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I truly love freelancing. And even though it’s not my ultimate “end-game” freelancing will give me the space and energy to work towards my big goals. I became a freelancer because of my blogging journey. If you’re interested in starting a blog click on the following link. Seriously, I am not one of those people who talks about how I miss going to the office, and all of the meaningless chit chat, endless questions, and rush hour.
I Don’t
I don’t miss any of that and hope to never have do any of that again in my life. That said there is one HUGE, HUGE downside to freelancing that comes with the territory. I had noticed a couple of other people talking about this recently (Stephanie O’Connell) and thought that I would also pipe up because this is the one issue that I am focusing on with laser vision for 2016.
Inconsistent Money Flow
I.Hate.This. Let’s be clear you’re able to make a crazy amount of money as a freelancer. There really is no limit to how much you can make. However, managing your incoming and outgoing cash flow will be the number one task that you need to learn how to manage and pretty quickly.
The money that you make as a freelancer is dependent upon several things:
- Who You’re Working With-I am currently working on several writing related projects. The range on those projects is between $70 an hour (with a minimum number of hours a week) to around $150 a post. This is not as high as some people are making. Not even close. But, this is the highest that I’ve made and I only began the switch to freelance writing since about October. It’s December. The businesses I work with are a mix of SUPER DEEP POCKETS and mid-deep pockets. That helps frame what you will ask for pay.
- Where You’re Focused-It’s all about hustle and focus, let’s be honest. I am seeing results based on where I am focusing and how much I hustle. I’ve made the switch to the following: Freelance writing, helping businesses set up their websites/social media/need coaching on that process. I no longer manage social media for other organizations…unless it’s going to pay really well.
- Your Network-Part of why I was able to grow my freelance writing so fast was because of my network of people. I belong to a Mastermind Group, and I attended 3 conferences this fall with the intention of expanding my network. As a result of that I was able to pick up several gigs from each conference attended. And, I have fabulous friends who are already making money as freelance writers and are kind enough to share their: expertise, concerns, and advice. I ALWAYS, ALWAYS listen to what they have to say.
- Your Side Hustles-I always have a side hustle happening. Even when I was working at the university. Currently I am working two side-hustles that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE!! The great thing about these two side hustles (besides the fact that I have a ton of fun doing them) is they pay bi-weekly. Automatic deposit. Boom. Also, one of the gigs is an ongoing brand ambassador program that I work on, I get paid, get free food, and get to stay in the mountains for big events.
- Your “Ask”-I have begun to slowly but surely ask for more money for my work. This is a non-negotiable. I want to make more money, but I have to be comfortable asking for more money too. I am requesting more money for: work that I do, sponsored posts/links, and anything that I will hustle hard to get done for you. It’s not enough to ask for more, I also have to do more for the client.
How To Manage Inconsistent Income
I also touched on this for a guest post that I wrote for Artisan Talent in Chicago. Here are some to the tactics that work:
- Have an Emergency Fund-This feels like a no brainer but with the U.S. savings rate around 5% I have to throw this out there. You will constantly be working on managing your emergency fund and you probably will never have as much as you would like. Seriously. I’m aggressively working on my emergency fund because I’ve already blown through it this year. Ouch!
- Well Stocked Pantry-People laughed at me when I was stocking up my pantry and my personal products last year. Well, I’m loving the fact that with the exception of toilet paper that I had to pick up starting in August, I’ve stayed out of the stores because I have a ton of stuff in the house. In fact, I have enough for probably another eight or nine months. I’m aggressively working through my food pantry and will be replenishing my food pantry in January.
- Lower Your Overall Expenses-I am aggressively working on lowering and in some cases eliminating my overall expenses. In fact, I’m not paying for clothes in 2016! I’m going to use what I have or use my referral link for ThredUp.com (Here’s $20 from me to you, my affiliate link loves you!) to refer myself to free clothing when I need to freshen up my wardrobe.
- Double Your Bill Payments-In many cases you can pay more than you owe on your bills. I am in the process of creating a secondary emergency fund by paying more than I owe on the following: Electricity, internet, mortgage, car insurance, etc. In fact, I think this is a good habit to be in regardless of wether or not you’re a freelancer. My goal is to be at least two months ahead on all set and recurring expenses.
- Cash Budget-I switched to an all cash budget last spring. And, with the exception of 2 or 3 purchases I haven’t used my credit. This is initially really, really hard to do, but has been an amazing way for me to manage my money.
- Set Weekly Earnings Goals-I have a weekly earnings goals that I’ve set for myself. In fact, I am increasing my weekly earnings goal starting in January. Currently, my goal is to earn a minimum of $1250 a week. Which is a total of $5000 a month. This includes all freelance income, side hustles, and blog earnings. Starting in January my goal is to earn a minimum of $1500 a week for the first quarter of 2016, then I will increase that to $1750 for the second quarter of 2016. Having a weekly goal helps me to stay focused and look for more earnings opportunities. My goal is to earn a minimum of $10,000 a month by December 2016. I think it’s totally doable with focus and determination!
- Grow Your Passive Income-If you’re in the position to create and grow passive income then I strongly, strongly urge you to focus on this. There is nothing better than waking up with money in your bank account. Bloggers, podcasters, and anyone with a digital footprint have the opportunity to do this. In fact, I no longer spend money on clothing because I’ve done so well with my ThredUp referrals. I also encourage people to share their own links so that they can grow their affiliate income. I earned $300 in passive income and referral credits in November. This is with very, very little effort on my part because I was out of state hanging with my Grandma for November. I have earnings goals for my passive income and am really focused on P.I. as part of my long-term earnings goals.
