There is a reason so many former full-time employees have left their cubicles behind to pursue their own career satisfaction. Freelancing is bigger than ever, and more and more people have joined the on-demand economy, enjoying the freedom and flexibility that only this kind of lifestyle can provide.

If you are thinking about joining the growing army of freelancers, it’s important to prepare. Taking the right steps now will pay off big time later. Below are some tips for getting it right the first time.

Focus on Upskilling

While there are some exceptions, freelancing is not something you want to take a “learn as you go” approach with. In order for your freelance endeavors to be successful you’ll need to spend some time learning and building out your skill set.

Even if you dream of freelancing and are anxious to embrace this flexible lifestyle, there is nothing wrong with spending time at a traditional workplace. At the very least you’ll be able to build a financial cushion that will protect you later, giving you time to grow your new business without stressing too much about your finances.

In addition to the monetary benefits, working in the field you want to pursue will provide you with contacts, experience and other things you may not get elsewhere. From how to pitch a client to how to compose a proper business letter, the skills you learn in traditional employment could prove pivotal to success in your new freelance endeavors.

Consider Taking a Business Class

Even if you never hire a single employee or sign a single paycheck, being a freelancer means that you are running a business, and those entrepreneurial skills do not always come naturally. Before you start your own freelance endeavors, you might want to take a business class, either online or at the local community college.

A business class can give you valuable insight on a range of topics – such as structuring your company, minimizing taxes, and handling things like liability protection and customer service. The more you know about the business end of the freelancing picture, the easier it will be to run a successful enterprise later.

Build Your Network

You already know that having a network is a vital part of finding a great job, but networking skills can be just as important when you are running your own show. By building out your network ahead of time, you will have a resource you can tap to find new clients, create strategic partnerships, and increase your odds of success. There are many ways to build a network:

• Talk to clients and coworkers at your current job
• Engage on social media
• Attend in-person events
• Join local business organizations

You might even want to try a combination approach, one that allows you to make the most of your networking skills.

Recognize the Signs of Burnout

It’s easy to get burned out when working as a freelancer, especially in the early phases when you are focusing on building a solid base of clients and delivering every project ahead of schedule. Over time that burnout can leave you dispirited and adrift, and it could even put the business you have worked so hard to build in jeopardy.

When you work as a freelancer, it is especially important to try and recognize the early warning signs of burnout, so you can nip those issues in the bud. These indicators are different for everyone, so the best tactic is to take some time every now and then to reflect on your situation, emotions, and overall mental health. If you notice that you’re reacting poorly to stressful situations, determine what it will take to get back on track – whether that means taking some time off, enrolling in a meditation class, or even looking to your fellow freelancers for advice.

Takeaway

Working as a freelancer can provide enormous flexibility as you pursue your career goals, all while allowing you to profit directly from the things you have learned, the network you have built, and the skills you have developed. Even so, the transition from traditional employee to freelancer is not always a smooth one, and learning from the mistakes of others can help you succeed in your endeavors. The tips listed above can help you make the leap with confidence, so you can run your own show and have fun doing it.