And I Realised, Freelancing Is Soon Becoming The Most Viable Career Option

6 years ago, when I started writing for a local newspaper, I knew close to nothing about freelancing and my future into it.

Back then, Linkedin was still an alien, because I wasn’t achieving anything significant out of it. I had to struggle to find new clients, sustain the existing ones, and climb the career ladder.

Like me, several other freelancers have been struggling simultaneously to make a sustainable career.

However, today, things have changed significantly.

Tons of resources are available online which can help a freelancer start, build and sustain his or her career. Linkedin is there to help in building relationships and converting them into professional engagements.

More and more people are prompted to pursue freelancing and become their own boss.

However, clients and companies haven’t still realised the true value and worth of a freelancer, and their contribution to the organisational growth.

To make everyone aware of a freelancer’s pains and struggles, I started #RespectTheFreelancers on Opined so I could share what it takes to become a freelancer, and what pains do the freelancers have to bear.

Here’s a snippet of the opinions I shared and some insights quoted by the readers –

Freelancers’ commitment can’t be questioned just because they don’t work in pre-fixed hours

Several companies don’t accept freelancing experience as job experience, because they doubt sincerity and commitment of a freelancer.

However, freelancers spend countless day hours, several sleepless nights to work and manage multiple responsibilities together. They work beyond time zones as well.

Freelancers are loyal and professional and even report to their clients. They don’t choose it because they can’t get jobs; they do so because they don’t want anyone hovering over them.

Yet, freelancers work beyond pre-decided hours to fulfill their passion and expand the business.

So, one can’t question sincerity or dedication of a freelancer, as a year-old freelancer might have an experience that an employee can’t earn in even 5 years of job.

Rishikesh Lokapure mentions, “Freelancers are solopreneurs, not followers.”

Narmada Udayakumar puts aptly, “Just explaining to people that I am doing well for myself by working from home is a big task by itself. I no longer bother, it’s good enough if I am independent.”

Interesting to see how Industry is changing as Shekhar Suman tells, “I hire a lot of freelancers but I ensure we provide certificates to them and an online payment which they can show as their experience.”

Freelancers should upgrade themselves to stay relevant in the market

In today’s dynamic business world, upgradation of skills is crucial to surviving while competing other freelancers. Without staying on top of the changing trends and unforeseeable challenges, they can’t demand a pay rise or get more clients.

Also, by combining two or more skills together, freelancers can offer packaging services to the clients and demand a premium service payment.

When you constantly sharpen your axe, it keeps chopping the tree in spite of any challenges or obstacles.

Enamul Hassain mentions, “Until you practice every day, you cannot become successful. It's all about getting better every day by 0.1%.”

Ishaan Hasija says, “No matter what field we’re in, can never stop upgrading ourselves. Be it an operational or strategic work, improving and learning new skills eventually makes us more efficient and desirable to work with.”

Aruna Venkat quotes, “In this rapidly growing world having multiple skills definitely gives one an edge. Anyone would be delighted to work with someone who makes their work simpler, easier and get results faster.”

Freelancing has evolved and is seen as a viable career option

Freelancing has entered the unexplored fields as people are taking up freelancing in not-so-common domains like airlines, medical, music, and even nursing.

The gig economy is expanding, and the companies are realising the immense value of freelancers since it cuts down employee statutory obligations cost.

Even in India, the new-age startups are investing in freelancers because of their ability to think unconventionally and suggest result-oriented ideas.

People are quitting jobs to become their own boss, young graduates are commencing their careers as full-time freelancers, and mothers & housewives are taking up freelancing to earn part-time income.

India is firmly marching with the world to embrace freelancing and work together towards the expansion of the gig economy.   

Arkaprava Dutta says, “Freelancing almost forces you to work on multiple aspects of yourself. Marketing and client management being chief among them.”

In words of Amrita Angappa, “I love freelancing. It gives me a sense of wholeness and satisfaction.”

Bottomline

A lot has changed in the last few years in the field of employment, as freelancing is climbing up quickly.

In the years to come, freelancers will craft more stories of success, as the organisations will happily welcome them in all processes at all levels.

Do you have a similar opinion or story to share? Opined is waiting for you eagerly. Register yourself, write an opinion and share it across the network to show that freelancers deserve respect and appreciation.

Not just #RespectTheFreelancers, you can share your opinion on any topic and build a discussion thread. When you initiate a discussion and other people will join in, that's when your perspective might change about a few things. Register on Opined.