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Freelancers are Asked: Is It Worth Working for Experience?

Freelancing is not for everyone, which may surprise some curious professionals.

There must be a change in lifestyle, which could be a discomfort in the beginning. After all, a steady source of income would be an issue. Location is another thing. Is it a wise thing to work at home? If you have a family, then you should schedule your time accordingly. You designate a room, where you can focus on your work (and nothing else). Both requirements don't guarantee a smooth operation. (What if your baby is throwing a tantrum? It happens when you need to finish a particular task as soon as possible. Can your partner handle it?) And then there's that persistent issue with clients.

If you don't have an impressive portfolio, then the rate (that you have in mind) may not be met at all. Are you contented with experience? Newbie freelances would ask this question, but it should be a no-issue. If you have the talent, then all you need is to look around. And you must not settle with less. The case hardly changes if you're still living with your parents. Some clients may be too shrewd, which you should sense during your conversation. In other words, it's not worth working for experience. You must make a living, and come up with a plan.

How to Calculate Your Worth

Networking. You won't know the market from browsing the Internet for hours. You should know the players, who are the best in the industry. There must be a meet-up somewhere, a semi-formal gathering where networking can be done in ten minutes or less. You must look at it as a job interview (of sort). Make sure that you look like the best professional in the room. It might take more than a day to prepare your portfolio, so do it a week (before the meet-up). And you must know your cue when the prospective client is not interested in working with you. It's up to you to answer personal questions, though.

Check your client's profile. You can look at this item in two ways. You have met a prospective client who is interested in your portfolio, but nothing is written in stone. Yet. There may be an interview, which seems like applying for a full-time job. But it's not. Don't treat it lightly, as this could open another door (of opportunity). Interview may be a tricky thing, but all firms have a website. Find out if it has an upcoming project. Your skill or two might match up on this one. You can think of a new project after reading the relevant information on the website. It also helps if you look into the Facebook page. Another scenario describes a less-desirable outcome, where you seem to be picky about your choice. It can be a good thing, but you may have to be sensible about your approach if you’re about to get in trouble with your finances. You should remember the faces, and you have their business cards as well. Check out the websites, also the social media accounts. Narrow down your choices to three. (You can't put all eggs in one basket.) Make another inquiry. You wouldn't know until you ask it. And don't be scared of rejection. It's part of the process.

Assess your talents (or skills), and the hours you put into it. This would depend on the kind of project (or task), where you can make the most of your talents. Knowledge should play a part here, and it could put you in a dilemma. Showing your can-do attitude may be the right thing to do, but look ahead. If it's a one-time thing, then this may force you to set aside other things for this task. And it might not be worth it. (Your family may not like it.) The number of hours could put you off unless you have done a prior research. Ask anyone you know (or remotely know) in an informal manner. You could be forthright about your motives, but it would be safe to say that you're curious about it. You should have done a comparative study, so you must have an ex-colleague to help you out. Count yourself lucky if a college buddy happens to be part of the industry.

The Benefits of a Detour

Freelancing is not for everyone, which doesn’t mean that you must give up.

If you have exhausted all your options, then you can look for a full-time job. You must not be disappointed about it, as it would be a better option. This should be valuable experience, not to mention the (steady source of) income. You may weigh your (freelancing) options after two years or so. Going back to school would be another option, but think again. Experience counts more. Don’t ever think that employers would be impressed at it unless you’re thinking of an academic career.

It may cost you sleepless nights, if not a pinching (to keep you from being too optimistic about your future). It would be a great journey if you know you’re worth more than an ounce of gold.

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