How Freelancing Can Set You Free: Emily A. Hay for AIM Resource Group

In recent years, the concept of freelancing has become increasingly popular. Freelancing is a type of work arrangement in which an individual provides services to clients on a project-by-project basis, rather than being a permanent employee of a company. This arrangement has many benefits, including the ability to work from anywhere, set your own schedule, and have greater control over your workload.

Our Founder, Emily A. Hay, recently spoke with the AIM Resource Group, where she shared how freelancing can help job seekers who are in transition. Mindy Stern, Founder of AIM, said, “Emily shared so many great nuggets of learning about how freelancing and consulting gigs can help you at many different times in your career journey.”

Reasons to Freelance Include:

👉To close a resume gap.

👉To accelerate workforce re-entry.

👉To enhance work-life integration (think work-life balance.)

👉To provide opportunities for learning new skills.

👉 The ability to work at hours of the day that suit you.

This blog post shares a number of ways freelancing can “set you free” as well as some best practices shared in the session.

Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of freelancing is the ability to work on your own terms. You can choose your projects, your clients, and your schedule. This means that you can work from anywhere, whether that’s from home, a coffee shop, or a co-working space. You can also set your own hours, which means you can work when you’re most productive, whether that’s early in the morning, late at night, or somewhere in between. This flexibility allows you to balance your work and personal life in a way that suits you.

Variety

Another advantage of freelancing is the variety of work you can do. As a freelancer, you have the freedom to choose the projects that interest you and align with your skills and passions. This can help you build a diverse portfolio of work, which can lead to more opportunities in the future. Freelancing also allows you to work with a variety of clients, which can help you build relationships and expand your network.

Control

When you work as a freelancer, you have more control over your workload. You can choose to take on as much or as little work as you want, which means you can manage your workload in a way that suits you. This can be especially useful if you have other commitments, such as caring for children or pursuing a personal project. Freelancing also allows you to have more control over your income. You can set your own rates, negotiate with clients, and choose the projects that pay the most.

Autonomy

Freelancing also gives you more autonomy in your work. As a freelancer, you are responsible for managing your own projects, communicating with clients, and delivering high-quality work. This can be challenging, but it also allows you to take ownership of your work and develop your skills. Freelancing also allows you to be your own boss, which means you can make decisions that align with your values and goals.

Creativity

Finally, freelancing can be a great way to unleash your creativity. When you work for yourself, you have the freedom to experiment with different approaches, try new things, and develop your own style. This can be especially useful if you’re a creative professional, such as a writer, designer, or artist. Freelancing allows you to work on projects that inspire you, which can help you develop your skills and build your portfolio.

If you’re considering freelancing, it’s important to be aware of the challenges as well as the benefits. Freelancing requires discipline, self-motivation, and the ability to manage your time and resources effectively. However, if you’re up for the challenge, freelancing can be a rewarding and fulfilling way to work.

Some best practices Emily A. Hay shared for freelancing include:

1. Have a specialty.

2. Define your services.

3. Upskill yourself – stay current on industry trends.

4. Set realistic expectations.

5. Don’t be a lonely freelancer.

6. Get testimonials from each project to grow referrals.

7. Charge what you are worth.

You can watch the playback of Emily A. Hay’s session for Mindy Stern’s AIM Resource Group here:

And if you are looking for a viable freelance profession in an in-demand field, please be sure to check out the Hay There Social Media Core Training. You can schedule a call with us today!