The Life of a Freelancer and the Pros + Cons of It

My last day was supposed to be February 23rd. At least, that's what my contract stated. But I soon found out that they were letting me go a week early.

"You didn't do anything wrong", but "it's been slow. Slower than we expected it to be". Bullshit. It's retail. I've been working in retail long enough to know that it slows down around this time every year, whether in-store or online. But that was the least of my worries at the moment. Even though I didn't really want to be there, that was one less paycheck. I mean, I knew the position was seasonal but I wasn't prepared. I thought they'd bring me on board full-time. I was applying for positions here and there but mainly just focusing on my business. Which was a good and bad thing. That was ideally what I wanted to do full time anyway, but it wasn't consistent. I wasn't at the point of making enough to live off of yet so the part-time position was what was funding my business at the time.

Notice how I said, "out of a paycheck". Now, I wasn't completely out of a job. Thank God for my freelance styling gig at the production company. I was hired there shortly after Under Armour as an assistant stylist. It wasn't anything special but I actually enjoyed it, even though I was steaming clothes all day. Just being "on set", keeps me motivated.

Since leaving Under Armour, I've strictly been freelancing. All the positions that I've applied for have either "already been filled" or they decided to "move forward with another candidate at the time". I honestly don't know if this is a sign from God or if I just haven't applied for the right job yet.

So, for those of you out there who are struggling to make ends meet as a freelancer, I put together a list of skills that I know you should posses in order to successfully run your business. There re plenty more where these came from but these are my top 6 that I know will definitely help because they've helped me thus far. So, continue reading and be sure to take notes.

What is a Freelancer?

A freelancer is someone who acts independently without being affiliated with or authorized by an organization. Basically, you're working for yourself. You manage your own money, your own time and pay your own taxes. You even manage and train your own team, if you have one. You experience all the good and bad things that come along with running a small business. So when something breaks, you fix it. If you don't have any money to fix it, you have to deal with the consequences.

As a freelancer, you are your brand. It's important to for you to represent your brand everywhere you go and with everything you do.

Why Freelance?

Freelancing isn't for everybody, but there are an abundance amount of people who think otherwise. When it comes to freelancing, people mainly do it for the freedom. After working for a traditional company for years and years, they want to be able to make their own schedules and make their own money doing what they love. Ideally, doing what you love full-time doesn't even feel like work.

"Compared to traditional employees, 79% of freelancers believe that freelancing is better."

- Josh Steimle

Entrepreneur

The skills you should posses as a freelancer:

Freelancing is the same as running a business. So, you should posses almost every skill that is needed to run a fortune 500 company. There are about 6 main skills that I think freelancers should possess if they want to be successful. Of course there are more, but these are the traits that I know are most important from experience.

1. Organization - Organization is top priority when running a business. It's important to keep everything organized from your clients down to the tasks you complete on a daily basis. I honestly don't know how any business can properly run without any type of organization. Even if you don't have any employees or a team, you should know how to run your business with your eyes closed because no one can do it as good as you.

In order for me to stay organized, I write everything down in my journal. EVERYTHING. If it isn't written down, then it doesn't get done. I tend to only remember what I want to remember. And even the tasks that I want to remember, can often be forgotten with everything running through my mind.

2. Time management - Time is money so you have to know how to manage your time properly. Spending too much or too little time on one task can make or break you. You also don't want to waste any of your time working on something that won't necessarily benefit you or your business. It's definitely a learning process and can take time to figure out what you should and shouldn't be spending your time on.

I like to prioritize my time. So, the most important tasks are at the top of my list while the least important things are towards the bottom. In order to make sure that I spend my time wisely, I set a timer on my phone for about 45 to an hour for me to get each task done in a decent time frame. Of course if I need more time, then I'll make more time. But once the alarm goes off, I'm usually complete with that particular task for the day.

3. Money Management - If you want to make money, you have to know how to manage it. And I'm not saying be an accountant, but know how to budget. Know how much money it takes to properly run your business and how much money you've lossed and gained while running your business. There are so many small businesses out here that have failed due to money issues. You don't want this to be you.

A personal accountant isn't in my budget right now, so I'm taking matters into my own hands. I make sure that I keep all of my receipts, track my mileage every time I travel for my business, and update my expenses at the end of every week. I'm sure there are apps and software's that can do this for you but I'd rather manually keep track of everything. That way I know that my information is accurate.

4. Team management - I don't have a team just yet, but am planning to have one within the next year or so. It's not easy managing a team. So it's imperative that you learn how to properly train each member of your time and how to delegate tasks to the right person.

5. Proper communication/networking skills - Knowing how to communicate with people is a skill that not many of us possess in today's world. Because of social media, we are so used to hiding behind the computer screen when speaking to people, so when it comes to networking and connecting with others face-to-face, it can be difficult for us to even hold a conversation.

The more I attend networking events, the easier it gets for me to start and hold conversations with people without coming off to sales-y or pushy.

Some thing's I do to easily start a conversation:

- Compliment someone on what they're wearing

- Ask them how they found out about the event

- Ask them where they're from

- Ask them if they've ever been to any networking events like this

6. Professionalism - This skill speaks for itself. Any business owner, big or small should come off as professional. When it comes to communicating and working with others, it is important for you to be as professional as possible. Especially when you're working with someone or a brand for the first time.

Some things I do to help me remain professional:

- Respond to emails within 24-48 hours

- Send a follow up email after every initial consultation

- Send a calendar invite to each client who confirms

Pros -

Flexibility to make/change your own schedule

Freedom/Independence to be your own boss and make the decisions

You can choose your own path meaning you decide who you want to work with

Cons -

Unreliable/inconsistent with pay and work

Retaining clients can be challenging

Your work is never done

You're on your own with running your business unless you hire a team

P.S This post was written at the beginning of March and since then, I've obtained a part-time position as a Sales Lead at a retail store.

Photographer: Nandi Henderson (@millimetervisuals)

Styled by: Sophisticatedchic

Outfit details:

Tan Sweatshirt: Missguided

White button up: Ralph Lauren (Thrifted)

White ankle pants: Calvin Klein (Thrifted)

Asics: Kith (Gift)

______________________________________________________________________________

Happy Shop Your Closet Month!

If you've been keeping up with us then you know that we offer a plethora of styling services. But we wanted to dedicate this month to one specific service that we feel is highly needed.

Is your closet full of clothes that you don't know how to piece together? Have no fear.

We know a lot of you have great pieces in your closet but just don't know how to style them. So, have no fear. We will put together a number of looks for you depending on your style preferences. This particular service is priced per look starting at $25 with a minimum of two looks. To complete this service, we'll either travel to your home (the DMV area only) or virtually style looks for you.

If you struggle with putting together outfits and planning out your looks for the week, we're here to help!

Reserve your spot