Freelancing on the side can be a great way to earn extra income, explore new skills, and build a portfolio. But deciding when to dive into it is just as important as deciding what type of freelance work you’ll do.
Assess Your Current Job Situation
Before starting a freelance gig, evaluate your current job situation. If you’re already feeling overwhelmed or stressed at work, adding more to your plate might not be wise.
Consider if you have the energy and time to commit to freelancing without sacrificing your performance in your main job.
Determine Your Motivation
Why do you want to freelance? Is it for extra income, career exploration, or to work on passion projects? Being clear on your reasons will help guide your decisions. If it’s for financial reasons, ensure that you’ve done the math and set realistic goals for what you need to earn.
If it’s for career growth, consider how freelancing fits into your long-term plans.
Check Your Employer’s Policies
Some companies have policies that restrict employees from freelancing or require you to disclose it. Check your company’s employee handbook or speak with HR to understand any restrictions. You don’t want to jeopardize your current job by unknowingly violating company policies.
Set Clear Boundaries
It’s essential to set boundaries when freelancing on the side. Decide on specific hours and days dedicated to freelance work and stick to them.
This ensures that you don’t overwork yourself or blur the lines between your main job and your freelance commitments. Boundaries also help prevent burnout and keep you focused.
Start Small and Build Up
When you first start freelancing, don’t take on too much. Start with one project at a time and see how it fits into your schedule.
As you get more comfortable, you can increase your workload. Taking on too much too soon can lead to stress and compromise the quality of your work.
Use Your Network
Reach out to your professional network to find freelance opportunities. Let people know you’re available and looking for projects. Often, your first few gigs will come through people you know.
Building relationships and leveraging your network can help you get started more smoothly.
Choose Projects Wisely
Not every freelance opportunity is worth taking. Choose projects that align with your skills and interests, and ones that won’t overwhelm your schedule. Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to building a freelance reputation.
Know When to Stop or Scale Up
Freelancing can sometimes grow beyond what you initially planned. Be aware of your limits and know when it’s time to scale back or even transition to full-time freelancing if it makes sense. Your health and well-being should always come first.