- Eliminate Your Debt-Some people begin freelancing because of an unexpected job loss or just lose it and leave their old position. Either way there are a large number of people who end up freelancing with out all of their “ducks” in a row. Just work hard, really hard on eliminating your debt.
- Focus On Your Savings Goals-Squirrel away your money in a focused and sustainable way. Set up an online savings account with Betterment
(affiliate link-save your money for retirement. Don’t eat dog food!). Remember to save for: retirement, emergencies, taxes, and miscellaneous expenses.
No one is completely prepared for the transition to freelancing. I spent many years observing what other people did and I still wasn’t prepared for the reality. Quite frankly, every person’s freelancing journey is very specific to each person’s financial life. Spend some time looking at YOUR big picture and then work your a@@ off. Finally, if you find that freelancing isn’t for you-don’t suffer in silence! Start looking for a job that will meet your needs and make you happy.
What’s Your Least Favorite Thing About Freelancing?
Or, Your #1 Fear If You’re Not Freelancing Already?
How did I get into freelancing for myself? I started a blog, I changed my life, and imagined more for myself. It hasn’t been easy but I’m making it happen. If you’re interested in starting a blog check out my post on How To Start A Blog, Change Your Life, and Find Your Tribes. I use Bluehost and if you click on my affiliate link you can host your blog for $3.49 a month. See How You Can Set Up a WordPress Blog in 15 Minutes Please note: I may receive some compensation if you use purchase a package through this link
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There are many, many things I liked about freelancing, but so many that I had a hard time with: not earning enough but feeling like I’m working my butt off, inconsistent income, late paying clients, too many balls up in the air, TAXES!!!!!, variable income so hard to budget, not making enough to save for retirement, paying my own health insurance, no paid vacation days…now many people won’t experience this because they are doing well, but I never found that rhythm unfortunately. Next time I will be way more prepared!
I think that the key is that there is a rhythm that has to happen and the if it’s not coming together that’s something to really look at. I will be really paying attention to how 2016 goes in terms of managing income flow. If it’s not coming together then I will have to make an assessment and decide if I want to continue with my plans. Again, my long-term goals do not include freelancing…it’s a step towards what I’m looking to do professionally in the future.
what are you hoping to do!? Curious minds want to know! 🙂
Uh, I told you once but I think I was cryptic. But long-term freelancing is not where my focus is.
I have never thought about the doubling up on my bills idea. I can see how that can be beneficial in this situation. I will be working for myself soon and I am definitely going to use this tip. I plan on sitting down and listing all the household items and food that I use every month and stock up on that before I retire. I want to keep my household expenses as low as possible. Thanks for the great tip as usual.
Thanks Petrish! I am spending a lot of time trying to figure out what bills: increased, decreased, what I owe, etc. And working like crazy to take care of that. I feel like I have too many obligations (which means that I do LOL) so I’m getting really focused and serious about getting things taken care of in 2016. You may need to make the extra payments separately and look at your bills to make sure that the payments show as a credit.
I like freelancing. And, this disadvantage is to handle Michelle. I agree with your tips especially on setting weekly earnings goals. I always do this because it gives me some kind of purpose to reach my goals set.
Now that I’m not traveling I’m really, really focusing on meeting those weekly earnings goals Jayson. It’s a lot easier to achieve these earnings goals by breaking them down into smaller chunks.
I agree that the income being inconsistent can be difficult. This is why I have a good sized emergency fund and business savings. I can’t wait to see how you do in 2016. You are going to rock it!
Thanks Cat! I think that I will have better results in 2016 because I sticking close to home and have only 4 goals that I’m trying to rock out and happily they are all interconnected. Hopefully my work and focus will smooth out the issues that I had in 2015.
I hate the no sick days or vacation and feeling like I always have to be on (but that’s personal). I have a hard time turning off. I love freelancing, but can go “all in” which can be exhausting. It’s good to see these signs early and prepare!
I haven’t had that feeling yet LOL! The big problem that I had this fall was actually the travel that grew my business. I was able to really find and connect with some great organizations BUT it has taken me an average of 2 weeks every time that I’ve traveled to rebound from those trips. Basically, I’m distracted and have a hard time rebounding and focusing which makes it difficult to get things done. It will be interesting to see how things will go this Spring with the travel hiatus.
There are always pros and cons and yes money is something that hurts a lot, as realtor my salary is based on commissions so some months are good other less, but I understood that is important do something that you like!!!
I just can’t spend hours a week doing something that I hate. I’ve already had that experience and I don’t want to repeat it!
My least favorite thing is the “hustle”. The constant pounding the pavement trying to drum up work and bring clients my way.
It’s also really making me thing that freelancing isn’t for me. I just fail at marketing and networking! It seems everyone else is swimming in clients and I can count all the one’s I’ve had on single hand.
Some people are great at selling and talking with people. I wish I had realized that when I started freelancing. I’m not a people person and don’t like trying to sell myself but I’ve learned you have to network to get anywhere unfortunately.
I think that a lot of people would be served well by looking deeply at what the process of working as a freelancer. I’ve switched to an entrepreneur instead because I would prefer to be in charge of what I produce versus producing products for other people. I do enjoy networking and meeting new people but I don’t like that as a freelancer it still feels like you’re working for other people…because you are.