's important to know when to quit a project.
They're not always what they're all cracked up to be.
You may realise you don't have the right skills or experience.
Perhaps the client is too demanding or unprepared.
Save you and your client's time and money by leaving the project when necessary.

Enjoy the ride

The majority of workers are employed by someone else.
As a freelancer, you have the opportunity to work on your own terms.
Work where you like, when you like, and how you like.
It can be a hard habit to break after working in an office for years.
Enjoy the freedom and flexibility that freelancing brings.

What about you?

Do you have any of your own thoughts on freelancing?

Let me know on Twitter or by email! 👋